Artificial intelligence and three-dimensional printing have started playing a major role in the construction sector, said Rajendra Kalbavi Rao, president of the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India).

At the inauguration of the two-day National Convention of Civil Engineers in Coimbatore on Thursday, Mr. Rao said that digitisation has picked up after the COVID pandemic. Civil engineers can stay relevant more than ever before by adopting technology, he said.

Increasing urbanisation and growing infrastructure are posing new challenges to civil engineers and the public. Smart, sustainable, and resilient structures can protect environment and promote responsible resource culture, said CJ Ragunathan, chairman of the event.

Justice R. Suresh Kumar, former Judge of the Madras High Court, pointed out that engineering marvels in Tamil Nadu, including the Grand Anicut and the Bragatheeswara Temple, built with inter-locking technology in granite (without the use of mortar) stand testimony to the civil engineering feat of the State’s ancestors. By creating sustainable buildings, the society is developing a better future for itself, he said.

He also released a souvenir of the conference.

T. Sripathy, Managing Director, MAPAL India, said the theme of the convention “Smart, Sustainable, Resilient” is very relevant. “We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us,” he said.

Madhavi Latha Gali, Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, who has designed the 272 km-long Udhampur—Srinagar—Baramulla rail link spoke about the technical challenges in the world’s highest railway arch bridge across the Chenab.