Structural Engineers Forum of India

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

someshwar ganti — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:13:35 GMT

Author: someshwar ganti
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 7:13 am (GMT 0)

PREETI_SARKAR wrote:

This article will scare the daylights out of those who are in or are considering a future in software development, as well as many others. Even those who will be graduating with a shiny degree from management institutes like the IIMs should be worried. Hopefully, jobs in Civil Engineering aren't going to be as vulnerable.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/something-big-happening-matt-shumer-so5he/

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:36:04 GMT

Author: admin
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 6:36 am (GMT 0)

Please try uploading screen shot file using add attachment option.
Do not paste in message body.

You can add a number of attachments using add attachment using "add an attachment " section when you respond or write a new post.

someshwar ganti wrote:

sorry there seems to some issue with the site taking screen shot images

you want to look into 0 char code output you can visit

https://staad.zaxises.com/

i have many other but i am unable to share the screen shots here in this post, if the admin corrects that i can share

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

someshwar ganti — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:25:33 GMT

Author: someshwar ganti
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 6:25 am (GMT 0)

sorry there seems to some issue with the site taking screen shot images

you want to look into 0 char code output you can visit

https://staad.zaxises.com/

i have many other but i am unable to share the screen shots here in this post, if the admin corrects that i can share

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

someshwar ganti — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:10:29 GMT

Author: someshwar ganti
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 6:10 am (GMT 0)

sorry for some reason the last post did not display the images

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

someshwar ganti — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:07:57 GMT

Author: someshwar ganti
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2026 6:07 am (GMT 0)

Agreed, the future of software developer is SCARY,
but look at the brighter side anyone with good domain knowledge and some BASICS of any programing Knowledge can write Fantastic Software, purely on his / her 's domain knowledge only.

you do not need to Write a "Character" of code, but you can create a fantastic Software, you should have a very strong domain knowledge to correct the AI and basic understanding of Screens and Front end terminologies to tell the AI what you have in mind, and onces it generates your domain Knowldege to CHECK it.

This is advice for all the Young engineers, do not RUN behind AI, USE IT AS YOUR SLAVE, and you can YOU CAN USE IT LIKE THAT ONLY AND ONLY With your Domain Knowledge and Experience.

you want to see sample of what 0 CHAR Coding software looks like

find attached few screen shots of the same , abslolute 0 CHAR codeing.

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

PREETI_SARKAR — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:08:43 GMT

Author: PREETI_SARKAR
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2026 10:08 am (GMT 0)

This article will scare the daylights out of those who are in or are considering a future in software development, as well as many others. Even those who will be graduating with a shiny degree from management institutes like the IIMs should be worried. Hopefully, jobs in Civil Engineering aren't going to be as vulnerable.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/something-big-happening-matt-shumer-so5he/

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:12:48 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2026 2:12 am (GMT 0)

MENTOR - SRI SC KESHAV  SIR  ( MISSED FEW POINTS)

ALREADY WRITTEN ABOUT HIS WORKING IN S VERY SMALL DESIGN SET UP. BUT THERE WERE FEW VERY DISTINCT, BUT HIGHLY IMPORTANT ITEMS  ALSO ADDRESSED AS A RESPONSIBLE CONSULTANT.

1) HIS OWN SITE ENGINEER  REPORTING TO HIM  - TO VISIT THE SITE DURING  VARIOUS IMPORTANT STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION TO  SEE, PRIMARILY STRUCTURAL PART  - REINFORCEMENT AND SIZING OF MEMBERS .
THIS WAS ALWAYS PROVIDED IN HIS Agreement WITH ARCHITECTS .

2) RECORDS OF DESIGNS AND DRAWINGS - IT WAS MANUAL DESIGN ERA AND RECORDS WERE KEPT VERY NICELY.

3) OFFICE ATTENDANT - FOR SENDING DRAWINGS TO CLIENTS  WITHOUT DELAY EVEN THOUGH COURIER SERVICES WERE Available, BUT SRI KESHAV SIR NEVER DELAYED DELIVERABLES TO HIS CLIENTS , AND SENDING DRGS THROUGH ATTENDANT WAS A PRACTICE.ATTENDANT  .

