Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao, gave a guest lecture on Seismic Safety and Retrofitting of Masonry Buildings at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal, Karnataka, on 13February 2026. The lecture was attended by M.Tech and Ph.D students specializing in Structural Engineering.

The lecture focused on the seismic vulnerability of masonry structures and contemporary retrofitting approaches, including composite-based strengthening techniques for improving structural performance under earthquake loading. The session provided an opportunity to disseminate current research developments and practical insights in earthquake engineering and masonry rehabilitation.

The interaction with the students was engaging and intellectually stimulating, with active participation and thoughtful discussions on research challenges and engineering applications in seismic strengthening. Such academic engagements contribute significantly to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the promotion of collaborative research in structural and earthquake engineering. During the visit, Dr. Pravin also met several senior faculty members, making the experience even more memorable and meaningful.

February 2026