Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao gave the following two talks:
- an invited expert lecture on the theme “Masonry Meets Modern Materials: Composite Strategies for Earthquake Resilience” at the Jodhpur Institute of Engineering and Technology (JIET) Universe. The event was organized under the aegis of the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS), Jodhpur Chapter, in collaboration with JIET Universe on 30 July.
The session brought together a multidisciplinary audience comprising practising engineers, senior faculty members, research scholars, industry professionals, and undergraduate and postgraduate students of civil engineering. Dr. Pravin’s lecture focused on the intersection of traditional masonry systems and modern composite materials, shedding light on the evolving strategies for enhancing the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry structures.
Drawing from cutting-edge research and field applications, Dr. Pravin addressed critical aspects such as the mechanical limitations of stone and brick masonry under lateral loading, the role of textile- and fibre-reinforced composites in structural retrofitting, and the imperative for context-sensitive, scalable interventions—particularly in regions of high seismic vulnerability.
The lecture was followed by an engaging discussion, wherein participants deliberated on the practical challenges of retrofitting existing masonry stock, the preservation of architectural heritage, and the translation of laboratory innovations into field practices.
The organizing committee appreciated Dr. Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao for his valuable contribution and intellectual leadership, which greatly enriched the academic discourse and offered meaningful direction for future advancements in the domain of earthquake-resistant construction of masonry structures.
- was a distinguished speaker at a round table discussion on the seismic performance of stone masonry structures held at MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur on 29 July. The session brought together the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, senior faculty members, academicians, and industry professionals.
Dr. Pravin shared valuable perspectives on the vulnerabilities of traditional stone masonry buildings during earthquakes, emerging retrofitting strategies, and field-level construction challenges. Drawing from both research and practical experience, his talk emphasized the need for context-specific interventions that balance structural safety with construction feasibility.
The discussion served as a collaborative platform to explore solutions for strengthening masonry structures, especially in seismic-prone regions like Rajasthan. Dr. Pravin’s contributions were deeply appreciated by all present and sparked further dialogue on bridging traditional construction practices with modern engineering knowledge.
MBM Engineering College thanked Dr. Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao and all the participants for contributing to a meaningful and solution-oriented exchange.
August 2025