Dr. Praveen Kumar Shanmugam is an academician, researcher, and consultant, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. He began his academic journey with a B.E. in Civil Engineering from V.L.B. Janakiammal College of Engineering and Technology (Currently Sri Krishna College of Technology), where he was recognized as the Best Outgoing Student of the Department in 2010. He continued his higher studies with an M.E. in Computer Methods and Applications in Structural Engineering from Coimbatore Institute of Technology in 2012, before pursuing his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at PSG College of Technology under Anna University, guided by Dr. G. Sankarasubramanian, and successfully completing his doctoral degree in March 2019.
Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Praveenkumar has gained extensive teaching, research, and consultancy experience. He began as an Assistant Professor at Sri Krishna College of Technology in 2012, before joining PSG College of Technology in June 2013. At PSGCT, he progressed through academic positions as Assistant Professor (2013–2018), Assistant Professor (Senior Grade, 2018–2022), Assistant Professor (Selection Grade, 2023–2024), and was promoted to Associate Professor in June 2024, where he continues to contribute actively in teaching, research, and institutional development.
His subject expertise covers a broad range of civil and structural engineering topics including Concrete Making Materials, High Performance Concrete, Fibre Reinforced Concrete, Civil Engineering Materials and Construction, Computer Aided Civil Engineering Drawing, Computer Analysis of Structures, Design of Reinforced Concrete Framed Structures, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Structures, Structural Engineering, Performance of Concrete, and Modern Construction Materials. These teaching contributions are complemented by his strong focus on research and innovation in concrete and construction materials.
His research interests include cement and concrete technology, fiber-reinforced composites, engineered cementitious composites (ECC), alternative construction materials, industrial by-products, nano-silica-based mortars, graphene-modified concrete, microstructural analysis of construction materials, repair and rehabilitation of structures, durability performance of concrete, optimization techniques, and sustainable housing systems. He has successfully supervised four doctoral scholars to completion, including research on engineered cementitious composites, hybrid tubular columns, nano-silica-based cement composites for marine structures, and graphene-based cementitious composites, while three doctoral candidates are currently pursuing their research under his supervision at Anna University. He has also guided more than 23 postgraduate and 9 undergraduate projects, nurturing young engineers and researchers in structural and material sciences.
Dr. Praveenkumar has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in civil engineering, with over 50 publications in reputed journals, including Scopus-indexed and high-impact Q1 and Q2 journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. His research has been presented in more than 15 national and international conferences hosted by IITs, NITs, and leading research institutions. He is also the main author of the book “Production, Properties, and Applications of Engineered Cementitious Composites” published by IGI Global in 2024, and has contributed to several book chapters in Springer and Scopus-indexed volumes on pozzolanic materials, optimization techniques, and advanced composites.
His funded research includes a UGC Minor Research Project worth ₹2.75 lakhs (2017–2019) on the “Synergic effect of agricultural wastes on the mechanical properties of high-performance concrete”, in addition to grants worth ₹5 lakhs from UGC, CSIR, and MoEs for organizing training programs, FDPs, seminars, and workshops. In consultancy and industry collaboration, he has successfully completed projects such as “Development of Graphene-based admixture for concrete application” in partnership with Terracarb Private Limited, Chennai, with a funding of ₹5,03,900, and “Performance evaluation of rust shield in reinforced concrete circular columns” for Kongu TBI, valued at ₹2,23,560, both of which focused on durability and performance improvements of concrete structures. These projects highlight his ability to bridge academia with industry needs. He also played a leading role in establishing the Advanced Concrete Research Laboratory (ACRL) at PSG College of Technology, which is equipped with modern facilities to investigate construction materials and their field performance.
His awards and recognitions reflect his consistent excellence. He received the Dr. R. Sundaramoorthy Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement (2024–2025) from PSG College of Technology. He was also honored with the Best Guide Awards for both Ph.D. and Master’s Theses by the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Coimbatore Chapter and Ultratech Cement in January 2025, in addition to the Outstanding Master Thesis Award (2024) from ICI–Ultratech. Earlier in his career, he received the Young Achiever Award from Sri Krishna College of Technology (2023), the Vankatram Memorial Award (2010), the Best E-Leader Award from the National Entrepreneurship Network (2009), and the Best Outgoing Student Award (2010) from SKCET.
In terms of institutional responsibilities, Dr. Praveenkumar has contributed significantly to academic administration and quality assurance. He has served as Coordinator of the PSG Centre for Sponsored Research and Consultancy (PSG-CSRC, 2023 onwards), Programme Coordinator for M.E. Structural Engineering (full-time and part-time, 2022 onwards), Department Placement Coordinator (2019 onwards), Anna University Department Coordinator (2015 onwards), ISO Coordinator for academic audits (2018 onwards), Faculty Coordinator of the Indian Concrete Institute (Students’ Chapter, PSGCT), Faculty-in-charge of the Advanced Concrete Research Laboratory, and Organizing Secretary of the PSG Research Conclave (2022–2024). He has also served as Tutor for the B.E. Civil Engineering batch (2017–2020) and as a member of the Library Advisory Committee (2022–2024). His work in preparing SAR reports for NBA accreditation of UG and PG programs has been vital for maintaining the department’s academic standards.
Beyond teaching and research, he is an active contributor to professional societies, holding lifetime or active memberships in the Institution of Engineers (India), Indian Concrete Institute, Indian Society for Technical Education, Indian Society for Construction Materials and Structures, International Association of Engineers, International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction, Indian Association for Computational Mechanics, and Indian Association for Structural Engineering. His engagement with these bodies enhances his networking and collaborative opportunities at national and international levels.
He has delivered more than 25 invited lectures and keynote talks at faculty development programs, training courses, workshops, and conferences organized by reputed institutions across Tamil Nadu and beyond, including ATAL FDPs, AICTE-QIP sponsored programs, and Anna University FDTPs. He has also organized more than 40 programs between 2012 and 2025, ranging from national seminars and conclaves to specialized workshops on concrete technology, sustainable materials, and construction practices, supported by industries such as URC Construction, Dalmia Bharat Cement, Ultratech, and academic funding agencies including CSIR and UGC.
Dr. Praveenkumar is also an active reviewer for international journals published by Elsevier, Springer, Sage, and Hindawi, and serves as a guest editor and editorial board member for reputed journals in civil engineering. His participation in peer review and editorial work further reinforces his reputation as a trusted expert in construction materials and structural engineering research.