The Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka (SSE-SL) held its Annual Sessions 2016 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel recently. The event, organized with the patronage of the Tokyo Cement Group, had over 200 officials representing the construction fraternity comprising engineers, consultants, construction professionals and developers as well as students and undergraduates from all the leading universities in the country attending the full day conference.
The main objective of the Sessions was to foster a culture of scientific research and innovation among the Structural Engineering fraternity, by creating a platform to share knowledge and experience on various construction related topics among peers and experts in Sri Lanka and around the world.
Structural Engineer Dr. Takanori Kawamoto of Ube Industries Limited, Japan, spoke on the importance of ‘Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of RC Buildings in Japan’.
Prof. Sudhir Misra of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur spoke on ‘Durability based on design of concrete structures: A challenge for all of us’.
Nine papers were presented by leading professionals of the Sri Lankan Structural Engineering fraternity. These concept papers, evaluated by an eminent panel of industry specialists and academia, presented answers to some of the critical issues tackled in the field, while others presented pioneering ideas that will take the Structural Engineering practice to the next level. The morning session was moderated by Senior Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Moratuwa, Prof. W. P. S. Dias and the afternoon session was chaired by Senior Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Peradeniya, Dr. N. Somaratne.