Mortar joint thickness significantly influences the mechanical behavior of masonry structures, yet its quantitative effects remain inadequately characterized. This study investigates the impact of three mortar joint thicknesses (10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm) on the compressive and shear strength of clay brick walls through comprehensive experimental testing. Eighteen wall specimens were constructed using …

Effect of Mortar Joint Thickness on the Mechanical Properties of Clay Brick Masonry WallsRead More

This paper examines the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance economic sustainability in Sri Lanka’s residential construction sector by building upon an existing dissertation and relevant literature. A mixed-methods approach comprising a structured questionnaire administered to 25 industry professionals and in-depth interviews with three experts (a civil engineer, a structural design engineer, and …

Implementing BIM for Economic Sustainability – Addressing Adoption Challenges in Sri Lankas Residential Construction SectorRead More

River sand mining in Sri Lanka has caused severe environmental degradation, necessitating sustainable alternatives for concrete production. This study evaluated four sand types—river, sea, dune, and estuary sands—through standardized testing of physical properties, chemical composition, and concrete performance. Representative samples underwent sieve analysis, chloride content determination via Volhard’s method, and mechanical testing for compressive and …

Investigating the Influence of Diverse Sri Lankan Sands on Concrete Properties for Sustainable ConstructionRead More

The construction industry is a key driver of economic growth in Sri Lanka. However, the current economic crisis has significantly impacted the industry, resulting in reduced investment, delayed payments, and project cancellations. These challenges have led to increased stress levels among construction labourers, posing a threat to their well-being and the industry’s sustainable growth and …

Mitigating Stress among Construction Labourers during Economic Crises – A Study of the Sri Lankan Construction IndustryRead More

While Elemental Cost Planning (ECP) is widely adopted in international construction, its integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) remains underdeveloped in Sri Lanka. This study aims to address the absence of a standardised, automated, and NRM 01-compliant BIM-ECP solution by developing a functional Revit-based plugin capable of producing accurate, region-sensitive cost estimates. As the design …

Advancing BIM-Driven Elemental Cost Planning – A Standards-Based Revit Plugin for Accurate Construction EstimationRead More