The International Seminar on "Advances in Bridge Management" was held on September 25-26, 2024, at Hotel Lalith Ashok, Bengaluru. The event was organized by the Indian Road Congress (IRC), in association with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, and the International Road Association. This seminar, inaugurated by the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, gathered global and Indian experts to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in bridge construction and management.
The two-day seminar saw 24 distinguished speakers presenting their expertise, with 12 international participants from many countries. Additionally, 12 eminent Indian speakers were selected by IRC (Indian Road Congress), the Ministry of Surface Transport, and the International Road Association, providing a broad view of the advancements in bridge engineering worldwide.
Dr. S B Hegde, Professor of Civil Engineering at Jain College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, and Visiting Professor at Pennsylvania State University, USA, delivered the First keynote address titled "New and Sustainable Materials & Technologies in Bridge Construction." In his presentation, Dr. Hegde highlighted the use of advanced materials such as Photocatalytic Concrete, Self-Healing Concrete, Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymers, and Nanocomposites, which have the potential to significantly enhance the durability and sustainability of bridges in India. "Designing bridges to last 100 years requires innovative materials and construction techniques, which is crucial for the future of infrastructure," Dr. Hegde stated. He also serves as an Editorial Advisory Board Member of the "Cement and Its Application" journal.
The seminar received a positive response from the audience, which included engineers, consultants, and academicians. Topics such as the need for updated IRC codes, proper project planning, and the implementation of effective bridge health monitoring systems were highlighted as key factors in achieving long-term sustainable infrastructure.
This event underscored India's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies for infrastructure development, paving the way for future advancements in bridge construction and management.
