Your inspiration to take up engineering as a profession…
Initially, I wanted to join the army, but my father hoped to see me become an engineer. While pursuing civil engineering, I encountered numerous projects which piqued my interest in the field. My professor Dr RC Mishra, mentioned that if you grasp even 50 per cent of a structure’s behaviour, then you already are a structural engineer. This insight nudged me towards pursuing this field further, and it has now become my passion.
Your learning curve from a student to a pro today…
Currently, students’ practical knowledge is relatively low. During my time, professors were eager to share new anecdotes and encourage the exploration of innovative ideas. The student-teacher bond was much more dynamic; there was a genuine effort to teach, inspire, and motivate students to pursue their ideas.
The education pattern has changed, our professors taught us practically and took us to visit ongoing projects during the first three years of our degree. In the last year, we were assigned to design a project entirely on our own, acting as consultants. This aspect is currently absent, and I believe that experience was exceptional.
Based on my experience, I would say, the initial five-year period of a civil engineer is crucial. They acquire various skills in the field, like client management and labour handling. It also helps establish a market presence, stay informed about new technologies, and regularly update their software knowledge.
Challenges you face as a structural consultant…
As structural consultants, we face several significant challenges. Firstly, commercial challenges arise as the low fees for consultants in India make it difficult for one to sustain in the industry.
Secondly, clients often take a long time to embrace new ideas or approaches. The problem is cumbersome: clients typically approach the architects first, then the plans go to the marketing office, and only later do they reach us, the structural consultants. By that stage, the process is so advanced that we often have little to no opportunity to make changes or adjustments to the elements. Structural consultants are rarely involved from the inception of the project, it is crucial to include us early on, as we are only given broad ideas later in the process.
While economic challenges exist, from my perspective, safety is one of the biggest challenges. For instance, following the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, many buildings collapsed because cost considerations led to deviations from the design to satisfy client demands.
How do you see the adoption of rolled sections…
Indian rolled sections are good, but we face a significant issue with the availability of high-grade steel. Most manufacturers produce steel in 250 grade, while in the US, higher grades such as 550 grade are available, which are not offered in India. This gap drives up the cost of steel design.
As a builder with a focus on economic efficiency, the absence of high-grade steel limits our ability to implement more cost-effective solutions. If manufacturers could provide higher-grade rolled steel in India, it would greatly enhance our ability to manage costs and optimise designs.
If you can change one thing in the construction practices of India…
It would be the seamless adoption of the latest technology in the industry. While new technologies and methods bring significant advancements and improvements, experienced professionals in the field still resist change and prefer working with traditional methods. Persuading clients to embrace modern methods, such as steel structures, can be challenging. Often, their primary concern is the cost rather than the long-term benefits of adopting new technologies.
As the newer generation steps in, there is an opportunity for a shift towards innovation. To support this shift, it’s essential to make the clients aware-not just engineers-about the advantages and value of modern construction methods. The focus of awareness should extend beyond cost, highlighting how these advancements enhance efficiency and improve project results.
How has your relationship been with steel…
I have been working with steel for the last four to five years, and it has been an excellent experience. Currently, the scenario is such that any project that cannot be done in concrete can be accomplished with steel. It’s faster, more economical, and more efficient. Steel offers great resale and scrap value, making it an excellent choice. The future is undoubtedly in steel today, tomorrow, and for years to come, steel is the way forward.
Your best work in steel so far…
One of my best works in steel is an ongoing project, Art Hill in Kota, Rajasthan. It is an artificial mountain which is completely hollow inside and serves as a venue for art galleries, conferences, weddings, and other events, but from above, it resembles a natural mountain covered in grass. This project is incredibly challenging due to its parametric design, with each structural member having a unique shape. From an aesthetic perspective, it’s an exceptional project.
An international project in steel that inspires you…
In other countries, the majority of projects are being constructed using steel structures. The World Trade Park stands out to me the most, especially since it was completed so long ago and entirely in steel. It’s an excellent project. Another favourite international project is the Beijing National Stadium.
How do you update and upgrade yourself with the changing times…
I keep myself updated by staying connected with industry peers, reading magazines, engaging with professionals working in steel, and, lastly, by utilising the internet for updates.
Quick Fire
Your College: Government Engineering College, Kota
Total Experience: 27 years
Your Inspiration: Rajiv Kumar Vijay and Dr RC Mishra
You want to be remembered as: Someone who is recognised for their work
Steel projects you are currently working on:
– Five-star Hotel, Udaipur
– The entrance gate of NIMS Medical College, Jaipur
– Lord Hanuman Statue, Udaipur
– A 1000-person capacity auditorium at Jaipur
– A Medical College at Jaipur
– A School building at Jaipur
