A delegation from the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India) [ACCE(I)], Hyderabad Centre, participated in IMPACT-2026, a national workshop on innovative construction materials and technologies organised by the CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI) at Roorkee, Uttarakhand.
The delegation, led by ACCE(I) Hyderabad Centre Chairman Er. Bheem Rao Jaligama, participated in the inaugural lamp-lighting ceremony alongside CSIR-CBRI Director Dr.R. Pradeep Kumar, scientists, researchers, industry representatives and other distinguished guests.
The participation highlighted the professional body’s efforts to strengthen collaboration between civil engineering consultants, research institutions and the construction industry, particularly in advanced building materials, precast systems and sustainable construction technologies.
The delegation comprised Er. Adepu Kashiram, General Secretary, ACCE(I); past Hyderabad Centre chairmen Er. V. V. Krishna Reddy and Er. S. Mahender Reddy; Secretary Er. D. S. Jayaprash; and members Er. S. Abhishek Reddy and Er. V. Nishita.
The workshop, titled Innovative Materials, Precast Systems and Advanced Construction Technologies (IMPACT-2026), was organised under the theme Next-Generation Materials, Climate-Responsive, Resilient and Smart Construction. It brought together researchers, academicians, engineering professionals and industry stakeholders to discuss technological advances and their practical applications in the construction sector.
Experts discuss next-generation construction technologies
Prof. Tushar K. Datta, Emeritus Professor at IIT Delhi, attended as the chief guest and delivered the keynote lecture on “Seismic Behaviour of Precast Frames”, highlighting developments relevant to structural safety and the future of construction in India.
Dr.R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, welcomed the participants and outlined the institute’s contributions to building science, construction materials and advanced construction technologies. Dr.S. K. Singh, Scientist G and Organising Secretary, explained the objectives of the workshop and emphasised collaboration between research institutions, engineering professionals and industry.
Technical lectures and panel discussions covered precast and modular construction, automation and digitalisation, artificial intelligence in construction, low-carbon materials, climate-resilient infrastructure, resource efficiency, sustainability and standards for construction materials and systems.
The sessions provided a platform for experts to examine ways of translating research findings into practical engineering applications, with particular emphasis on high-performance precast systems, alternative binders, smart construction technologies and life-cycle sustainability.
Er. V. V. Krishna Reddy, past chairman of ACCE(I) Hyderabad Centre, delivered a technical presentation on the design and execution of precast structures, sharing professional insights into this construction approach.
The delegation also visited CSIR-CBRI laboratories, gaining an opportunity to learn about ongoing research and developments in building materials and construction technologies.
CSIR-CBRI Director invited to RIDES-2026
On the occasion, the ACCE(I) Hyderabad Centre delegation formally invited Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, to participate as an eminent speaker at RIDES-2026, the Conference of Civil Engineers, scheduled for November 26 and 27 at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI) campus in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
Er. Bheem Rao Jaligama handed over the formal invitation during the workshop at the CSIR-CBRI auditorium in the presence of participants. The invitation was accompanied by a felicitation recognising the institute’s role in advancing construction research and technology.
The Hyderabad Centre announced that RIDES-2026 would bring civil engineering professionals together to exchange knowledge and discuss emerging developments in the sector. The conference is intended to provide a platform for technical deliberations, professional networking and stronger engagement between academia and industry.
Strengthening professional and research collaboration
The workshop concluded with a valedictory session attended by Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, as the chief guest.
The participation of the ACCE(I) Hyderabad Centre delegation underscored the importance of continuous professional learning and closer engagement between engineering consultants, scientists and industry stakeholders. The exchange of knowledge at IMPACT-2026 is expected to support wider awareness of emerging construction technologies and their potential applications in civil engineering practice.
The Hyderabad Centre said its participation reflected its commitment to promoting technological advancement, sustainable construction and collaboration across the engineering profession, while extending an invitation to experts and professionals to participate in RIDES-2026 in Hyderabad.
