The Institution of Engineers (India), Nagpur Local Centre, successfully organized a Two Day National Seminar on “Forensic Civil Engineering” on 10th&11th October 2025, focusing on the importance of forensic investigations in identifying causes of structural failures and ensuring safe, reliable, and accountable infrastructure development. The seminar brought together academicians, industry experts, consultants, researchers, and practicing engineers from across India for knowledge exchange.
The event was inaugurated by Hon'ble Shri Nitinji Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, who highlighted the need for innovation, sustainable materials, and cost-effective quality enhancement in infrastructure. Shri Gadkari was also conferred the Life Time Fellowship of IE(I), a rare honor awarded only 12 times in the Institution's 105year history. The seminar souvenir was unveiled during the inaugural session, which was attended by Er. Manish Kothari, National President (Elect), IE(I), Er. Anand Jawanjal, Chairman, IE(I) Maharashtra State Centre, and other dignitaries.
The seminar featured multiple technical sessions including expert lectures, case studies, and panel discussions on key topics such as:
• Root Cause Analysis of a 33.3 m MS Chimney Failure – Er. Kaizad
• Earthquake Resilience in India – Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla
• Bridge Failures: Analysis & Forensics – Er. Vinay Gupta
• Structural Retrofitting – Dr. Mangesh Joshi and Dr. Dilip Mase
• Geotechnical Investigations – Dr. Amol Shingare
• Learning from Failures – Dr. Chetan Raikar
• Forensic Collapse Investigation – Dr. C. V. R. Murthy
• Case Study: Building Collapse in Pune – Dr. Abhay Bambole
• 5D Methodology – Dr. Aparup Biswal
• Remediation of Chloride-Induced Damage – Pushpam Kumar
The sessions facilitated active discussions and bridged the gap between research and practice in forensic civil engineering.
The Valedictory Function on 11th October was graced by Hon'ble Justice (Retd.) Shri Avinash Gharote, who emphasized accountability and the legal-ethical dimensions of engineering practice. Participants acknowledged the seminar's relevance in enhancing professional knowledge and practice.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr. Swapneel Satone, Organising Secretary, on behalf of the organizing team. Special gratitude was extended to the National Advisory Committee, speakers, sponsors, industry partners, volunteers, and support staff, including the dedicated FCE: 2025 Organizing Committee led by Er. Satish Raipure, Dr. Sandeep Shirkhedkar, Dr. Dilip Mase, Dr. Mahesh Shukla, Dr. Swapneel Satone, Dr. Valsson Varghese, and others.
The seminar successfully provided a platform for professional exchange, technical learning, and collaboration, reinforcing the critical role of forensic civil engineering in ensuring safe, sustainable, and accountable infrastructure, while promoting best practices and innovation in the field.
