SECON'26

SECON’26, the seventh edition of the International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management brought together researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and students from across the globe to discuss emerging trends and innovations in civil engineering. Centered on the theme “Cognitive Engineering: Shaping a Net-Positive and Resilient Built Environment,” the conference highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, sustainable materials, and smart infrastructure in addressing contemporary engineering challenges.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Shuichi Torii, Special Professor, Department of

Mechanical Systems Engineering, Kurume Institute of Technology, Japan and Dr. Katta Vakataramana, AICTE Distinguished Professional and Retired Professor of Civil Engineering, NITK Surathkal, India. The conference received 423 abstracts , of which 260 were accepted for full paper submission. After a  comprehensive review by a panel of 100+ reviewers, 130 papers were shortlisted for presentation and publication by Scopus indexed Lecture notes in Civil Engineering. 121 papers were presented in the conference from 3rd to 5th June 2026 by authors from premier institutes across the country and more than 10 countries.

The conference provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange through keynote addresses, and research presentations spanning areas such as digital twins, smart cities, autonomous construction systems, sustainable infrastructure, advanced materials, geospatial intelligence, and climate-resilient design. Participants had the opportunity to share innovative research, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and explore solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

It was indeed a moment  of pride as this was the 10th edition of SECON since its inception in 2017.  SECON has evolved into a recognised international forum for advancing research and professional practice in structural engineering and construction management. The journey has been strong and steady with improvements in every edition. From starting as a forum to publish the work of the MTech students of the department, SECON has now grown into a global platform with submissions from more 10 countries. In remembrance of our former student, the Abu Faiz Memeorial Jury award was given to Paper ID 280 titled "Experimental Evaluation of Mechanoluminescent Crack Detection in Concrete Structures" and the Best Paper award was bagged by paper ID 405 titled "Finite Element Analysis and Eurocode Compliant Design of Precast Building Elements and Their Connections".

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Rinu J Achison, AP CE