Sri Lankan Construction Research Articles

Simulation modelling of cost overruns in building projects: a panel data analysis

Cost overrun is often a challenge in the construction industry due to its complex nature and inefficient project management. Despite extensive research, cost overruns persist in construction. Hence, to minimise these challenges, factors attributing to the cost overrun need to be identified. A country-based assessment is needed since these factors vary from nation to nation. Research conducted almost two decades ago has identified the key cost-related factors influencing cost overrun of Sri Lankan building projects as variation, extra work, fluctuation of price and currency, day works and others. However, given the significant developments and technological advancement in the Sri Lankan construction industry since then, it is crucial to reassess the factors influencing cost overrun in the current context. Therefore, this research intends to re-evaluate the cost-related factors contributing to cost overrun in Sri Lanka. Further, a panel data analysis was conducted to analyse how the influence of the cost-related factors that cause cost overrun has changed over time. This research adopted a survey strategy and used document review on the final BOQ, tender document, and final statement as the data collection technique. Mote-Carlo simulation was adopted to analyse the data collected from twenty random building projects in the western province of Sri Lanka. The findings concluded that work sections measured as ‘item’ in the BOQ and variations and extra work cause overruns in Sri Lankan construction. Hence, clients, contractors, and consultants should give more priority to these factors to minimise the cost overrun by reducing the errors in BOQ, making accurate estimations, and reducing changes over time. However, as the simulation model was derived based on cost-related factors, this study recommends considering other factors influencing the cost overrun of buildings in future research.

Navigating economic crisis: Factors shaping resilience in Sri Lankan construction SME supply chains

In today’s construction industry, supply chains are subject to much greater disruption than they were in the past, resulting in a greater need for resilience. However, there is a gap in the literature that examines the resilience of construction small and medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) specifically focusing on developing countries. This article is a step towards identifying the factors influencing the resilience of construction SME supply chains taking the case of Sri Lanka: a developing country which is currently amidst a major economic crisis. This research study adopted a mixed-method approach, employing 08 structured interviews with employees ranging from executive level to top level management of 08 construction SMEs followed by a questionnaire survey considering a sample of 195 construction SMEs also with executive level to top level management of each construction SME. The findings indicated that Collaboration, Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Internal Integration, and Outsourcing have a positive significant impact on the resilience of Sri Lankan construction SMEs’ supply chains during an economic crisis, while ‘collaboration’ and ‘EO’ are the most influential factors respectively. Therefore, construction SMEs must prioritize and enhance collaboration and EO when devising supply chain strategies to strengthen resilience during economic crises. This paper contributes to filling the research gap by investigating factors influencing construction SME supply chains in a developing country during an economic crisis. Moreover, it contributes to the knowledge by being one of the latest empirical studies focusing on the construction SME supply chains in Sri Lanka. The findings provide a valuable reference for both policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the resilience of construction SME supply chains.

Impact of Crushed Natural Aggregate on Environmental Footprint of the Construction Industry: Enhancing Sustainability in Aggregate Production

This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the environmental impact of natural rock aggregate production in Sri Lanka. The study employs life cycle assessment (LCA) and SimaPro Software to simulate natural coarse aggregates’ extraction and manufacture process. Key findings reveal significant environmental impacts, with human carcinogenic toxicity (2.45938 × 10−6 Pt), eutrophication of freshwater (1.59326 × 10−6 Pt), and fossil resource scarcity (1.4823 × 10−6 Pt) being significant concerns. The crushing process in particular shows the highest levels, contributing 2.21 × 106 to human carcinogenic toxicity and 8.92 × 107 to freshwater eutrophication. High electricity consumption, particularly from hard coal in electricity generation, is identified as a primary contributor. Although the sole source of coarse aggregate production in Sri Lanka is natural rock crushing, there is a lack of country-specific environmental impact assessment data for this process. This study provides a valuable dataset for the Sri Lankan construction industry, covering various environmental impact categories and encompassing the sub-processes inherent to natural rock aggregate production. The research highlights the necessity of implementing sustainable practices in quarry operations, proposing a transition towards more environmentally friendly energy sources. By quantifying environmental effects, this study provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the construction sector, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions to enhance overall sustainability while offering aggregate manufacturers opportunities to adopt more sustainable practices.