EVEN IN SMALL SET UP, HE NEVER COMPROMISED QUALITY OF STRUCTURE WORK SHOWS HIS COMMITMENTS TO VERY DEMANDING PROFESSION  AND WAS ADMIRED BY ARCHITECTS ( CLIENTS) FOR HIS DISCIPLINE IN WORKING.

vikram.jeet wrote:

MENTOR - SRI SC KESHAV SIR

SRI SC KESHAV SIR, ( A SEFI MEMBER) , A HIGHLY TRAINED AND HAD GREAT STRUCTURAL WORK ( DESIGN, DETAILING) EXPERIENCE,, EARLIER SERVED IN MES, AND THEN WORKED WITH SRI MAHENDRA RAJ SAHEB ' CONSULTANCY FIRM.

HE OPENED HIS OWN DESIGN OFFICE AND USED GET BUILDING DESIGN WORKS FROM VERY EMINENT ARCHITECTS IN DELHI. HE WAS HIMSELF A FULL TIME STRUCTURAL DOING SOLO, WITH ONE DRAFTSMAN STAFF. REST ENGINEERS AND DRAFTS MEN WERE ALL PART TIME.

LEARNING WAS GREAT AS HE USED TO EXHIBIT GREAT DETAILING IN DRAWINGS PLUS ON OTHER SIDE, HE USED TO DESIGN Manually FRAMES, AND ALWAYS PUTTING STEEL AS REQUIRED IN DESIGN. NO EXTRA BUT NO LESS.

ADMIRE HIM AND WORKING WITH HIM LEARNT MUCH.

REMUNERATION PART WSS ALWAYS SECONDARY,, BUT HE USED TO PAY EVERYONE IN TIME.

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 01:11:45 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2026 1:11 am (GMT 0)

MENTOR - DR. MAHESH TANDON

DR MAHESH TANDON, A BRIDGE DESIGN EXPERT IN DELHI  TRAINED A BATTERY OF ENGINEERS IN FIELD OF BRIDGE DESIGNS WITH HIS FULL TIME OFFICE AT JANGPURA DELHI. ( INCIDENTALLY HE WAS VERY CLOSE LOCATED TO SRI MAHENDRA RAJ SAHEB OFFICE) .

HE HAS DONE GREAT WORK FOR DELHI METRO AND LARGE NOS OF BRIDGES ON RING ROAD AS ALSO DELHI GURGAON HIGHWAY PROJECT.

THOUGH MYSELF, NOT HAVING  DIRECT CONTACT WITH HIM, BUT MY OFFICE COLLEAGUE  , NOW A BRIDGE SPECIALIST, WAS WORKING WITH HIM ON PART TIME BASIS. HE MENTORED MANY ENGINEERS  .

I ATTENDED HIS PRESENTATION OF SEGMENTAL BOX DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FOR RING ROAD FLYOVERS AT MANDI HOUSE AUDITORIUM, WAY BACK IN YEAR 1995 OR SO,

LATER I ALSO , AROUND  2005-  , ATTENDED FEW MEETINGS AT HIS JANGPURA OFFICE   IN CONNECTION WITH DELHI - GURGAON FLYOVERS WHERE I COULD ABLE TO WATCH THE TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN TWO GREATS , THE CONSULTANT DR TANDON AND THE PROOF READER DR SUBBA RAO SAHEB  ( M/S CONCEPT INDIA AFTER RETIRING FROM GAMMONS) .

BUT HIS TRAINED DESIGNERS ARE NOW BIG CONSULTANTS,, AND MENTOR'S DR MAHESH TANDON SAHEB'S GUIDANCE IS BEHIND.

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: Some general view

vikram.jeet — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:44:19 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2026 2:44 am (GMT 0)

QUANTITY SURVEY AND COSTING OF PROJECT -

ENGINEERS ENGAGED IN STRUCTURAL DESIGN - HIGHLY QUALIFIED  , GENERALLY  DO NOT LIKE TO WORK OUT QUANTITIES AND COSTING THEREOF.

MOSTLY IN GOVT. DESIGN OFFICES QS / COSTING IS DONE BY QUANTITY SURVEYOR S  ( MOSTLY JUNIOR ENGINEERS) .  BUT IN PVT. SET UP QUANTITIES ARE ALSO ENTRUSTED TO DESIGN ENGINEERS, ESPECIALLY OF STRUCTURES PART.

IN BRIDGES, WHILE TENDERING   ALL QUANTITIES ARE WORKED OUT BY THE DESIGNERS AFTER COMPLETION OF DESIGN . THIS PRACTICE MAKE THEM AWARE OF OVERALL COSTING AND GIVE S FEEL OF PROPOSED PROJECT  AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING,

YES ,   TO REACH EXCELLENCE ,   LITTLE  MORE DIVERSIFIED EFFORTS ARE NEEDED  AND DESIGNERS NEED TO TAKE INTEREST SINCE, COMPARED TO STRUCTURAL DESIGN, THESE ACTIVITIES ARE LESS ARITHMETIC S  , BUT STILL VERY IMPORTANT  AND  PROVIDER OF OVERALL VIEW ON PROJECT.

