Your inspiration to take up engineering as a profession…
I have always been fascinated by remarkable architecture and felt drawn towards it, and an interest in maths and physics, especially mechanics, further solidified my decision to choose this field of profession.
Your learning curve from a student to a pro today…
I have gained more profound knowledge through practice than I did while studying. Real learning begins when you confront real-life challenges—only then does the theory you once studied truly come alive. No amount of theoretical knowledge can fully prepare you for the complexities of real-world challenges. Even 35 years after completing my formal education, I continue to learn and grow every single day.
Challenges you face as a structural consultant…
The early years of my career were quite challenging, as the 90s were marked by a scarcity of work. However, when construction was booming, a new set of challenges made way. Projects demanded rapid turnarounds, and fees began to decline. The current fee structure has become unsustainable which often undermines the ability to deliver high-quality work.
How do you see the adoption of rolled sections…
The options that are currently available for hot rolled sections are woefully minimal for cost-effective designs. The table below compares the available sections in India and the US. The figures for I-beams and channels include recently introduced Parallel Flanged sections by a few suppliers (noted in brackets). The main issues are twofold: first, India offers less than half the available sections compared to the US; and second, the numbers are misleading, as only 20 per cent of sections are readily available off the shelf. The remaining 80 per cent must be pre-ordered, requiring sufficient tonnage for suppliers to roll. The shortage of larger hollow sections has been a major challenge, leading to higher design costs and delayed construction schedules.
If you can change one thing in the construction practices of India…
One of the biggest challenges for the growth and quality of construction projects is the L1 mentality–where the lowest bidder wins invariably. This often results in substandard construction, which is quite evident from the recent spate of failures across the country, causing significant loss of life and property, along with widespread disruption to infrastructure. Even in the design field, I have seen a steady decline in the fees to 25 per cent of what it used to be 35 years ago when I started my career.
How has your relationship been with steel…
My relationship with steel has always been one of wonder. The possibilities it offers are unmatched by any other material. Its strength, ductility, consistency, flexibility, and malleability make it an exceptional choice, which is why we advocate its use in most of our projects. When a project is primarily designed in RCC, we often incorporate steel in certain elements because its unique properties deliver unparalleled performance and do justice to the demands of those components.
Your best work in steel so far…
Luckily, we have done some wonderful steel projects, but to pick one from the lot, it would be the Sports Block JPNIC in Lucknow. It features an indoor olympic-sized swimming pool, two multi-purpose halls, and a column-free space of 48 m x 150 m across two levels, topped with a sloping garden designed to bear 1.5 tonne/sq m.
This was achieved using 1200 mm diameter steel arches made of 25 mm thick plates, spanning 48 m at 8 m intervals, with V-shaped steel stubs creating a 4 m x 4 m grid for the concrete slab. Notably, the project also includes a 6 m cantilever helipad atop a 105 m high hotel block.
An international project in steel that inspires you…
It’s a tough choice, but I would like to highlight some of Santiago Calatrava’s recent works, such as the transit station at the new WTC in New York and the Liège Railway Station. These projects are pure masterpieces in steel, showcasing the unique potential of the material in ways that no other medium can achieve.
How do you update and upgrade yourself with the changing times…
A strong knowledge base is crucial for any consulting organisation. We stay updated on the latest technological advancements through methods such as codal reviews, comparisons with international standards, subscriptions to journals, and participation in seminars and workshops.
We also engage in bi-directional peer reviews, collaborate with educational and research institutions, and utilise web-based resources for the latest materials, construction technologies, and publications. Additionally, we ensure we’re always current with the latest software and updates.
Quick Fire:
Your College: IIT, Kanpur
Total Experience: 36 years
Your Inspiration: Santiago Calatrava
Your mantra for success: Deliver excellence, meet deadlines, exceed expectations.
You want to be remembered as: A Creative and Diligent Engineer
Steel Projects you are currently working on:
– Goa Bazaar, Goa
– Wildlife Safari Resort at Ngorongoro, Tanzania
– Office for Rawbank, Kinshasa, DRC
– Waste to Energy Plant, Thilafushi, Maldives