A structured investigation on the site supervisory traits in applying science and technology related fundamental concepts in construction operations

Purpose Productivity increase is correlated with profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of the construction firms. Recent studies reveal that the primary causes of productivity decline are poor usage of scientific and technological advances, ineffective supervision strategies and poor apprenticeship facilities/opportunities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how well construction supervisors can utilise fundamental science and technological concepts/ideas to increase the efficiency and productivity of construction activities. Design/methodology/approach A new strategic layout was designed with the use of potential training guide tools. Based on the designed layout, a new supervisory training programme was developed, and 62 construction supervisors were selected, trained and evaluated in line with six parts of competencies and the relevant learning domains. An assessment guide with different levels of descriptions and criteria was developed through literature analysis and expert interviews. The research tools were verified using comprehensive approaches. Findings The overall mean values of supervisors’ performance scores indicate proficient-level grades in the competency characteristics related to taking measurements, generating drawings/designs using manual techniques and computer-aided tools, involving Bill of Quantities (BOQ) preparations and preparing training plans/materials for improving the competencies of labourers on estimation, measurements and understanding drawings. Their proficiency was notably lower in the use of information and communication technology application tools in construction tasks compared to others. The findings point to a modern generalised guideline that establishes the ranges of supervisory attributes associated with science and technology-related applications. Research limitations/implications The study outcomes produce conceptualised projections to restructure and revalue the job functions of various working categories by adding new definitions within the specified scope. This may result in constructive benefits to upgrading the current functions associated with urbanisation, sustainability and society. The implementation of the study’s findings/conclusions will have a significant impact on present and future practices in other developing nations and developing industries, even if they are directly applicable to the Sri Lankan construction industry. Originality/value Up to certain limits/stages, the study fills not only the knowledge gap in the field of creating protocols and application techniques connected to lifelong learning and skill enhancement/upgrading but also the existing gaps in work attributes and roles of construction supervisors associated with the utilisation of fundamental science and technological concepts/ideas towards reinforcing sustainable and productive site operations.

Optimising construction waste management in Sri Lanka through Circular economy strategies: a focus on construction and renovation and use and operate stages

PurposeConstruction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management (WM) poses significant challenges in Sri Lanka, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion. To address these issues, this study explores the application of Circular Economy (CE) strategies in minimising waste generation and optimising resource utilisation in Sri Lankan construction industry. The research focuses on the construction and building renovation and use and operate stages of the building project life cycle, recognising their significance in waste generation and resource consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a qualitative approach, utilising the Delphi technique through three rounds of expert interviews. Seventeen experts were involved in the first round, followed by fifteen in the second round, and twelve in the final round. The collected data was analysed using manual content analysis methods.FindingsThe research findings revealed fifteen C&D WM issues in the construction and building renovation stage in Sri Lanka, along with suitable strategies to overcome each of them. Similarly, eight C&D WM issues were identified for the use and operate stage of the building, and corresponding strategies were provided to address each issue. By adopting CE strategies such as modular design and material reuse, construction projects can optimise the project's timeline, cost, and quality factors. These strategies enable efficient resource allocation, reduce waste generation, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the project. The impact of CE strategies on mitigating these issues within the project management iron triangle was also discussed.Originality/valueThis paper entails delving into how construction, building renovation, and operation stages of a building's life cycle intersect with CE strategies, which profoundly influence operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. By incorporating principles such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and circular product design, the paper illuminates how these strategies facilitate decreased energy usage, enhanced resource management, and diminished waste production throughout the building's lifespan.

Evaluation of time allocated for bid preparation in national competitive bidding in the Sri Lankan construction industry

PurposeInsufficient time allocation for the bidding period occurs, causing drawbacks to both parties, the client and the bidder. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the time allocated for preparing a bid proposal as per the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) in the Sri Lankan context.Design/methodology/approachThe study has adopted a mixed method approach and expert interviews and document review to detect, analyse and validate the issues, and solutions based on NCB along with the adequacy of the allocated bidding period used as main data collection tools. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed through manual content analysis and inferential analysis respectively.FindingsOverall, 24 local issues with the existing competitive bidding process and solutions for each were identified. Among the 24 local issues, it was unanimously agreed by all interviewees that three specific issues require attention and improvement. These issues are related to the standard and incompleteness of bidding documents, inaccurate BOQ quantities measured by the consultant or the main contractor, and the excessive number of bidding document amendments by the consultant. It was revealed that a maximum of 42 calendar days (6 weeks) is sufficient for the bidding process while a minimum of 21 calendar days (3 weeks) is insufficient.Originality/valueThe findings of this study would be recommended that Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) understand the necessity of revising the NCB reference to the time allocated for the preparation of bids. By recognising the importance of sufficient time allocation for bid preparation, this research serves as a practical guide for authorities involved in policy formulation, aiding them in implementing revisions that align with the dynamic requirements of bidding procedures.

