Talk on Real-Time Visualisation Using VR

Gone are the days when civil engineering was limited to two-dimensional blueprints and traditional site visits. Today, technology allows us to walk through a building before the foundation is even laid. On October 7, 2026, our department students' association Association of Civil Engineering (ACE) and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) jointly hosted an engaging tech talk titled "Local & Global Projects with Real-Time Visualisation Using Virtual Reality". 

Led by Design Engineer Rohith Pai and BIM Engineer Abhishek P S from SolidCAD, the afternoon session at DB308 offered students a firsthand look at the digital tools transforming modern infrastructure. Throughout the session, the speakers guided the students through the real-world journey of a construction project, from initial planning and project scheduling to final site execution. They broke down the practicalities of local Municipal Building Rules and offered a fascinating comparison between managing local projects and navigating the vast scale of international ones. A major focus of the afternoon was the growing scope of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Rather than viewing it as just another piece of software, students learned how BIM brings every phase of civil engineering together, helping engineers spot design clashes early, manage timelines efficiently, and open doors to global career opportunities.   

The true highlight of the talk was seeing Virtual Reality (VR) in action through a live demonstration. Watching how real-time visualization turns complex engineering models into immersive, walkable spaces sparked a lot of curiosity across the room. The session was a great reminder of how fast the construction industry is evolving and why staying updated with these technological advancements is essential as we prepare to step into the field as future civil engineers.

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Sreerath S, AP CE

Visit to Peechi Dam

Our department arranged a one day visit to Peechi Dam, Thrissur for the fifth semester B.Tech students on 14 Sep 2026. The visit was arranged to give them a practical exposure to the concepts they learnt as a part of the course "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" . 

The visit was highly informative with two overseers explaining the details of the dam. While we were there, the students got an opportunity to see an Ogee spillway and one shutter was open as the water level in the reservoir was higher than the Full supply level of 77m. The arrangements on the downstream for safe passage of water was also explained.

Student also got the opportunity to enter the infiltration gallery where sensors were installed to monitor the discharge, expansion of joints and uplift pressure. The walk through the gallery was an experience in itself with the water seeping in from the walls and a brief stint with the bats living in it.

Overall it was a great experience for the students and the faculty members to understand the working of the dam and the protocols followed to ensure its strength, stability and safety providing an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world engineering practices.

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Rinu J Achison, AP CE

What’s Wrong with This Building ? Challenge

The Indian Concrete Institute (ICI) Student Chapter of our department conducted “What’s Wrong with This Building? - A Construction Defect Spotting Challenge” on 7 October 2026. The activity aimed to enhance students’ practical understanding of construction defects, their causes, and preventive measures.

The challenge encouraged students to look beyond the appearance of buildings and think critically about the problems that affect their safety, durability, and serviceability. Participants were presented with real-life photographs of construction defects, including cracks, concrete deterioration, dampness, and plaster damage.

Teams were required to identify the defects, analyse their possible causes, and suggest appropriate preventive measures. They then presented their observations in short presentations, demonstrating their technical knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to propose practical engineering solutions.

Allen D Paliakkara and Anna Tomy of S3 CEA emerged as the winners of the competition. Their achievement reflects their keen observation skills, understanding of construction defects, and ability to apply civil engineering concepts to real-world situations.

The event provided an engaging learning experience by connecting classroom knowledge with practical construction scenarios. It also highlighted the importance of quality control, proper construction practices, regular inspection, and timely maintenance in ensuring the safety and longevity of buildings.

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Rinu J Achison, AP, CE