Building Resilient Infrastructure: My Learning Experience at IIT Guwahati

Participating in the two-day workshop on “Developments in Seismic Risk Assessment of Infrastructure” at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati on 24–25 August 2026 was an enriching academic experience for me. Organised by the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Guwahati, with support from SPARC, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the workshop brought together academicians, researchers, engineers and professionals working in the areas of earthquake engineering and infrastructure safety.

The sessions offered valuable exposure to recent developments in seismic vulnerability, fragility assessment, probabilistic risk analysis, ageing and deterioration of structures, multi-hazard assessment and infrastructure resilience. Discussions on the seismic performance of structures, bridge vulnerability, critical infrastructure and coastal hazards provided a broader understanding of how modern engineering approaches can be applied to assess infrastructure under different risk scenarios.

One of the most interesting aspects of the workshop was the opportunity to understand how computational and probabilistic approaches are increasingly being integrated with conventional structural assessment. Exposure to the OpenSees-REOS Risk Analysis Platform, along with discussions on deteriorated structures and multi-hazard conditions, added a strong practical dimension to the programme. The visit to the Structural Engineering Laboratory at IIT Guwahati was another valuable part of the experience, offering a closer look at experimental research facilities.

For me, the workshop was not merely a technical programme but also an opportunity to interact with experts and reflect on emerging directions in structural and earthquake engineering. The knowledge and perspectives gained from these two days will be useful in my teaching, research and continued professional development, while further strengthening my interest in the assessment and resilience of infrastructure systems.

— Ms. Sutanuka Nath, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Don Bosco University