Rourkela: The Department of Civil Engineering of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela Organized a Short Term Course on ‘New Technology Applications in Road Pavements’ supported by TEQIP-III from 12 January to 16 January. Inaugurating the event Director of NIT Rourkela Professor Animesh Biswas said, ‘ The latest developments in road pavements led to quality life of the public by giving various examples of road transportation scenario in developed countries’. He also highlighted the trauma people faced in earlier days of travel by road. Biswas complimented the Dept. of Civil Engineering for organizing a short term course on a socially relevant and emerging topic. He also appreciated the involvement of the Department in many consultancy activities contributing to the major share of Institute revenue Generation.

Another guest of the event and TEQIP-III Coordinator Professor C.R. Patra highlighted the need of continuing education on emerging and new areas. Patra appreciated the participation in good number from the Industry in the Course. He advised the engineers to apply the new technologies in innovations.  

Speaking about the objectives behind the course, head of Civil Engineering  department Professor Mahabir Panda said ‘The primary objective of this short term course is to upgrade the knowledge of the participants with regard to the latest technological developments in road pavements which include design, construction, and utilization of local/waste materials with the objective of achieving a sustainable road pavement. Many innovative and scientific approaches have been made to achieve not only the quantity but also the quality of the road pavements. For creating more sustainable and economical pavement infrastructures, it is customary that the engineers, academicians, and others associated in this particular field should be aware of various issues that affect the performance of the road pavements. The related important issues are  Developments in analysis and design of road pavements, characterization of important materials used in road pavements,  Performance-based bituminous mix design,  Alternate and economical pavement design, and use of local and waste materials in road pavements added Professor Panda.  He welcomed the guests as well as proposed the vote of thanks at the end.