Department of Civil Engineering - Faculty of Engineering, KDU

Eng. BHJ Pushpakumara

Senior Lecturer Gr II
  • Qualifications
  • Qualifications

    Educational Qualifications

    • MPhil. in Structural Engineering from Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (Thesis submitted) Project title: Condition assessment, repair and retrofitting of corroded bridges in Sri Lanka due to chloride effect 2015
    • Sc. Honours Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2011)

    Professional Qualifications

    • Senior Lecturer (Grade II), Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University-Southern Campus, Sooriyawewa, Sri Lanka (July 2018 to date)
    • Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University-Southern Campus, Sooriyawewa, Sri Lanka (August 2016 to July 2018)
    • Lecturer, Faculty of Built Environment and Spatial Sciences, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University-Southern Campus, Sooriyawewa, Sri Lanka (February 2016 to August 2016)
    • Lecturer, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (January 2014 to January 2016) Teaching modules: CE5251 – Design of Timber and Masonry Structures CE7243 – Advanced Concepts of Civil Engineering Design
    • Postgraduate student (M. Phil.) (Structural) at Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (November 2011 to November 2013)
    • Instructor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (December 2011 to December 2013)
    • Trainee Engineer at Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – (Colombo Port Expansion Project – Colombo) – 12 weeks Training) (2010)
    • Trainee Engineer at Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB)-(Proposed Textile Shopping Complex at Dedicated Economic Centre- Narahenpita- 12 weeks Training) (2009)
  • Teaching Areas
  • Teaching Areas

    Department of Civil Engineering, KDU

    Undergraduate

    • Geotechnical Engineering – CE 2113
    • Geotechnical Design – CE 8323
    • Design of Timber and Masonry Structures – CE 2232
    • Design of Concrete Structures I
    • Design of Concrete Structures II

    MSc in Civil and Structural Engineering programme

    • Advanced pre-stressed concrete design
    • Advanced reinforced concrete design
    • Advanced foundation engineering
  • Research Interests
  • Research Interests

    • Structural Health Monitoring
    • Structures using Innovative Materials
    • Corrosion of RC and PC structures
  • Publications
  • Publications

    Refereed Journal Publications

     

    • Rathnayake RMKM and Pushpakumara BHJ (2023), Evaluating the efficiency of factors influencing valuation of residential buildings: A priority weight-based model, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Vol. 19. Doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02371
    • Pushpakumara BHJ, Gunasekara MT and Abhayathunge UI (2023), Investigation on mechanical and of Sri Lankan timber species for construction applications, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Vol. 19, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02269
    • Rathnayake RMKM and Pushpakumara BHJ (2023), Priority Weight-Based Systems to Predict Energy Consumption Behavior in Residential Buildings, Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 29 (2), doi: 10.1061/JAEIED.AEENG-1481
    • Faiz MMT Marikar and Pushpakumara BHJ (2023), Blended method of assessment leads to successful evaluation of Engineering Faculty students at a Sri Lankan university, OCIAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION RESEARCH REVIEW, Vol. 10 (1), pp. 99-102, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.8151095
    • BHJ Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Silva T.T.D, (2023), Evaluation of mechanical properties of steel slag as replacement for fine and course aggregate in concrete, Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, pp. 1-10. doi: 10.1080/13287982.2023.2167644
    • BHJ Pushpakumara B.H.J., Gunasekara M.T. and Gannile Y.M.T.D. (2023), Variation of mechanical and chemical properties of old and new clay bricks, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 149 (4). doi: 10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-12950
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Fernando M.S.G.M., (2023), Deterioration assessment model for splash zone of marine concrete structures, Case Studies in Construction Materials, Vol. 18. doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01731.
    • Devapura P.L., Pushpakumara B.H.J., (2023), Long-Term Performance of CFRP Bonded Steel Subjected to Marine and Temperature Exposure, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 35 (8), doi: 10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-1522
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Weerasinghe W.P.H.P., “Evaluation of carbonation coefficient of reinforced concrete structures”, Australian Journal of Civil Engineering, 2022. doi: 10.1080/14488353.2022.2144003
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Hewawaduge T.R.., “Effect of banana fibre and lime on mechanical and thermal properties of unburnt clay bricks”, Australian Journal of Civil Engineering, 2022. doi: 10.1080/14488353.2022.2114639.
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Mendis W.S.W., “Suitability of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) with lime as a soil stabilizer in geotechnical applications”, International Journal of Geo-Engineering, Vol. 13(4), 2022, DOI: 10.1186/s40703-021-00169-w.
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Thusitha G.A., “Development of a Structural Health Monitoring Tool for Underwater Concrete Structures”, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2021, Vol. 147(10), DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002163
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Thusitha G.A., “Development of a Priority Weight based Green Building Rating Model”, Journal of Architectural Engineering, 2021, Vol. 27(2): 04021008, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000465
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Visual Inspection and Non-Destructive Tests-based Rating Method for Concrete Bridges”, International Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 8, No.1, 2017, pp.74-91
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Investigation on Efficiency of Repairing and Retrofitting Methods for Chloride induced Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Structures”, “ENGINEER”, Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), Vol. XXXXVI, No. 04, October 2013, pp. 19-30
    • Pushpakumara B.H.J. and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Characteristics of Masonry Blocks Manufactured with Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Lime”, “ENGINEER”, Journal of Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL), Vol. XXXXV, No.0 3, July 2012, pp. 1-10

