Guest Lecture on 'Recent Practices in Highway Technology’

A Guest Lecture on ‘Recent Practices in Highway Technology’ was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, under the banner of IQAC, MVJCE, on 13^th November 2021, at 9:30 am, in Seminar Hall 5. All Covid-related SOPs were followed. Around 50 students and faculty members from the Department of Civil Engineering participated in this programme.

Roads have always been a vital infrastructure for any country, as they enable efficient transportation of freight and people. India has the second largest road network in the world. Construction in the Roads and Highways sector has increased significantly, in recent years. New and emerging technologies are reshaping the dynamics of road construction, with a renewed focus on sustainable development. Durable roads with long life and low maintenance are a priority now.

Prof. Muralidhara R delivering the Welcome Address

The event organized by the Civil Engineering Department, MVJCE, addressed recent technologies in highway development such as processes and technologies, usage of innovative materials, automation and machine control technologies that are used in the construction sector to improve efficiency and lower the impact on environment, and the ways to overcome various challenges such as cost overruns and congestion.

Principal Dr. P Mahabaleswarappa addressing the Gathering

The Guest Lecture started with the arrival of the dignitaries on the dais. The dignitaries present were the Guest Speaker Dr. Anjaneyappa (Associate Professor, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru), Dr. P Mahabaleswarappa (Principal, MVJCE), Dr. N Vetrivel (Head of Civil Engineering Department, MVJCE) and Prof. Muralidhara R (Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, MVJCE). The Master of Ceremony was Prof. Apoorva Kiran (Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, MVJCE). Prof. Muralidhara R welcomed the Chief Guest and introduced him to the gathering. He also welcomed the Principal, Head and faculty of the Civil Engineering Department, and all the participants. The opening remarks were given by Principal, Dr. P Mahabaleswarappa.

Guest Speaker Dr. Anjaneyappa delivering his Lecture on ‘Recent Practices in Highway Technology’

Dr. Anjaneyappa then took over the session. He started the lecture by briefing the participants on the pavement cycle, which includes characterisation of ingredients proposed for production, optimization of ingredients and cost, production and maintenance. He gave an overview of the road construction environment, the challenges faced and the risks involved. He explained in detail, the structure of roads, materials used in each layer, the construction procedure, tests involved etc. He also dealt with the importance of compaction, rolling, and causes of segregation. He gave many facts and figures based on experimental investigations by various studies. He presented many real time images on the various technologies used in road construction, relating to materials and equipment used. The session culminated with a Q/A session. Overall, the session was very interesting and informative.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. N Vetrivel, extending gratitude to the esteemed Guest Speaker for his presence and an excellent session, to the Management of MVJCE for providing an opportunity to organize such events, to the Principal Dr. P Mahabaleswarappa and Vice Principal Dr. M Brindha for their constant support and encouragement, to the faculty of Civil Engineering Department, and all the Civil Engineering students for their participation. He also thanked the IT helpdesk, non-teaching staff and technicians for their contribution in making the event a success.

Dr. N Vetrivel delivering the Vote of Thanks

Outcome of the Event

The Lecture helped students to understand the recent technologies involved in highway construction, the challenges faced and the ways to overcome them. It gave them an exposure to the many applications used in highway construction practices. The students were introduced to the statistics and investigations conducted by various researchers (PO 12). It enhanced the technical knowledge and skill of students. It motivated them towards research (PO 2).