Whole Life Costing Awareness and Implementation Challenges in the Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Construction industry is highly demanding, especially with regard to the project cost as a significant aspect. However, more informed cost advice can be produced considering the project’s life cycle that begins with the conception and ends with its disposal instead of using a conventional initial capital cost basis. Thus, Whole Life Costing (WLC) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) concepts are essential. Though many LCC research studies exist, WLC studies are minimal in the Sri Lankan construction industry context. Therefore, this study aims to explore WLC awareness and implementation challenges in the Sri Lankan construction industry. A literature review was conducted to search for the concepts. Empirical data were gathered using questionnaires by implementing a quantitative survey strategy. Findings depict that the awareness of WLC in the Sri Lankan construction industry is poor, preventing its benefits. Moreover, this research identified difficulty in identifying includes and excludes for calculating WLC, lack of details at early stages, lack of awareness of WLC benefits, lack of understanding of WLC tools, lack of reliable data and lack of expertise/knowledge on WLC as the primary challenges in implementing WLC in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Therefore, these challenges must be mitigated for the beneficial WLC implementation in the Sri Lankan construction industry while enhancing awareness and knowledge of the WLC concept among professionals, especially quantity surveyors, to facilitate responsible initiation of WLC practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry. KEYWORDS: Awareness, Benefits, Challenges, Construction industry, Life Cycle Costing, Sri Lanka, Whole Life Costing

Barriers to risk management in small construction projects in Sri Lanka

PurposeThis study explores the current status of risk management (RM) in Sri Lanka and the obstacles in implementing RM in Sri Lankan small construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe current research study adopted a quantitative research method. Using a purposeful sampling strategy, 100 construction companies engaged in small construction projects in Sri Lanka were selected and a questionnaire was distributed among top managerial employees of these companies. Employees belonging to 47 companies responded to the survey which provided information relating to 812 construction projects. The collected data were analyzed using the RM implementation index (RMII) and other quantitative measures such as mean, median and percentages.FindingsThe research findings indicated that RM incorporation was at a lower degree in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The findings further indicated that RM incorporation was relatively high in the public construction projects compared to the private construction projects. The main obstacles identified through the survey for RM implementation were: “lack of funding”, “lack of time”, “low profit margin”, “not economical” and “lack of knowledge”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to exploring RM implementation in small construction projects in Sri Lanka. The study was limited to the building construction companies under the 150-million-rupee (approx. below 450,000 USD) financial limit registered with the construction industry development authority in Sri Lanka.Originality/valueRM in small construction projects in developing countries is a relatively less explored domain. Sri Lankan construction industry is another relatively less explored domain in terms of new management technique implementation such as RM and value management. The quantitative approach used for the study revealed that RM implementation is at a lower degree in the small construction projects. Moreover, several obstacles pertaining to RM implementation were recognized through this study. These findings will be useful for the construction stakeholders to overcome the recognized barriers and effectively use RM in their respective construction projects.

Project Management Practices to Address the Challenges in International Construction Joint Ventures in the Sri Lankan Construction Industry

ABSTRACT International Construction Joint Ventures (ICJVs) offer benefits to both local and foreign partners. However, their failure rates tend to be high, leading to poor ICJV performance. Effective Project Management (PM) is considered a means to resolve challenges in a construction project. Therefore, this research aims to address the challenges in ICJV projects within the Sri Lankan construction industry through PM practices to establish successful ICJVs. The research adopted a mixed-method approach. A preliminary survey was conducted to validate the challenges in the Sri Lankan context. After that, challenges were ranked based on their significance level using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method through a questionnaire survey. Then, Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify the PM practices that can address significant challenges through code-based content analysis. The study revealed 38 challenges applicable to ICJVs and identified 88 PM practices for resolving 10 significant challenges out of the 38 identified in ICJV projects in Sri Lanka (SL). Finally, a framework was developed for successful ICJVs by addressing challenges through PM practices. This study marks the first attempt to establish a framework for successful ICJVs by addressing challenges through PM practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry.