     

     

    Refereed Conference Publications

     

    Thusitha G.A. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Priority weight based green building rating model for existing buildings”, Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE 2020), Kandy, Sri Lanka

    Thusitha G.A., Pushpakumara B.H.J. A.G.N.B. Dharmakeerthi and A.H. Lakmal, “Development of Green Building Rating Model for Existing Buildings”, Proceedings of Annual Transactions of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 2019, pp.593-599

    H.J. Pushpakumara, H.D.K.A. Wijerathne and W.S.W. Mendis, “Condition assessment and rating of building structures in Sri Lanka against Tsunami”, 7th International Symposium – Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS), Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2019, pp. 257-264

    Madanayaka D.C.T. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Non-Destructive test based method for identifying and rating the condition of existing buildings”, Proceedings of Annual Transactions of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) , Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 2018, pp.221-228

    Jayasinghe S.S. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Modelling of beam—column interconnections against seismic loadings”, Proceedings of Annual Transactions of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) , Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 2018, pp.1-8

    Weerasinghe W.P.H.P. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Determination of carbonation coefficient for reinforced concrete structures”, 6th International Symposium – Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS), Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2018, pp. 286-293

    Liyanarachchi N.G. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Service life prediction of pre-stressed concrete structures subjected to chloride induced corrosion”, 6th International Symposium – Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS), Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2018, pp. 263-270

    Weerasekera W.M.G.D. and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Potential use of rise husk ash with lime as a soil stabilizer in geotechnical applications”, 6th International Symposium – Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS), Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2018, pp. 20-27

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Mendis W.S.W. and De Silva S., “Bamboo as a New Retrofitting Material for existing Masonry Walls with improving the Walls Aesthetic View”, Proceedings of the 9th International Research Conference, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka, September 2016, pp. 109

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., De Silva G.S.Y. and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Condition Assessment based Approach for Identifying Remediation Plan of Concrete Bridges in Sri Lanka”, Proceedings of 5th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE-2014), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 2014, pp. 100-108

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Calcium Hydroxide as an Alkaline Solution for Electrochemical Chloride Extraction (ECE) Method”, Proceedings of 11th Academic Sessions of University of Ruhuna, March 2014, pp. 16

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Calcium Nitrate mixed Cement Mortar for Repairing Corroded RC Structures”, Special Session on Construction Materials and Systems, 4th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (ICSECM), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 2013, PP. 22-32

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Repair of Corrosion Cracks using Cement based Mortars”, Proceedings of Annual Transactions of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) , Colombo, Sri Lanka, October 2013, pp.120-126