SEFI General Discussion :: Webinar on August 8, 2026: Smart Structures with Energy Dissipation Devices: Seismic Dampers & Active Floor AMD

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:45:52 GMT

Author: admin
Subject: Webinar on August 8, 2026: Smart Structures with Energy Dissipation Devices: Seismic Dampers & Active Floor AMD
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2026 9:45 am (GMT 0)

Announcement: Webinar 152 - Smart Structures with Energy Dissipation Devices

Sub Topic: Seismic Dampers and Active Floor AMD
Organized By: EFC (Epicons Friends of Concrete)

Webinar Details

Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM IST
Platform: Zoom (Online)
Online Registration & Full Details: https://sefindia.org/webinar152/
Download Flyer: Click here to download PDF

Why You Should Attend

A Critical Shift in Structural Design: Performance codes now supersede life-safety codes, meaning building owners and engineers are expected to deliver Immediate Occupancy performance rather than just preventing collapse.
Fluid Viscous Dampers (FVD): FVDs are a proven solution deployed in over 200 projects globally, with post-earthquake data confirming structures remained operational. They are already used in India's most demanding buildings, such as Palais Royale Mumbai, Apollo Hospital Delhi, and the ATC Tower Delhi Airport.
Active Floor Vibration Control: Active Mass Dampers (AMD) solve the floor vibration crisis in open-plan offices and hospitals, with the world's first commercially available AMD now addressing this directly.
Code & Standards Update: Learn how the new ASCE 7-28 and ASCE 41-29 codes are reshaping practice, guided directly by a sitting committee member.

Speakers

Dr. Nathan Canney, Ph.D., P.E. - Director of Structural Engineering, Taylor Devices, Inc., USA
Er. Sandeep Shah, FIAStrucE - Managing Director - India, Miyamoto International & Taylor Devices India
Dr. Paul Reynolds, PhD, MEng (1st Class Hons) - Founder & Chief Executive Officer, CALMFLOOR

Speaker Bios

Dr. Nathan Canney: A sitting member of the ASCE 7-28 and ASCE 41-29 code committees, bringing direct authority on the next edition of US seismic design standards. He holds an M.S. from Stanford and a Ph.D. from CU Boulder, and has delivered over 200 technical presentations worldwide.
Er. Sandeep Shah: A specialist in seismic engineering and high-rise building design with 36 years of international experience. He designed the supplementary damping system for India's tallest building, Palais Royale Mumbai, and has conducted over 200 seismic and structural assessments worldwide.
Dr. Paul Reynolds: A former Professor of Structural Dynamics & Control at the University of Exeter (2013-2021) and Editor-in-Chief of Experimental Techniques, with 160+ peer-reviewed publications. He founded and commercialised the CALMFLOOR AMD platform, the world's first commercially available Active Mass Damper.

Visit https://sefindia.org/webinar152/ for full speaker Bio and topics to be covered in webinar.

Fee

Early Bird Registration (06 July - 19 July 2026):
- Professionals: ₹ 1,100
- Faculties & Members: ₹ 800
- Students: ₹ 200
Regular Registration Fees:
- Professionals: ₹ 1,400
- Faculties & Members: ₹ 1,000
- Students: ₹ 400

Webinar Coordinators and Contact
(Tap to send WhatsApp text for assistance or query)

Dhanashree Rane: +91 9152031321
Email: secretary@epicons.com

Webinar Convener & Moderators

Convener: Er. Jayant Kulkarni
Moderators: Er. Anand Kulkarni, Er. Arvind Parulekar, Er. R. D. Deshpande

* An E-Certificate of Participation suitable for CPD/professional development documentation will be issued to all attendees.

This is a sponsored Media Announcement [Advertisement]. Sponsor assumes responsibly of content below. To communicate further in this regard use contact info provided in message above.