Applicability of electronic document management system (EDMS) for the cost management of mega construction projects in Sri Lanka

PurposeDocumentation plays a key role in navigating the costs of construction projects. Traditional document management systems (TDMS) used in developing countries, however, hinder the achievement of expected cost targets. Although the electronic document management system (EDMS) has been implemented to improve documentation, the Sri Lankan construction industry has failed to effectively adapt to it. Hence, this study aims to provide strategies for the effective application of EDMS to the cost management of Sri Lankan mega construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative approach followed by 12 semi-structured expert interviews. Quantity surveying experts were selected through judgemental sampling. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe EDMS is more suitable for megaprojects than traditional methods of documentation in terms of functionality, neutrality, interoperability, space, reversibility and delivery speed. However, there are contradictory views about cost and security. Furthermore, five transitional challenges of EDMS have been identified under the three key themes of cost, stakeholder perception and technical difficulties. Four reasons were also identified as causing these five challenges. Seven suggestions were made to deal with these transitional challenges and three key feasible solutions for the Sri Lankan construction industry regarding the EDMS were identified. Development of Sri Lankan software with low initial cost was highlighted as the most feasible solution.Originality/valueThis is a novel study to investigate the applicability of EDMS to cost management mechanisms of megaprojects in Sri Lanka. The findings reveal transitional challenges and appropriate feasible solutions for EDMS adaptation. This can be applied to the cost management of megaprojects in other developing countries as well.

The Impact of Lean Construction Tools on the Reduction of Contractor-Related Causes of Delay in Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Though lean construction is abundantly used in other countries, it is an underrated concept when it comes to Sri Lanka. Past research studies collectively demonstrate that construction industry in Sri Lankan is lagging in the effective implementation of lean in construction processes. Demonstrating the effectiveness of the lean construction tools to mitigate causes of delay will be a future research concern. Since, delays are still taking place within Sri Lanka, it is crucial to look at how lean construction tools can affect to reduce construction delays. This paper aims to identify the impact of Lean Construction Tools (5S, Last Planner System, Visual Management, First Run Studies) on reduction of Contractor related causes of delay. This was met by utilizing a mixed research methodology, which includes both the gathering of quantitative data through a questionnaire survey and the gathering of qualitative data by conducting semi-structured interviews with construction industry specialists. SPSS software was used to analyze data collected from the questionnaire survey, and content analysis was used to examine data obtained from the semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that implementation of Lean Construction Tools can lead to reduction of Contractor related causes of delay. Further, it was disclosed that 5S is the Lean Tool that has the highest impact on reduction of Contractor related delays. Findings have also revealed that lack of awareness about Lean Construction is the most critical challenge for successful implementation of Lean Construction Tools within Sri Lanka. The results depict that in order to overcome this barrier awareness on Lean Construction must be enhanced among construction industry professionals.

Job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing the challenges associated with climate change

PurposeConstruction professionals are the major contributors to developing a sustainable construction industry, whereas architects, engineers and quantity surveyors are the key construction professionals who must play extraordinary roles in achieving better sustainable construction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing challenges associated with climate change.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed research approach. A literature review and preliminary semi-structured interviews were used to appraise the job roles of architects, engineers and quantity surveyors in addressing challenges associated with climate change. The data collected through the qualitative approach were used in an online questionnaire survey, and the findings were analysed using the relative index method.FindingsThe findings highlight that regardless of the knowledge of the professional category on green rating tools, carbon footprint, adaptation of renewable energies for the reduction of energy consumption, building information modelling-related applications and waste management concepts/practices are the foremost job attributes required for the key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing challenges associated with climate change.Research limitations/implicationsThe results from this study provide a handful of guidance to construction industry professionals, national and international professional institutions, non-governmental organisations and other relevant authorities to address climate change within the built environment by identifying ways for improving the relevant key job attributes of construction industry professionals.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the job attributes of key Sri Lankan construction professionals in addressing the challenges associated with climate change.

