CHENAB BRIDGE PROJECT: A MARVEL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, was officially inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the inauguration, he hailed the bridge as an engineering marvel and a testament to New India’s strength, vision, and capabilities. The bridge not only sets global records but also symbolizes India’s resilience and determination to build in some of the most challenging terrains. A geophysical survey using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) method was conducted as part of the foundational assessment for the Chenab Bridge project. The survey took place from December 20th to December 30th, 2015, at the S40 and S50 foundation sites. Led by Prof. Naveen B. P., under the esteemed guidance of Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Hon’ble Chairman, AICTE, the MASW survey played a crucial role in evaluating the subsurface soil conditions and shear wave velocity profiles. These findings are essential for understanding the geotechnical integrity and seismic resilience of the bridge foundations. This effort reflects the integration of advanced geophysical methods in infrastructure development and highlights the importance of applied research in overcoming engineering challenges in complex terrains.
HSR Flyover, Bangalore
Dr Naveen uses Oasys software to address the gap in codes when seeking an understanding of how larger diameter piles (over 1m) will perform, and lays the foundations for building knowledge bank of their limitations. Dr Naveen’s paper uses field data from the existing bifurcated HSR flyover in his home country – India.
Bangalore Metro Project
Top-down Construction
Prestige Khoday Tower, located on Raj Bhavan Road in Bengaluru, is a landmark commercial project by Prestige Group that pioneered the top-down construction method in India in 2009. The technique enabled simultaneous upward construction of the superstructure and downward excavation of the basements, supported by diaphragm walls and an early ground slab system. This innovative approach saved time, enhanced structural safety, and minimized ground disturbance, crucial for its sensitive urban site near the Governor’s residence. The geotechnical design, led by Prof. Naveen B. P. of United Foundation Pvt. Ltd., ensured exceptional foundation stability, making the tower a benchmark in modern urban engineering.
Lucknow Metro Project
Lucknow Metro Phase 1 features an advanced underground section built using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) based on the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) technique. Twin tunnels, about 5.8 m in diameter and 12–15 m deep, were driven through soft alluvial strata with reinforced concrete segmental linings ensuring strength and waterproofing. Launch and retrieval shafts at Charbagh and KD Singh Babu Stadium enabled smooth TBM operations with minimal surface disturbance—vital for the dense and heritage-rich urban environment. Executed by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) with support from RITES and international experts, the project stands as a milestone in precision tunneling and sustainable urban engineering.