Recent News

In a historic event, SRM University-AP and the Department of Road and Buildings (R&B), Government of Andhra Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU was signed for Research, Academic and Scientific Knowledge Exchange in the field of Pavement Engineering and its allied areas.

The signing ceremony was formally executed by Dr R Premkumar, Registrar of SRM University-AP, and Sri L Srinivasa Reddy, Chief Engineer (Roads & Buildings) SH&MD, Andhra Pradesh Road Development Corporation. This significant event was witnessed by Mr K Nayeemullah, the Engineer-in-Chief (Roads & Buildings), alongside Prof. Ranjit Thapa, the Dean of Research; Dr Raviteja KVNS, the Department Head; Dr GVP Bhagat Singh, Associate Professor; Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli, Assistant Professor; and other distinguished members of the faculty.

The collaboration poised to enhance bilateral engagement in research, pilot initiatives, and capacity-building efforts, will also foster student upskilling and reskilling through seminars, workshops, symposia, guest lectures, and co-mentorship in academic endeavours and enable them to perform better on the industrial front.

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar Dr R Premkumar stated, “This MoU serves one of the university’s goals, wherein we concentrate on positioning the university as a globally connected and regionally transformative institution of excellence.” He added that nobody is better suited than the faculty and students of SRM AP to come up with effective and affordable solutions to the problems we ourselves encounter.

“The MoU offers manifold benefits, it will enable government engineers to come and train the students and will provide them with first-hand experience in solving problems that are regional to this place”, said Mr K Nayeemullah, Engineer-in-Chief (R&B).

Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli, Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, SRM AP, in his statement, mentioned that the university is actively engaged in implementing the pilot study programme focused on researching cost-effective technology solutions aimed at addressing the issue of potholes across the state of Andhra Pradesh. He further stated that their team is in the process of organising a workshop aimed at raising awareness and fostering discussions on innovative approaches to infrastructure maintenance and improvement.

The MoU also aims to complement the varsity in its research endeavours by performing pilot studies and exploring new technologies including laboratory and field investigations. “The MoU will help actualise the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which will only succeed if universities like SRM AP commit to providing cost-effective and real-time solutions for the betterment of society,” stated Mr Srinivasa Reddy, Chief Engineer (R&B) SH & MD APRDC.

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