Dr. P Pravin Kumar Venkat Rao gave an expert lecture on Earthquake Behaviour of Masonry Structures on 30 May as part of the Internship Programme organized by the National Academy of Construction (NAC), Hyderabad. The programme was attended by B.Tech Civil Engineering students from IIIT Basara and Gandhi Institute for Technology (GIFT), Bhubaneswar.

The lecture focused on the seismic behaviour and vulnerabilities of masonry structures, earthquake-resistant construction practices, and retrofitting techniques for existing masonry buildings. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of understanding masonry behaviour and strengthening methods—areas that often receive limited coverage in undergraduate engineering curricula.

Dr. Rao also highlighted recent advancements in seismic retrofitting, including the use of sustainable and innovative strengthening materials. The session witnessed active participation from students, who engaged in discussions on structural safety, earthquake resilience, and practical engineering applications.

Such outreach initiatives play a vital role in disseminating research-driven knowledge among aspiring engineers and contribute to fostering a stronger national outlook on earthquake-safe construction and disaster resilience.

 May 2026