The Civil Engineering Department of Vidhyadeep Institute of Engineering and Technology organized an Expert Talk on “Structural Design Fundamentals†on 23 August 2025 for undergraduate students with the aim of strengthening their practical understanding of core structural engineering concepts. The session was delivered by Mr. Mayank Patel, Founder & Director of Agratas Group and Agratas Infra LLP, a distinguished industry expert with extensive experience in structural design and infrastructure development.
Mr. Patel began the session by explaining the importance of structural design in ensuring the safety, stability, and longevity of any construction project. He elaborated on fundamental principles that guide structural engineers in planning and designing buildings and infrastructure. A detailed discussion on load calculations was presented, where he explained different types of loads such as dead load, live load, wind load, and seismic load, and how these forces impact structural performance. His explanations helped students understand how engineers evaluate risk factors and design structures to withstand various environmental and usage conditions.
The session further covered the behavior of construction materials under stress and strain. Mr. Patel highlighted the significance of selecting appropriate materials based on strength, durability, and cost efficiency. He also discussed structural analysis techniques used to determine internal forces and moments acting on structural members. Key structural components such as beams, columns, slabs, and foundations were explained with practical design considerations and real project references, enabling students to visualize their applications in actual construction scenarios.
To make the learning experience more engaging, Mr. Patel shared case studies from his professional projects, illustrating common on-site challenges and the solutions adopted by engineers. His industry-focused insights provided students with a clearer understanding of professional responsibilities, design standards, and safety compliance requirements.
The expert talk was further enriched by a site visit conducted within the university campus. Students observed structural elements, reinforcement detailing, and construction methodologies in practice. This hands-on exposure allowed them to directly connect theoretical knowledge with field execution, making the session more interactive and impactful.
Overall, the event proved to be highly informative and beneficial. It successfully bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world engineering practice, enhanced students’ technical competence, and inspired them to pursue excellence in the field of structural engineering.
