Recent News

Dr Raviteja K, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, has recently authored a groundbreaking book entitled “Sustainable Materials in Civil Infrastructure.” This publication is set to become a valuable resource for professionals and students in the field, shedding light on the importance of sustainable practices in construction and infrastructure development. His expertise and dedication to promoting environmentally friendly solutions within the realm of civil engineering have culminated in this significant literary contribution. The book delves into the utilization of eco-conscious materials, innovative construction techniques, and the crucial role they play in creating a more sustainable future for infrastructure projects worldwide.

His work is anticipated to inspire a new wave of sustainable practices in the industry and drive positive change towards greener and more resilient civil infrastructure development. Congratulations to Dr. Raviteja K on this remarkable achievement that is sure to make a lasting impact in the field of civil engineering!

Publication details (incl. Publisher, ISBN, Launch date, Edition, etc):
Title: Sustainable Materials in Civil Infrastructure, Publisher: Elseveir, ISBN: 978-0-443-16142-1, Date: July 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/C2022-0-02477-6.

Brief Introduction the Book:
Sustainable Materials in Civil Infrastructure delves into cutting-edge advancements in eco-materials, offering solutions crucial for building resilient and sustainable infrastructure. It provides profound insights into pioneering research on eco-materials for construction, offering a comprehensive guide on recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, bioconcrete, self-healing concrete, and industrial by-products like fly ash and shape memory alloys. Chapters explore design applications of bioconcrete and the utilisation of eco-materials in landfill liners and masonry, while also addressing obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of green concrete and bioconcrete, proposing practical solutions. This book serves as a cornerstone for the development of sustainable design methodologies, embraced by environmental monitoring bodies worldwide.

Significance of Book
The book “Sustainable Materials in Civil Infrastructure” published by Elsevier is a pivotal resource in the field of sustainable engineering, particularly relevant to my work in developing solutions for geotechnical and geoenvironmental challenges at Sustainable Engineering Research Laboratory (SERL), SRM University AP.

The inclusion of topics such as bioconcrete and the utilization of eco-materials in landfill liners and masonry is particularly significant. Bioconcrete, for instance, exemplifies a pioneering approach by integrating biological processes into construction materials, thereby promoting sustainability and durability. Addressing obstacles to the widespread adoption of green concrete and bioconcrete is also crucial, as it underscores the practical challenges that need to be overcome for these materials to achieve mainstream acceptance.

For my research focus at SERL, this book serves as a cornerstone. It not only provides in-depth insights into the latest research and development in sustainable materials but also offers practical guidance on their design applications and integration into infrastructure projects. Moreover, the emphasis on sustainable design methodologies aligns perfectly with our laboratory’s mission to promote environmentally conscious practices in civil engineering.

Target Audience of the Book
The target audience of the book “Sustainable Materials in Civil Infrastructure” includes a wide range of professionals and researchers involved in civil engineering, sustainability, and materials science. Specifically, the book would be helpful and resourceful for:
Civil Engineers, Researchers and Academics, Environmental Engineers, Policy Makers and Regulatory Bodies, Students, Construction Industry Professionals, and Consultants.

Co-authors
The co-editors include: Thainswemong Choudhury, Lakhveer Singh and Elisa Bertolesi

The Link of the Book Publication

The water crisis in India, especially in the coastal regions, has worsened alarmingly, coercing environmentalists and researchers to critically study the reason behind this phenomenon. The Sundarbans region faces a scarcity of drinking water in terms of quality and quantity due to various reasons. Dr Kousik Das, Asst. Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dr Harish Puppala, Asst Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Mr Mijanur Mondal, Research Scholar from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering has conducted a groundbreaking study on the increased salinization of water due to human activities. The research trio has published a paper titled “Understanding the susceptibility of groundwater of Sundarbans with hydroclimatic variability and anthropogenic influences” in the prestigious Q1 journal Groundwater for Sustainable Development, which has an impact factor of 5.9, critically analysing the numerous factors that affect the quality of drinking water in the Sundarbans region.

Abstract

Coastal aquifers worldwide are experiencing increased salinisation due to climate change and human activities. Sundarbans, in India, is one such area where this phenomenon is noticed at an unprecedented rate, making drinking water unpotable for consumption. Existing studies lack a comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify drivers of groundwater salinisation, examining climate change parameters such as rainfall patterns, sea level rise, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and tropical cyclones. Significant groundwater level declines from 1996 to 2017 are primarily attributed to variations in the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño Southern Oscillation, affecting rainfall and recharge rates. During tropical cyclones, groundwater levels rise rapidly, and quality is sensitive to El Niño Southern Oscillation. Rising sea levels, changing rainfall, and increasing population density worsen salinisation. Shallow aquifers have high salinity, whereas deep aquifers exceed permissible limits. This underscores the urgent need to address drinking water scarcity and potential migration resulting from complex interactions between climate, population, and groundwater management.

Social Implications of the Research

• Water Quality Monitoring: Implementing regular monitoring of salinity levels in groundwater to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Community Awareness Programmes: Conducting educational campaigns to inform local communities about the risks of high salinity levels in drinking water and promoting the judicious use of water sources so that unscientific abstraction can be reduced.
• Policy Development: Formulating policies at the local and national levels to regulate salinity levels in drinking water and ensure public health protection.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Investing in water treatment facilities or technologies to remove high salt levels from groundwater sources. Alternative sources and rainwater harvesting can be taken into consideration.

Collaborations – IIT Kharagpur, India

The research team plans to work on Groundwater vulnerability modelling using AI/ML in Sundarbans, India next. The team has begun collecting primary data using questionnaire surveys and interviews to throw light on socio-economic conditions and to understand the core reasons for the water crisis and health and psychological issues due to water unavailability, especially during extreme events like cyclones.

Link to the article