Use of circular economy practices during the renovation of old buildings in developing countries

The construction industry is responsible for over 30% of global natural resource extraction and 25% of solid waste production, primarily due to its prevalent "take, make, dispose" economic model. Shifting toward a circular economy within the construction sector has become a pressing need, especially in countries like Sri Lanka, to transition from linear material consumption patterns. This study aims to assess the current state of the construction industry in Sri Lanka by presenting findings from two case studies. To establish a foundation, a concise review of pertinent literature is conducted to outline key circular economy principles and their potential integration into the Sri Lankan construction processes. To evaluate material circularity within building construction, the study employs the One-Click LCA software. The analysis is focused on various construction materials used in building projects, with a particular emphasis on concrete frame buildings. The circularity assessment considers concrete, steel, and brick elements in terms of their end-of-life or serviceable period scenarios. Results indicate that maximizing building retention through adaptable design and incorporating disassembly strategies in end-of-life processes significantly enhances circularity, particularly in the case of concrete elements. Based on these findings, a comprehensive framework is proposed for the effective implementation of circular economy concepts during building renovation initiatives, particularly in developing nations. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgency of adopting circular economy principles in the Sri Lankan construction industry, highlighting the potential benefits of sustainable material management and providing a practical framework for their incorporation in building renovation practices.

Testing the Construction Site Supervisory Attributesin Applying Green Practices in Construction Operations

Sources highlight that poor application of green practices, ineffective supervising strategies and inadequate apprenticeship facilities significantly impact the overall efficiency of construction project flows. Accordingly, this researchattemptsto testthe construction supervisory traits in executinggreen concepts/practices in construction site operations. As part of a newly designedsupervisory apprenticeshipthat was systematically designed utilising consecutiveapproaches, 59 construction supervisors were evaluated using four key sections of competency characteristics and the relevant learning domains. An assessment tool encompassing variouslevels of descriptions and criteria was developed using a comprehensive literary analysis and consultations with subject matter experts. The results point to a generalised modern guideline that describes the types of supervision traits related to the application of green concepts/practices that can be theoretically and practically taken into account during the construction process. Using appropriate statistical tests and professional evaluations, the validation and generalisation of the study’sapplications were ensured with the reliable-ness of the findings.New standards and recommendations for construction supervision procedures are produced by the research, which might elevate this profession and make it the key determinant of the sustainability of siteoperations. This paper elaborates on the study’s broad implications and potential future applications in order to close the knowledge gap in the area of developing the application procedures and protocols related to skill enhancement/upgrading. The implementation of the researchoutcomes will significantlyimpact future practices in other developing nations and developing industries, even though the supervisory samples were used from the Sri Lankan construction setting.

Suitability of Modular Technology for House Construction in Sri Lanka: A Survey and a Case Study

Prefabricated volumetric modular building construction is an emerging technology in many countries used to develop the construction industry through its value-added benefits. The adoption of these novel technologies in the Sri Lankan construction industry has been relatively slow compared with other developing countries, delaying the development of the construction industry and the attainment of the added benefits of these technologies. Therefore, this study aims to identify the suitability of modular construction for the Sri Lankan construction industry via a survey and case study. A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to assess and identify the benefits of implementing the concepts and constraints in Sri Lanka. Then, the construction cost of a proposed single-story house delivered through conventional and modular practices was compared. The survey results showed that introducing a modular concept to the industry is suitable and would benefit the Sri Lankan construction industry. Further, survey participants believed that the economic benefits brought in by modular construction are significantly more important than environmental and social benefits when selecting modular construction. The case study on a single-story affordable modular house showed a 32% reduction in total construction costs and a 36% reduction in labour costs compared to conventional house construction. Further, costs for total modular construction and labour were 32% and 36% less than those of conventional construction costs and labour costs. Moreover, a 16% reduction in embodied energy was observed when compared with conventional construction. Therefore, the modular concept could be used to construct affordable houses and will be cost-effective with the correct choice of material.

The Standpoint of Engineers on the Project-level Causes Controlling the Labor Efficiency in Road Project Operations in the Sri Lankan Construction Sector

The Standpoint of Engineers on the Project-level Causes Controlling the Labor Efficiency in Road Project Operations in the Sri Lankan Construction Sector

