Abstract
Prefabricated construction is increasingly applied in the global construction sector because it offers a range of advantages compared to traditional construction. Improved product quality, enhanced productivity, reduced overall construction times, and environmental benefits such as reduced waste generation and energy savings are some advantages highlighted by recent research publications. However, the prefabricated construction adoption in Sri Lanka is comparatively less compared to developed and industrialized economies. More research is required in the Sri Lankan context to evaluate, compare, and promote these prefabrication practices. Hence, the current study aims to explore the sustainability of construction practices in Sri Lanka that accompany prefabrication. Relevant information is collected through site visits and questionnaires, and digital communications. The potential sustainability aspects of the ongoing construction of a three-storey family house using prefabricated components and selected wall panel prefabrication processes in Sri Lanka are explored. Moreover, a life cycle assessment is conducted to assess the environmental sustainability of prefabricated wall panels in Sri Lanka. LCA outcomes show that wall panels produced using paddy straw fibres have greater savings than cellular lightweight concrete wall panels manufactured using concrete foaming and precast concrete wall panels. However, decisions should be based on specific applications and conditions, such as non-load-bearing applications and temporary housing implementations. The current study aims to increase the awareness of prefabricated practices in Sri Lanka and to give some insights into the sustainability perspective of these prefabrication methods focusing on construction stakeholders.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dong YH, Ng ST (2015) A social life cycle assessment model for building construction in Hong Kong. Int J Life Cycle Assess 20:1166–1180
Du Q, Bao T, Li Y, Huang Y, Shao L (2019) Impact of prefabrication technology on the cradle-to-site CO2 emissions of residential buildings. Clean Technol Environ Policy 21:1499–1514
Hong J, Shen GQ, Mao C, Li Z, Li K (2016) Life-cycle energy analysis of prefabricated building components: an input–an output-based hybrid model. J Clean Prod 112:2198–2207
Hu X, Chong H-Y (2019) Environmental sustainability of off-site manufacturing: a literature review. Eng Constr Arch Manag
ISO (2006) Environmental management: life cycle assessment; Principles and Framework, ISO
Jayawardana J, Kulatunga A, Sandanayake M, Zhang G, Jayasinghe J (2023) Life cycle assessment for modular-constructed buildings: a proposed methodological framework. In: 12th international conference on structural engineering and construction management. Springer, pp 519–532
Kamali M, Hewage K (2016) Life cycle performance of modular buildings: a critical review. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 62:1171–1183
Liu S, Qian S (2019) Evaluation of the social life-cycle performance of buildings: theoretical framework and impact assessment approach. J Clean Prod 213:792–807
Minunno R, O’Grady T, Morrison GM, Gruner RL (2020) Exploring environmental benefits of reuse and recycle practices: a circular economy case study of a modular building. Resour Conserv Recycl 160:104855
Monahan J, Powell JC (2011) An embodied carbon and energy analysis of modern methods of construction in housing: a case study using a lifecycle assessment framework. Energy Build 43:179–188
Pervez H, Ali Y, Petrillo A (2021) A quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventional and modular construction: a case of a developing country. J Clean Prod 294:126210
Sandanayake M, Zhang G, Setunge S (2016) Environmental emissions at the foundation construction stage of buildings–two case studies. Build Environ 95:189–198
Satola D, Kristiansen AB, Houlihan-Wiberg A, Gustavsen A, Ma T, Wang R (2020) Comparative life cycle assessment of various energy efficiency designs of a container-based housing unit in China: a case study. Build Environ 186:107358
The Economist (2017) Efficiency eludes the construction industry. https://www.economist.com/business/2017/08/19/efficiency-eludes-the-construction-industry. Accessed 31 Oct 2022
Tht International (2022) Foaming agent for lightweight concrete-THTFA-3. http://www.thtvietnam.com/en/products/lightweight-concrete/additives/foaming-agent/#. Accessed 06 Nov 2022
U.S. Department of Commerce (2021) Sri Lanka-country commercial guide-construction. International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/sri-lanka-construction. Accessed 08 Oct 2022
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Devaka Ekanayake for his support in acquiring valuable information needed for this research study.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this paper
Cite this paper
Jayawardana, J., Jayasinghe, J.A.S.C., Kulatunga, A.K., Sandanayake, M., Zhang, G. (2023). Prefabricated Construction in Sri Lanka: From a Sustainability Perspective. In: Dissanayake, R., et al. ICSBE 2022. ICSBE 2022. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 362. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3471-3_32
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3471-3_32
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-99-3470-6
Online ISBN: 978-981-99-3471-3
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)