Research Activities

I have developed a Vertical-Diagonal Strut model for seismic analysis of confined masonry buildings using nonlinear finite element simulations. The V-D Strut model is really simple and can be very easily used in any finite element programs to model even big confined masonry buildings having several panels.

Beam-column joints are some of the most important components in a building as they not only help in transferring various loads to different members of the building, but also help in improving the lateral stability of the building. Currently, I am working on a research project on "Evaluation of Column-to-Beam Flexural Capacity Ratio for Strong-Column Weak-Beam Design in RC Buildings", sponsored by the Science and Engineering Research Board, DST, Government of India.

Masonry has been one of the most commonly used construction materials since ancient times.  A large number of URM buildings constructed in seismically-prone regions of developing countries require immediate strengthening intervention. A cost-effective and easily implementable strengthening scheme is required to be developed for its wide acceptability in society. After my Ph.D. thesis submission, I worked on a research project on "Seismic Strengthening of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings using Ferrocement Bands", sponsored by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Assam-type houses are wooden structures commonly constructed in the north-eastern part of India. They have very high seismic resilience due to their inherent configuration, material, light weight, flexibility, and unique connections. Before joining the Ph.D. program at IIT Guwahati, I worked on a research project on "Evaluation and Enhancement of Seismic  Capacity of Assam-type Housing", sponsored by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Structural safety assessment is a necessary step in deciding retrofitting strategies for old or damaged buildings. Large number of old buildings and even new buildings that are not constructed with sufficient care require immediate safety assessment to determine their remaining life. RVS (Rapid Visual Screening) along with NDT (Nondestructive Tests) are often used to assess the structural condition and subsequent retrofitting.