Purpose This study aims to evaluate the coastal disaster resilience and the disaster management framework of Sri Lanka, by conducting a case study in a few coastal areas in the district of Matara which were majorly affected in 2004 by the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Although it has been 15 years since the disaster struck the country, Sri Lanka is still struggling in building back better. This reveals the need to strengthen the action plan toward coastal disaster management by identifying the barriers and challenges that still exist in policies and frameworks, the use of technology in evacuation planning, implementation of evacuation plans and capacity building of the community. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted through structured and in-depth interviews among the general public and government officials targeting the eventual outcome as to ascertain barriers incorporated with the disaster management framework and then possible improvements to the framework were identified and suggested. Findings The findings showed that the practice of an administrative-oriented disaster management framework was a key element in creating a welfare-oriented community that is still building back better in Matara, which was one of the worst affected cities in the country during the 2004 Tsunami. Originality/value This paper facilitates resilience development by identifying the overall development of the system after 2004. The required modifications needed to strengthen the system have thereby been identified through the developed output which was produced by analyzing the barriers and challenges.

Incorporating recycled plastic waste in concrete manufacturing is one of the most ecologically and economically sustainable solutions for the rapid trends of annual plastic disposal and natural resource depletion worldwide. This paper comprehensively reviews the literature on engineering performance of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) incorporated in concrete in the forms of aggregates or fiber or cementitious material. Optimum 28-days’ compressive and flexural strength of HDPE fine aggregate concrete is observed at HDPE-10 and splitting tensile strength at HDPE-5 whereas for HDPE coarse aggregate concrete, within the range of 10% to 15% of HDPE incorporation and at HDPE-15, respectively. Similarly, 28-days’ flexural and splitting tensile strength of HDPE fiber reinforced concrete is increased to an optimum of 4.9 MPa at HDPE-3 and 4.4 MPa at HDPE-3.5, respectively, and higher than the standard/plain concrete matrix (HDPE-0) in all HDPE inclusion levels. Hydrophobicity, smooth surface texture and non-reactivity of HDPE has resulted in weaker bonds between concrete matrix and HDPE and thereby reducing both mechanical and durability performances of HDPE concrete with the increase of HDPE. Overall, this is the first ever review to present and analyze the current state of the mechanical and durability performance of recycled HDPE as a sustainable construction material, hence, advancing the research into better performance and successful applications of HDPE concrete.

Half-joint concrete beams are characterized by local reductions in the overall beam depth at the support and are ideal for structural connections. The beam joint region is however vulnerable for deterioration and for design/detailing shortcomings. This study explored the nonlinear numerical modelling potential of the behaviour of a series of impaired half-joint beams. The major defects were: diagonal-bar/ U-bar unavailability; shear reinforcement inadequacy; and reinforcement corrosion. The results highlighted the numerical simulation capabilities to capture global/local behaviours of the beam series. The load capacity prediction offset was in an impressive range of −16.7% to +1.5% and, in contrast, the predictions from the commonly used strut-and-tie model (STM) showed offsets in the extent of −39.2% to 16.9%. Subsequently, an experimental study was established using the FE model to explore the retrofitting potential of defective half-joint beams with a deep embedded (DE) technique. The strength enhancement was almost 30% and the internal load paths as well as the failure mode of the defective beam alternated favourably with the post-installation of the retrofitting element. Thus, the DE technique was identified to be an ideal option to retrofit impaired half-joint beams.

The ends of dapped-end concrete beams are introduced with reduced beam heights to facilitate connections, and consequently, the beam end is classified as a disturbed region. Due to these geometric/structural characteristics, the beams are subjected to numerous structural/durability issues. This paper reviews such critical distresses and into potential retrofitting options for dapped-end beams. It is found that the choice of the retrofitting configuration is governed considerably by the prevailing defect. The strength enhancement could be as high as 40% - 50% upon the choice of correct configuration whereas possibly be negligible upon inappropriate selection. Generally, the use of diagonal bars and plate jacketing are promising with steel applications. The bars can be prestressed to enhance the retrofitting efficiency. For fibre reinforced polymer applications, inclined/horizontal stripping and fabric wrapping are impressive approaches whilst combined systems show better results. The review also identifies required future research for formulating comprehensive retrofitting guidelines.