CSIR-SERC hosts seminar on earthquake safety of precast, prefabricated structures

chennai: csir-structural engineering research centre (csir-serc) conducted a one-day hybrid seminar on the earthquake safety of precast and prefabricated structures, drawing over 270 online participants and more than 50 attendees on campus.dr. p. kamatchi, head of the astar laboratory, delivered the opening remarks. dr. n. anandavalli, director, csir-serc and coordinating director, csir chennai campus, highlighted the centre's critical contributions to precast and prefabricated technologies, especially in mass housing.the seminar featured expert talks by leading academicians and industry specialists. dr. pinar okumus from the university at buffalo and prof. yogendra singh of iit roorkee presented the latest research on the seismic performance of precast systems. industry experts — shri yogesh kajale (bg shirke construction), shri prasad c.a. (metey engineering & consultancy), shri amit barde (l&t construction) and shri s. sathiyaseelan (teemage precast inc.) — discussed emerging challenges and growth opportunities in india's precast construction sector, urging a transition from conventional methods to meet infrastructure demands.csir-serc scientists dr. g.v. rama rao, dr. mohit verma and dr. c. bharathi priya shared insights from laboratory investigations, including full-scale lateral load testing on precast buildings up to g+2.a panel discussion moderated by former csir-cbri director dr. n. gopalakrishnan outlined strategies for enhancing seismic testing, standardisation and safe construction practices. former csir-serc chief scientist dr. k. muthumani emphasised the need for continued r&d to advance india's precast technologies.