Methodology for Estimating Virtual Water of Building Construction Projects using Blockchain Technology

PhD Candidate: Mr Namal Anuradha Iluppalla Gamage

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Abstract

Water is a fundamental aspect that makes life on earth possible. Global water resources being scarce, there has been a tenfold increase in overall water consumption since the beginning of the 19^th century. Water is a primary resource for construction works and is consumed enormously through direct and indirect means. The summation of direct and indirect water components is called Virtual Water, also known as Embodied Water. Estimating the Virtual Water (both direct and indirect water components) of different construction materials and methods enables the stakeholders to come up with decisions to reduce the water consumption in building construction. Nonetheless, estimating Virtual Water is a comprehensive endeavour due to the intricate nature of construction supply chains and utilises secondary data sources to simplify this process. Nevertheless, there are several issues in estimating Virtual Water using these secondary data sources. Hence, this research aims to bridge this gap by developing a novel methodology that ensures accurate estimation of Virtual Water through construction supply chains using blockchain technology. The adoption of blockchain offers numerous merits for estimating Virtual Water due to the salient features: decentralisation, immutability, transparency, and many others. This research will distinguish the existing issues in estimating Virtual Water through secondary data sources and emphasise the necessity of constructing dynamic Virtual Water estimates, demarcate a parameter boundary for estimating Virtual Water in building construction, identify blockchain as a potential solution for formulating dynamic Virtual Water estimates and developing a prototype to showcase its practicability. The development of a blockchain-based Virtual Water estimating mechanism will help better decision-making and eventually lead to sustainable construction. Ultimately, this research will open up several avenues for future research and have broad applicability to building construction in Australia and across the globe.

Sources of Funding

HDR Scholarship of Western Sydney University

Biography

Namal Anuradha Gamage holds a Bachelor of Quantity Surveying degree (BSc (Hons)) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and subsequently earned a Research Master's in the Department of Civil Engineering at the same institution. He possesses the title of 'Associate Professional' conferred by the Green Building Council, Sri Lanka and concurrently holds the status of 'Graduate Member' of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka. Further, he has successfully completed a certificate programme in Teaching Methodology in Higher Education offered by Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology. With nearly four years of diverse industry experience in Quantity Surveying and Project Management across Sri Lankan, Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabian projects, he has demonstrated versatility and skill. Additionally, he brings four years of expertise as a Research Assistant and Lecturer at various higher educational institutes, showcasing a dynamic and punctual approach to lecturing, research, and industry practices.

Education

• Master of Science (major component of research), University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
• BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Honours / Awards / Grants

• HDR Scholarship of Western Sydney University, Australia
• Dean’s list award in 2017 for GPA 3.8 or above in BSc (Hons) in QS programme, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
• Dean’s list award in 2016 for GPA 3.8 or above in BSc (Hons) in QS programme, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Professional Affiliations

• Graduate Member, Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka (GS 3209)
• Green Associate Professional, Green Building Council, Sri Lanka (101-3307)

Research Interests

• Virtual water
• Embodied energy
• Embodied carbon
• Construction automation

Related Publications

Conference Publications

• Anuradha, IGN, Ambagala, KK, Nanayakkara, S & Perera, S 2023, 'Adaptation of blockchain and smart contracts to the construction industry of developing countries', 11th World Construction Symposium, pp. 73-85.

Other Publications

• Perera, S & Gamage, NA 2023, 'Embodied carbon estimating: Moving from static to dynamic datasets', Built Environment Economist: Australia and New Zealand, pp. 8-11.

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