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., De Silva G.S.Y. and De Silva G.H.M.J.S., “Use of Repair Mortars for Corrosion Prevention of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures”, Proceedings of 10th Academic Sessions of University of Ruhuna, March 2013, pp. 52

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., De Silva G.S.Y. and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Evaluating Mitigation Methods for Chloride Induced Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Structures”, Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment (ICSBE-2012), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 2012

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., De Silva G.S.Y. and De Silva G.H.M.J.S., “Service Life Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Sri Lanka”, Proceedings of Annual Transactions of the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), Vol. 1, Part B, 2012, pp. 281-289

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Sudhira De Silva and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Condition Assessment and Service Life Prediction of Reinforced Concrete Bridges Exposed to Chloride Environment”, Proceedings of the Second Annual Sessions, Society of Structural Engineers, Sri Lanka (SSE-SL), September 2012, pp. 63–70

    De Silva G.H.M.J.S., Jiffry I and Pushpakumara B.H.J., “Sustainable use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Block Manufacturing Material”, Proceedings of 09th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanaka, February 2012, pp.48

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Kapukotuwa S.B.K.D.K, Samarasignhe B.G.C.M. and Subashi G.H.M.J., “Effect of Lime on Characteristics of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) based Masonry Blocks”, Proceedings of 2nd International Conference on Structural Engineering, Construction and Management (ICSECM), Kandy, Sri Lanka, December 2011

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Kapukotuwa S.B.K.D.K, Samarasignhe B.G.C.M. and Subashi De Silva G.H.M.J., “Potential use of Rice Husk Ash with Lime in the Manufacturing of Masonry Blocks”, Proceedings of the Inaugural Annual Sessions, Society of Structural Engineers, Sri Lanka (SSE-SL), November 2011, pp. 45–51

     

     

    Presentations

     

    H.J. Pushpakumara, “Repair mortar for de-laminated areas of corroded concrete structures”, a seminar “Measures for hot weather concreting in Asian countries and the issue analysis based on climate and materials” at Thammasat University in Thailand, September, 2017.

    Pushpakumara B.H.J., Kapukotuwa S.B.K.D.K and Samarasignhe B.G.C.M., “Rice Husk Ash (RHA) based masonry blocks”, Undergraduate Inventor of the year Competition – 2011, The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), September 2011

     

     

    Thesis

     

    Effect of Lime on Characteristics of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) based Masonry Blocks, Undergraduate research thesis submitted to Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka, September 2011, pp. 50

    Condition Assessment, Repair and Retrofitting of existing Bridges in Sri Lanka due to Chloride effect, Degree of Master of Philosophy thesis, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka (submitted)

  • Awards
  • Awards

    • Best research paper (out of 50 papers) at 6 th International Symposium on Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development organized by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna
    • Certificate of Merit, Best Civil Engineering Undergraduate Research Project from Sri Lankan Universities (2010/2011), Sri Lanka Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers – UK (SLA-ICE), Pushpakumara B.H.J., Kapukotuwa S.B.K.D.K and Samarasignhe B.G.C.M., “Effect of Lime on Characteristics of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) based Masonry Blocks”, Supervised by Dr. G.H.M.J. Subashi De Silva
    • Research Grant – Transforming University of Ruhuna to Internationa Status (TURIS – 2011)
  • Memberships
  • Memberships

    • Associate Member, Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)
    • Associate Member, Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka (SSESL)
  • Other
  • Other

    • Worked as a reviewer for Journal of Structures (ELSEVIER)
    • Worked as a reviewer for international and local conference
    1. International Research Conference of Kotelawala Defence University (IRC – KDU) 2016, 2017, and 2018
    2. Annual Academic Sessions – 2014, Open University of Sri Lanka (Annexure VII)
    3.  Moratuwa University Research Conference (MERC on 2018)
    • Provide contribution as session evaluator for the international conference “Advances in Civil and Environmental Engineering Practices for Sustainable Development (ACEPS)” 2018 and 2019 held at Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna.