Add on course on Waterproofing

Ensuring a building can withstand water ingress is crucial for its long-term durability. This principle underpinned the add-on course on waterproofing offered by SIWIN, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering at FISAT. The course ran from October 27, 2023, to June 11, 2024, with classes scheduled on alternate Fridays and additional sessions during semester breaks. A special session took place from January 22 to February 2, 2024. 

The program aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to address waterproofing issues in buildings effectively. SIWIN is also a key recruiter for the Civil Engineering Department at FISAT, offering placement assistance to outstanding students. 28 students from the S8CE20 batch who enrolled for the course

The introductory remarks of the course were given by Mr. M. S. Sudish (Director, SIWIN), setting the stage for an engaging learning experience. Following this, one-on-one interviews were conducted by Ms. Bijimol Prajul (CEO, SIWIN). This personalized approach helped identify individual learning needs and created a welcoming environment for active participation. The initial interaction ensured that the course was tailored to cater to the diverse backgrounds and prior knowledge of the students, fostering a more effective and inclusive learning environment. 

The core curriculum of the course focused on the crucial applications of waterproofing in construction, exploring strategies for both substructures and superstructures. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the course showcased the practical realm of rehabilitation and retrofitting techniques. Students gained valuable insights into methods for addressing existing waterproofing issues in structures. The course explored common waterproofing failures like cracks, leaks, and delamination, providing practical solutions to these problems. Real-life case studies were a distinctive feature of the add-on course, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These case studies presented students with tangible examples of waterproofing challenges encountered in various construction projects. By dissecting these scenarios, participants gained valuable insights into the selection of waterproofing solutions, challenges, and design considerations.

To further bridge the gap between theory and practice, the program incorporated three enriching site visits: to Doctor Fixit, Aluva, Saint Gobain, Palakkad and Fosroc, Bangalore. This interaction with industry professionals enriched the learning experience, offering practical knowledge and real-world perspectives.These immersive site visits were crucial components of the learning process. By directly experiencing the materials, technologies, and industry practices, students were able to solidify the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and bridge the gap to real-world applications.