Patna: The three-day International Conference on “Advancements in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering” (ASAGE’25) kicked off on Thursday at IIT Patna with a grand inauguration. The ceremony, which included the traditional lighting of the lamp, was attended by prominent figures including Professor T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna; Professor B.K. Maheshwari, President of the Indian Society of Earthquake Technology (ISET); Dr. V. Ramchandra, President of the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI); Dr. Amit Kumar Verma, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dr. Vaibhav Singhal, and Arvind Prakash Jha, Convener of the conference.
ASAGE’25 marks a significant milestone as the first international conference on structural and geotechnical engineering to be held at IIT Patna. The event, which will run from February 6 to 8, 2025, includes 24 technical sessions, 24 keynote talks, and over 170 paper presentations. With more than 250 delegates from academia, industry, and government sectors both from India and abroad, the conference provides an invaluable platform for experts, researchers, and professionals in construction and geotechnical engineering to exchange knowledge on the latest advancements in these fields.
In his inaugural address, Professor T.N. Singh underscored the importance of geotechnical engineering in structural development, advocating for stronger collaboration between both disciplines to foster the creation of robust, sustainable infrastructure. He noted that conferences like ASAGE’25 are crucial for driving innovation and encouraging collaboration in the field.
Dr. V. Ramchandra, President of the Indian Concrete Institute, addressed the need for eco-friendly concrete solutions that mitigate environmental impacts. He elaborated on the ongoing developments in sustainable materials and construction techniques designed to enhance the durability of structures while reducing carbon footprints.
Professor B.K. Maheshwari, President of ISET, emphasized the critical role of the construction sector in India, which contributes 8% to the country’s GDP. He encouraged students and researchers, highlighting the vast career opportunities in civil engineering, particularly in the context of a rapidly growing industry.
In a virtual keynote address, Professor T.G. Sitaram, Chairman of AICTE, delved into the geotechnical design of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a project designed for durability over the next 1,000 years. The design integrates advanced techniques in settlement control, load transfer, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Shahab Yasarebi of Geomaple Geotechnics Inc. in Canada presented on innovative excavation techniques for soft ground tunneling, focusing on solutions for stability and risk mitigation in urban infrastructure.
While Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, was unable to attend due to prior commitments, he sent his best wishes for the success of the conference, emphasizing its significance.
ASAGE’25 features a wide range of technical sessions covering diverse topics such as bridges, tunnels, tall buildings, geotechnical seismic engineering, geo-environmental and bio-geotechnical engineering, advanced structural analysis and design, ground improvement, and energy geotechnics, as well as the development of next-generation construction materials.
The conference not only serves as an opportunity for academic collaboration but also provides a platform for engaging with industry leaders and government officials, making it a landmark event for professionals in the field of structural and geotechnical engineering.
