Innovative Research Award

Ashvinie Thembiliyagoda
University of Moratuwa

Ashvinie Thembiliyagoda is a researcher associated with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Moratuwa whose research interests center on water resources engineering, hydraulic modelling, river processes, and bridge-pier scour. Her published work examines numerical and physical approaches for understanding sediment erosion around bridge structures, with particular attention to two-dimensional HEC-RAS modelling and the interpretation of scour processes in Sri Lankan rivers. Her research portfolio connects hydraulic engineering with infrastructure safety and computational analysis, providing an applied basis for assessing river–structure interactions and developing more informed approaches to bridge scour assessment. [1]

Abstract

Ashvinie Thembiliyagoda’s research focuses on water resources engineering, hydraulic modelling, and bridge-pier scour assessment. Her work investigates riverbed erosion around bridge structures using computational hydraulic methods, particularly HEC-RAS two-dimensional modelling, together with physical validation approaches. Studies involving the Kelanisiri and Hanwella bridges examine scour depth estimation, hydraulic behaviour, and numerical model performance under river-flow conditions. Her research also compares one-dimensional and two-dimensional modelling approaches, linking computational results with infrastructure safety considerations. This developing research profile demonstrates an applied interest in river hydraulics, sediment processes, bridge resilience, and engineering methods for assessing scour-related risks in Sri Lankan river systems. [2]

Keywords

Water Resources Engineering; Hydraulic Modelling; HEC-RAS 2D; Bridge-Pier Scour; River Hydraulics; Sediment Transport; Civil Engineering; Hydrodynamic Modelling; Scour Depth Estimation; Infrastructure Resilience.

Introduction

Bridge-pier scour is an important hydraulic and geotechnical consideration because flowing water can remove sediment surrounding structural foundations. The resulting change in riverbed elevation can influence hydraulic conditions and the stability assessment of bridge infrastructure. Thembiliyagoda’s research addresses this problem through numerical modelling and field-oriented case studies in Sri Lanka. Her early published research applied HEC-RAS 2D to estimate scour around bridge piers at the Kelanisiri Bridge and examined model results against observed information. [2]

Research Profile

Thembiliyagoda is affiliated with the University of Moratuwa and is associated with civil engineering research involving water-related processes and hydraulic infrastructure. Public research records identify her work on bridge scour, HEC-RAS modelling, riverbed erosion, and comparative numerical analysis. Her publication activity shows a progression from case-specific scour simulation toward broader investigation of model validation and the relationship between numerical predictions and physical behaviour. [1]

Research Contributions

A central contribution of Thembiliyagoda’s work is the application of two-dimensional hydraulic modelling to bridge-pier scour assessment. Her Kelanisiri Bridge study used HEC-RAS to investigate bed-level changes around bridge piers during a flood event, reporting simulated scour depths and evaluating model performance using observed information. [2] This approach demonstrates how computational modelling can be applied to a specific infrastructure problem rather than treating river hydraulics only as a theoretical subject.

Publications

The researcher’s documented publication record includes conference and journal work addressing bridge-pier scour and hydraulic modelling. Selected works demonstrate a coherent research direction spanning numerical simulation, comparative modelling, and model validation.

Research Impact

The practical relevance of this research lies in its connection between river hydraulics and infrastructure assessment. Bridge scour modelling can support engineers in understanding changes in riverbed elevation and in examining locations where hydraulic conditions may affect bridge foundations. Thembiliyagoda’s work contributes case-based evidence from Sri Lankan river systems and demonstrates the use of numerical tools for investigating scour processes. [2]

Award Suitability

The documented research profile aligns with an Innovative Research Award theme through its focus on applied hydraulic modelling and infrastructure-related water resources research. Thembiliyagoda’s studies address a defined engineering problem, use computational methods to investigate scour behaviour, and incorporate comparative or physical validation approaches. Her research therefore provides a clear academic basis for recognition within a civil engineering or water resources research context, subject to the award programme’s independent eligibility and evaluation procedures.

Conclusion

Ashvinie Thembiliyagoda’s research is characterized by an applied focus on water resources engineering, hydraulic modelling, and bridge-pier scour. Her work combines HEC-RAS-based numerical simulation with comparative analysis and physical validation, using Sri Lankan bridge and river environments as important case contexts. The resulting research direction connects computational hydraulic analysis with practical questions of bridge infrastructure and river-system management. Her developing publication record provides a coherent foundation for continued research into scour prediction, river morphology, hydraulic modelling, and infrastructure resilience.

External Links

• ORCID Profile 
• Scopus Author Profile 
• Google Scholar Profile 
• Global Civil Engineering Awards 

References

1. ResearchGate. (n.d.). Ashvinie Thembiliyagoda — Research profile. University of Moratuwa, Department of Civil Engineering.
   https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ashvinie-Thembiliyagoda
2. Thembiliyagoda, A., De Silva, K., & Wijayaratna, N. (2023). Application of HEC-RAS 2D Model to Simulate Scour Depth Around Bridge Piers—A Case Study on Kelanisiri Bridge, Sri Lanka. 2023 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference, 660–665.
   https://doi.org/10.1109/MERCon60487.2023.10355411
3. Thembiliyagoda, A., De Silva, K., & Wijayaratna, N. (2024). Comparative Analysis of 1D and 2D Modeling Approaches for Scour Depth Estimation: A Case Study of the Kelanisiri Bridge, Sri Lanka. Journal of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, 2(3), 171–184.
   https://doi.org/10.56578/jche020304
4. Thembiliyagoda, A., De Silva, K., & Wijayaratna, N. (2026). Hydrodynamic and morphological simulation of scour evolution around bridge piers due to sand mining activities using HEC-RAS 2D: a case study from Kelani River, Sri Lanka. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 12(2).
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-026-02742-7
5. Rathnayake, H. M., Thembiliyagoda, A., & De Silva, K. (2024). Validating Numerical Model for Bridge Pier Scour Estimation Through Physical Modelling—Case Study of Kelanisiri Bridge. 2024 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference, 500–505.
   https://doi.org/10.1109/MERCon63886.2024.10688772