Brief Bio-Sketch

Dr. Ramesh Nayaka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering at IIT Dharwad. He earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering and Materials from the University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia (2016–2019), where he was honored with the Thesis Excellence Award in 2019. He holds an M.Tech. in Civil Engineering from IIT Madras (2011–2013) and a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering from VTU Karnataka (BEC Bagalkot, 2007–2011).

Dr. Nayaka specializes in structural engineering, with a strong research focus on value-addition analysis, material innovations, structural behavior of systems, and advancements in construction technology. His ongoing research projects explore 3D Concrete Printing Technology, innovative design and behavior of structural systems, and the development of free-form and sustainable structural elements. His studies further investigate composite materials and sustainable construction solutions, integrating BIM-driven Framework for Sustanability Audit (Environmental and Cost) and AI/ML applications for Structural Health Monitoring and Stability Analysis of Important Infrastructures (Bridges and Dams).

Before joining IIT Dharwad, Dr. Nayaka served as an Assistant Professor at NIT Warangal (2019–2023), MAHE Manipal (2014-16, 2019), and NIT Calicut (Ad-hoc, 2013). With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has mentored over 24 PG dissertations and six UG final-year projects, and currently supervises ten Ph.D. scholars. He has also evaluated more than five Ph.D. theses and over 30 PG dissertations.

His research is supported by funding agencies, focusing on projects such as: Sustainable 3D Concrete Printing for Structural Systems, Sustainable Building Envelop Systems, Stability Analysis of Dam; Materails Characterisation, BIM-based Life Cycle Cost and Environmental Assessments for FRC and FRP systems; Affordable Housing Solutions; Self-Healing Concrete and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. Dr. Nayaka has published his research in high-impact journals and actively contributes to national and international academic collaborations.

Administrative Roles and Responsibilities

1. Member, Academic Senate, IIT Dharwad
2. Faculty in-Charge - Civil (Infrastructure, Planning, and Support), IIT Dharwad
3. Advisor, Career Development Cell, IIT Dharwad
4. Member, Green Initiative Committee, IIT Dharwad
5. Member, UG-APEC Committee, IIT Dharwad
6. Member, Furniture Purchase Committee, IIT Dharwad
7. Member, Committee for Exit Plan of Final Year UG Students (2024–25), IIT Dharwad
8. Member, Faculty Housing Allocation - Director’s Discretion Quota (DDQ), IIT Dharwad
9. Faculty Advisor (B.Tech. 2024 Batch), Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, IIT Dharwad
10. Ph.D. Admission Coordinator, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, IIT Dharwad
11. Time Table Coordinator (June 2023 – May 2024), Dept. of CIE, IIT Dharwad
12. Lab in-Charge (Construction Materials & Environmental Engineering), Dept. of CIE, IIT Dharwad

Professional Memberships

1. Chartered Engineer (CEng), Institute of Engineers (IEI), India
2. Member, Project Management Institute (PMI), USA
3. Member, Institute of Engineers (IEI), India
4. Affiliate Member, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), USA
5. Young Member, RILEM (The International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures), France
6. Young Member, International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Zurich, Switzerland
7. Member, Indian Concrete Institute, India
8. Member, IABSE Task Group 6.7 - Sustainable Structures for Climate Change Mitigation & Carbon Neutrality
9. Member. Australia India Critical Mineral Research Hub (AICMRH), Consortium at IIT Hyderabad.