Poka-Yoke to minimise variations: a framework for building projects

Purpose Variations due to errors and mistakes have caused cost overruns in building projects. Therefore, it is undeniable that the gravity of such variations will be a critical factor in deciding the success of any building project. In addition, the design stage of a building project is considered the most suitable stage to identify and mitigate the causes of potential variations. However, there are no proper mechanisms to minimise the frequency or gravity of variations. Many researchers experienced the promising essence of Poka-Yoke, a mistake-proofing method aimed at increasing efficiency by early detection and eradication of the causes of potential errors. However, less attention has been paid so far to implement Poka-Yoke principles to minimise variations in the building project. Therefore, this study aims to develop a framework to minimise variations in building projects through the integration of the Poka-Yoke principles. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivism stance is adopted, and a qualitative research approach is used. The data collection technique adopted is semi-structured interviews with ten experts, and the data is analysed using code-based content analysis through NVivo12. Findings Research findings revealed 23 causes of variations, categorised under client-originated, consultant-originated, contractor-originated and other variations. The identified causes were then mapped with the Poka-Yoke principles to develop the framework. The research findings could prove useful to researchers, academics, government agencies and construction professionals in developing nations that have demographic/cultural and socioeconomic characteristics such as Sri Lanka. Originality/value The findings benefitted the Sri Lankan construction sector by minimising the causes of variations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study will be the first of its kind in the Sri Lankan construction industry, leading to a better understanding of the “Poka-Yoke” principle within the building construction context.

Survival Strategies in the Economic Recession at Firm Level: The Case of Large Scale Construction Companies in Sri Lanka

As a form of business, construction contracting is heavily sensitive to recessions in the economy. As in many other countries, the Sri Lankan construction industry has also suffered a high proportion of business failures due to the current economic recession. Hence, the aim of this research is to delineate the commercial strategies adopted by construction companies in Sri Lanka to endure short term survival in the recession. A comprehensive literature survey was carried out to reveal these strategies in different contexts. A questionnaire survey was subsequently administered among the large scale contractors to gauge their responses using the Mean Item Score (MIS) and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The study concludes that Cut non-essentials and dispense the indispensable, De-scaling/De-scoping, Minimizing wastage, Getting clear on basic costs and adjust the profit margin with a sense and Slowing down the progress are among the first five strategies found to have been prioritized at contracting firms. Along with 43 strategies, the study recommends that there is a need for firms to network and collaborate to share resources, in order to survive in business during the fierce conditions of the economy.

Benefits and barriers for poka-yoke implementation to minimise variations in construction projects

Variations are inevitable in any construction project. People tend to view variations as a natural and inherent part of construction work, due to the complexity of the construction project. Lack of knowledge, inexperience, and wrong expectations frequently caused variations and eventually lead to exceeding the project cost. Hence, minimising variations in construction projects is vital to the sustainable delivery of the project. Poka-Yoke is a Japanese mistake-proofing method that received wider recognition in the service industry. However, there is a lack of research on how Poka-Yoke can be implemented to minimise mistakes in construction projects. Therefore, this research is aimed to investigate the benefits and barriers of Poka-Yoke implementation for Sri Lankan construction projects to minimise variations. To collect qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts, and code-based content analysis through NVivo 12 was used to analyse the data. As Poka-Yoke is novel to the Sri Lankan construction industry, the identified nine barriers will pave the way for professionals to avoid the existing barriers by taking necessary precautions prior to implementation. Thus, the findings further emphasised the need for the government to provide proper knowledge through training sessions. The identified fifteen benefits will be encouraged professionals to use Poka-Yoke to minimise the causes of variations in construction projects. The construction industry professionals, Engineers, Architects, and Quantity Surveyors have to bind their greatest involvement during the designing stages to minimize the variations and thus benefit from the research findings.

Comparison of construction cost of residential buildings in Sri Lanka: offsite vs onsite

Offsite construction (OSC) entails the planning, designing, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly of prefabricated building components at the construction site. As recommended in previous studies, the offsite construction technique can be considered a high-quality and cost-effective construction method that consumes less time and labour while delivering higher productivity. Consequently, it is recognized as a sustainable solution compared to existing onsite structures in countries like Sri Lanka, given the restriction on the availability of resources and high constructional cost. However, this technique is underutilized in the Sri Lankan construction industry, creating a significant void that must be addressed with sufficient cost data and broader access to knowledge regarding the positive impacts of the technique. This research seeks to evaluate current OSC practices together with a comparison of the cost of two similar-natured onsite and offsite residential projects to determine the economic feasibility of OSC in Sri Lanka. The required cost data were extracted through semi-structured interviews with the professionals who engaged in building projects and document reviews. The comparative analysis indicated that beams, columns, masonry walls, and wall finishes (plastering) are contributing to 100% cost-saving in offsite projects compared to onsite projects due to the offsite concrete wall. Further, concrete walls, stairs and ramps, roofs, and floor slab shows 25%, 16%, 12%, and 8% cost saving for the off-site project compared to an onsite project, respectively. Hence, the adoption of off-site elements would enable construction clients and investors to achieve substantial savings in the construction cost of buildings.