Date: 26thSeptember2025
Location: CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC),Taramani,Chennai Organized by: Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus
Participants: B.Tech Civil Engineering & M.Tech students
About the Visit
An educational visit was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, SRM IST (Ramapuram Campus) to the CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai, on 26th September 2025 as part of the CSIR Foundation Day – Open Day celebrations. The visit aimed to expose students to advanced research and development activities in the field of structural engineering and materials technology.
Overview of CSIR–SERC
The CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre is one of India’s premier research institutesundertheCouncilofScientificandIndustrialResearch(CSIR).Itfocusesonresearch instructuralengineering,seismicengineering,computationalmechanics,non-destructive testing,andsmartmaterials.TheOpenDayallowedvisitorstoexplorevariouslaboratories, research demonstrations, and structural models.
Highlights of the Visit
Studentsvisitedandinteractedwithscientistsinthefollowingkeyresearch laboratories:
1. Wind Engineering Laboratory
StudentsobservedthefunctioningoftheBoundaryLayerWindTunnel,usedtosimulatewind effects on buildings, bridges, and towers. Demonstrations illustrated how wind pressures are measured and analyzed for tall structures.
2. Advanced Seismic Testing and Simulation Centre
Livedemonstrationswereprovidedonshaketabletestingtostudythebehaviorofscaled-down building models during simulated earthquakes. Students learned about seismic retrofitting and vibration control technologies.
3. Structural Health Monitoring & Smart Materials Lab
Studentsgainedinsightsintosensor-baseddamagedetection,piezoelectric actuators, and fiber optic sensing technologies. The demonstrations showcased real-time structural monitoring for bridges and heritage structures.
4. Non-Destructive Evaluation(NDE)Lab
Various NDE techniques such as ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, rebound hammer, and infrared thermography were displayed, showing how internal defects in concrete can be identified without damaging the structure.
5. AdditiveManufacturingand3DConcretePrinting
The latest research on 3D printing of concrete structures using sustainable materials was highlighted, sparking curiosity among students about future construction technologies.
Key Observations
- Exposuretoreal-timetestingandmonitoringequipmentenhancedstudents’ understanding of theoretical concepts learned in class.
- Thevisitprovidedawarenessabouthowresearchinnovationsareappliedinthe constructionandinfrastructuresectors.
- Studentsinteractedwithscientistsandresearchers,gainingvaluableinsightsintocareer and research opportunities at CSIR–SERC.
Acknowledgement
The Department extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Priyanka M and Dr. Kotteeswaran, Assistant Professors (Civil), for organizing the visit, and to Mr. Senthil Velan, Head of the Department, for his support. Special thanks to the scientists and staff at CSIR–SERC for their hospitality and informative demonstrations that made the visit highly beneficial and memorable.
