Kalhara Jayasinghe

Experience

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  Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment

  Aug 2013 - May 2017

  Site Civil Engineer

  In the Moragahakanda Reservoir Headworks project, I served as a site engineer in the field consultancy team, playing a key role in constructing the Saddle Dam 01, a 430m long roller-compacted concrete dam. Over a 4-year period, I led the project from initial excavation to final reservoir impounding, demonstrating strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.I advised on soil excavation, rock blasting, and optimized road networks and dump yard facilities to enhance efficiency. I facilitated discussions among experts, resolved site challenges related to weak foundations, and issued clear instructions to maintain project momentum. Ground investigations, including borehole drilling and water pressure tests, were conducted to study rock properties and seepage parameters.I recommended slope stabilization techniques, such as quality-controlled dry-type shotcrete treatments, and conducted routine safety inspections. Curtain grouting works up to 30 meters deep were executed, reducing seepage losses to 5 Lugeons, and consolidation grouting improved ground conditions up to 15 meters into the rock.Quality control measures were implemented during concrete placement, with QC testing for large mass concrete and roller-compacted concrete pours on the 25m x 25m x 1m-1.5m dam body. The layering pattern and process were optimized, achieving an impressive 70m³/hr placing rate.I contributed to the construction of water regulatory structures, conducting inspections for reinforcement, formwork, and surface quality. Factory inspections in China for gate fabrication and instrumentation calibration, including piezometers and extensometers, were also part of my responsibilities. Show less

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  Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau

  May 2017 - Aug 2023

  During the period, I successfully oversaw the dismantling of the existing 50 km railway line, formation preparation, compaction, level checking, and installation of the new railway line from Maho to Omanthai.I conducted necessary inspections of the existing railway, documenting sleeper conditions, rail integrity, joint counts, and proposed culvert locations. Identifying potential obstructions, I proposed solutions to mitigate their impact on the upgrades.Collaborating closely with contractors, I streamlined processes such as rail dismantling, optimized stacking areas, and enhanced track segmentation to ensure efficient project execution while minimizing disruptions during maintenance and upgrades.Comprehensive formation inspections, including precise level surveys and soil tests, were carried out, and treatment recommendations were provided for weak subgrades, such as implementing rubble packing techniques.I managed all aspects of box culvert construction, from site preparation to final backfill and compaction testing, ensuring adherence to quality standards and project specifications.Quality assurance measures were implemented, including inspecting the laying and compacting process for a 200mm ABC layer on a 17km rail line and monitoring joint surveys to maintain consistent quality throughout the project. Carried out field density tests for the prepared formation and surface inspections before every layer and ballast placing by myself.Furthermore, I reviewed method statements to validate alignment with project requirements and conducted inspections during the launching process, overseeing critical activities such as rail linking, welding, ballast unloading, and tamping to ensure compliance. Show less As a consultant, I successfully oversaw the construction of a 290m precast sea wall, a 235m³ water tank, and a two-storied laboratory building within the allocated timeframe at the Trincomalee Naval Base. I actively participated in progress meetings, providing recorded data and monitoring schedules to promptly identify and address defects or delays. Thorough site surveys and control point establishment ensured precise execution of building foundations and water tank construction.Precast steel molds were inspected during fabrication and assembly, adhering to factory drawings and ensuring quality precast components. Method statements for various construction activities, including precast element construction, underwater placement, water tank construction, and waterproofing, were reviewed and optimized before project commencement.Quality control measures were carried out by myself during concreting of precast elements. Reinforcement and formwork inspections done according to drawings, and bar schedules were calculated and prepared to optimize reinforcement usage. Concrete quality assurance was ensured by maintaining slump, temperature, formwork alignment, and compaction to prevent defects like honeycombing and shrinkage cracking.I provided expertise during the construction of the 290m precast sea wall along the shoreline, meeting the tolerances within 30mm. Additionally, I consulted on water tightness testing and waterproofing protocols for the water tank, ensuring compliance with project specifications. Show less As a Tunnel and Power House Engineer, I played a crucial role in the construction of the Broadland Hydropower Project, specifically consulting on the 3.4 km underground head-raise tunnel and power house foundation works. For the tunnel excavation, I conducted comprehensive inspections, implemented sequential excavation methods to enhance efficiency and mitigate collapse risks. I proficiently applied ground support techniques such as steel rib placement, shotcrete application, drainage, and advanced grouting methods to stabilize running ground conditions, increasing consolidation rates by over 30 meters in weak soil areas.I strategically segmented the tunnel into multiple sections, enabling streamlined concrete lining and facilitating simultaneous team efforts. Quality assurance measures were implemented, including thorough inspections of rebar, formwork, surface treatments, and concrete pouring optimization to minimize defects.Additionally, I successfully consulted on the 1.5m thick concrete foundations of the power house substructure, mitigating thermal cracking risks through proficient use of ConcreteWorks software. Meticulous formwork and reinforcement inspections, coupled with precise pour planning, ensured strict compliance with drawings and specifications.Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with senior staff, technical experts, and laborers, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to enhancing site progress and safety. Show less

  • Civil Project Engineer

    Jan 2023 - Aug 2023

  • Site Civil Engineer

    Nov 2021 - Jan 2023

  • Civil Engineer

    May 2017 - Nov 2021
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  Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd. in joint venture with Fichtner GmbH & Co.KG

  Aug 2023 - now

  Dam engineer

  As the Dam Engineer, I played a pivotal role in consulting the concrete gravity dam construction works for the Moragolla Hydropower Project under Nippon Koei Co Ltd.I conducted thorough pre-construction inspections, reviewing construction drawings and ensuring precise detailing in areas such as reinforcement, embedment, formwork, and concreting.I led the development of accurate as-built drawings, collaborating seamlessly with surveyors and draughts persons to capture on-site conditions with precision, facilitating effective coordination throughout the project lifecycle.Acting as a bridge between geological experts, structural specialists, and designers, I facilitated productive discussions to resolve site-specific challenges promptly and issued clear and actionable site instructions to maintain project momentum.Progress monitoring and construction scheduling were integrated to mitigate delays, and I reviewed method statements and organized construction trials, optimizing procedures for smooth project execution.Quality assurance measures were implemented through vigilant inspections to identify defects, including cracks, formwork deformations, and honeycombs. I proficiently executed crack monitoring and implemented effective treatment measures to address structural imperfections.Furthermore, I successfully investigated concrete cracking using thermocouples embedded in the dam body concretes, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing potential issues.Throughout the project, I exhibited strong collaboration, problem-solving, and coordination skills, ensuring adherence to project specifications and quality standards. Also I, Handled the placing of dam instruments such as pressure cells and extensometers in the dam body during construction phase and carried out routing inspections. Show less