Foundation to finish: Preparing Civil Engineers for the modern workforce

The Department of Civil Engineering aims to strengthen students’ understanding of structural engineering fundamentals and align academic learning with industry expectations through various technical sessions.

A technical session titled “Foundation to Finish: Preparing Civil Engineers for the Modern Workforce” was organized on 24 February 2026. The session was delivered by Er.Sasikumar Therayil (Foundation and Structural Engineer,Sasikumar Associates) who served as the chief guest and resource person. 

The session began with an overview of various fields in civil engineering and the opportunities available in structural engineering practice. The speaker explained structural behaviour and load path concepts, illustrating how loads transfer through one-way slabs, two-way slabs, cantilevers, beams, and columns. Special attention was given to how changes in member size, orientation and support conditions influence the stiffness, strength and overall performance of structures.

The discussion further covered loads acting on structures and introduced manual analysis methods for beams, slabs, and frames, helping students understand the engineering logic behind software-based design. Fundamental structural concepts such as flexure, shear, axial load, and deflection were explained with practical examples to highlight their role in safe and efficient design.

A significant portion of the session focused on RCC design principles. The speaker discussed slab design aspects, including effective depth, steel distribution, detailing logic, and serviceability considerations. Key design concepts related to beams, columns, and foundations were also presented, along with the importance of durability and adherence to serviceability limits. The need for minimum knowledge in structural detailing was emphasized, stressing that correct detailing ensures safety even when analytical results are accurate.

Overall, the programme provided valuable technical insight and practical exposure for S8 B.Tech and M.Tech students. The session successfully encouraged participants to think beyond theoretical calculations and develop a logical, industry-oriented approach toward structural analysis, design, and detailing.