Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao and his students presented the following papers at the 2nd International Conference on Condition Assessment, Rehabilitation & Retrofitting of Structures (CARRS-2025), organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee from 11 – 13 December:

• Retrofitting Structural Masonry using Natural Fibre Composites: Performance, Challenges, and Prospects – Rohan Vashisht, Ph.D scholar; Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao; Dr. Venkatesh Kumar R Kodur, Michigan State University, USA and Dr. Nemkumar Banthia, University of British Columbia, Canada

Here is the summary of the paper:

Natural fibre composites (NFCs) have gained prominence as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to synthetic fibre reinforcements in masonry structural retrofitting. This paper reviews the extraction, treatment, and fabrication of natural fibres such as jute, flax, sisal, hemp, and basalt into Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) systems suited for masonry applications. Experimental and field studies demonstrate that natural FRP composites improve tensile strength, ductility, and seismic resilience of unreinforced masonry walls, while natural TRM composites offer enhanced environmental compatibility, fire resistance, and vapour permeability, which are essential for heritage masonry preservation. The review assesses mechanical performance, durability challenges related to moisture and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and sustainability benefits, including reduced embodied energy and biodegradability. Practical case studies confirm the feasibility of locally sourced natural fibre retrofits in seismic zones. Challenges such as variability in fibre properties and the need for standardized design codes are discussed alongside future research directions focusing on hybrid composites, bio-based matrices, and sensor integration for structural health monitoring. This review consolidates current advances and prospects, positioning NFCs in the form of FRP and TRM composites as viable, eco-friendly retrofit technologies for resilient and sustainable masonry infrastructure.

• Non-Destructive Testing of Masonry Structures: Techniques, Applications, and Future Perspectives – Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao; Prof. Antonio Nanni, University of Miami, USA; Prof. Panagiotis Asteris, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), Greece; and Prof. Svetlana Brzev, University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada.

Here is the summary of the paper:

Masonry structures constitute a significant portion of the global built heritage and modern infrastructure. Yet, their assessment poses unique challenges due to material heterogeneity, ageing, and the need for conservation-sensitive approaches. Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques have emerged as indispensable tools for evaluating the mechanical and physical properties of masonry without impairing their integrity. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution, principles, and application of NDT methods for masonry structures. It critically examines the working mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of commonly used techniques, including rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, flat-jack tests, ground-penetrating radar, infrared thermography, endoscopy and acoustic emission. The role of NDT in condition assessment, strength estimation, seismic vulnerability evaluation, and conservation practices is highlighted. Recent advancements in hybrid and digital diagnostic methods are also discussed, emphasizing the transition towards data-driven, performance-based structural assessment. This review paper summarizes the current challenges associated with the application of NDT methods in masonry diagnostics and presents potential research directions to improve their reliability, standardization, and integration into assessment practices.

Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao also chaired a technical session on the theme  Resilience in Structural Rehabilitation  during the conference.

December 2025