Guest Lecture on Special Applications of Geotechnical Engineering

A Guest lecture on Special Applications of Geotechnical Engineering was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering on 15^th September 2023 in seminar hall 4. A total of 65 Students and 14 Faculty members of the Civil Engineering Department participated in the guest lecture.

The session was related to Special Applications in Geotechnical Engineering, which encompasses a diverse range of specialized techniques and practices that play a crucial role in addressing complex geotechnical challenges. It explored key topics such as ground improvement techniques, retaining structures, slope stability analysis, innovative foundation engineering methods, tunneling and underground construction, seismic geotechnics, environmental considerations, offshore applications, geotechnical instrumentation, and the exciting realm of emerging technologies. Through insightful case studies and a glimpse into the challenges and future trends of geotechnical engineering.

The guest lecture started with the arrival of the dignitaries on the dais. The dignitaries present were Dr. C R Parthasarathy, Founder and Director of Sarathy Geotech & Engineering Services Pvt ltd., Bangalore., Dr. A. C. Niranjanappa (Dean-Research), and Dr. N. Vetrivel (Head of Civil Engineering Department, MVJCE).

Dr. A. C. Niranjanappa (Dean-Research) delivered the welcome address, welcoming the Chief Guest and participants. Dr. N. Vetrivel delivered an introduction about the guest speaker.

Dr. C R Parthasarathy, Founder and Director of Sarathy Geotech & Engineering Services Pvt ltd. began the lecture by emphasizing the critical role of pile foundations in construction projects. He highlighted that pile foundations are essential for supporting structures in challenging soil conditions, such as soft soils, expansive soils, and high groundwater levels. Types of Piles: The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of different types of piles, including driven piles, bored piles, and micro-piles, along with their suitability for various geological conditions. Dr. Parthasarathy explained when and why each type should be chosen. Design Principles: The core aspect of the lecture focused on the design aspects of pile foundations. Dr. Parthasarathy discussed the geotechnical investigations, load-bearing capacity calculations, and safety factors involved in pile design. He elaborated on the various design codes and standards used in the industry. Special Applications: The lecture delved into special applications of pile foundations, such as marine structures, offshore platforms, and bridge foundations. Dr. C R Parthasarathy shared case studies and real-life examples to illustrate the challenges and solutions encountered in these applications. Innovations and Future Trends: Dr. Parthasarathy concluded by discussing recent innovations in pile foundation design, including the use of advanced materials, monitoring systems, and sustainable practices. He also touched upon the future trends and challenges facing geotechnical engineers in the field. Following the lecture, there was an interactive Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to clarify doubts and seek further insights from Dr. Parthasarathy. The session facilitated a deeper understanding of the topic and allowed for valuable knowledge exchange.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. N. Vetrivel, extending gratitude to the esteemed Key speaker for his presence and an excellent session, to the Management of MVJCE for providing an opportunity to organize such events, to the Principal Dr. Suresh Babu V and Vice Principal Dr. M. Brindha for their constant support and encouragement, faculty of Civil Engineering Department and all the Civil Engineering students for their participation. He also thanked the IT helpdesk, non-teaching staff, and technicians for their contribution on 15th September 2023.

Dr. A. C. Niranjanappa presented a sapling to the speaker as a token of gratitude.

Dr. N. Vetrivel, Head of Civil Engineering Department, MVJCE, Bangalore delivering the welcome address.

Dr. A. C. Niranjanappa, Dean-Research, MVJCE and Dr. N. Vetrivel (Head of Civil Engineering Department, MVJCE) presenting a sapling to the speaker as a token of gratitude.

Outcome of the Event:

• The participants were able to get exposure on Special Applications of Geotechnical Engineering(PO5).
• The participants were able to get idea about techniques used for testing Pile Foundation (PO2, PO4, PO12).