[pdf]

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:08:10 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2026 8:08 am (GMT 0)

MENTOR - DR  VK RAINA

NO ONE IN FIELD OF STRUCTURAL AND BRIDGE ENGINEERING IS UNAWARE OF A GREAT LIVING LEGEND IN STRUCTURES - DR.  VIRENDRA K RAINA - OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FAME AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

HE COMPLETED HIS MASTERS FROM BHU ,, AND GOT PHD FROM LONDON,, SERVED AS CHIEF IN DESIGN DEPARTMENT OF M/S UTTAM SINGH DUGGAL ON BRIDGES DESIGN. LATER JOINED M/S GAMMONS AND DR SUBA RAO, THEN CMD GAMMONS, MADE HIM CHIEF / INCHARGE OF INDEPENDENT GAMMONS SUBSIDIARY - M/S GILCON  DELHI ,, GILCON PROGRESSED UNDER HIM AND HIS WAY OF BRIDGE DESIGN PRESENTATION WAS LAUDED BY ALL INCLUDING APPROVING AUTHORITIES MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT ( THEN  MOST).

MANY BUDDING ENGINEERS GOT TRAINED  IN GILCON AND BECAME  BRIDGE EXPERTS LATER,,

THOSE TIMES  IT WAS SLL MANUAL DESIGN S TO BE PRESENTED TO MOST / PWD DESIGN WING AS THE CASE BE.

HIS DISCIPLINE IN WRITING BRIDGE DESIGN, CLARITY OF CONCEPTS, AND HIS PERSONAL COUNTER CHECKING OF WORK MADE HIM DARLING OF CHECKING DEPARTMENTS / MINISTRY.

FURTHER PLUS WAS HIS GREAT ENGINEERING PERSONALITY, CLEAR ORATION, AND FLUENT BRITISH UNAMBIGUOUS ENGLISH, WHICH MADE HIM LARGER THAN ALL OTHER CONTEMPORARIES .

MYSELF LEARNT A LOT DURING MY SHORT STAY WITH GILCON,,

I SALUTE THIS GREAT MENTOR

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir

shaiqsarwary — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:00:02 GMT

Author: shaiqsarwary
Subject: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 9:00 am (GMT 0)

happy birthday dear sir.
Best regards,�
Shaiq Sarwary
Email:�sarwaryshaiq@gmail.com (sarwaryshaiq@gmail.com)

Contact:+93794035787

On Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 10:50 AM uhvaryani <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)> wrote:

Quote:

           dear structural engineer friends,please accept my deep-felt thanks on my� 90th
birthday,which fell on 3rd.july,2026.
i love structural engineering.my teacher prof. s.k.mallick
taught us reinforced concrete subject so nicely that
i resolved to get a job in this line.i have spent 45 years
in structural design of buildings in private firms of architects and engineers.
this period was 1958 to 2003.
initially i thought ihad�a short life.but iam�having a long life of 90 years.
many thanks for your good wishes,
with best wishes and regards,
uhvaryani

Posted via Email

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:26:24 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 7:26 am (GMT 0)

MENTOR - SRI SC KESHAV SIR

SRI SC KESHAV SIR, ( A SEFI MEMBER) , A HIGHLY TRAINED AND HAD GREAT STRUCTURAL WORK ( DESIGN, DETAILING) EXPERIENCE,, EARLIER SERVED IN MES, AND THEN WORKED WITH SRI MAHENDRA RAJ SAHEB ' CONSULTANCY FIRM.

HE OPENED HIS OWN DESIGN OFFICE AND USED GET BUILDING DESIGN WORKS FROM VERY EMINENT ARCHITECTS IN DELHI. HE WAS HIMSELF A FULL TIME STRUCTURAL DOING SOLO, WITH ONE DRAFTSMAN STAFF. REST ENGINEERS AND DRAFTS MEN WERE ALL PART TIME.

LEARNING WAS GREAT AS HE USED TO EXHIBIT GREAT DETAILING IN DRAWINGS PLUS ON OTHER SIDE, HE USED TO DESIGN Manually FRAMES, AND ALWAYS PUTTING STEEL AS REQUIRED IN DESIGN. NO EXTRA BUT NO LESS.

ADMIRE HIM AND WORKING WITH HIM LEARNT MUCH.

REMUNERATION PART WSS ALWAYS SECONDARY,, BUT HE USED TO PAY EVERYONE IN TIME.

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:47:08 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 6:47 am (GMT 0)

PART TIME STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING JOB

( TO GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE, TO LEARN MORE DETAILING TRICKS, TO AQUIRE WITH PRACTICES OF OTHER DESIGN OFFICE UNDER DIFFERENT EXPERT AND MENTOR,, IT IS VERY HELPFUL AND USEFUL FOR A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER ( AT LEARNING STAGE OF FIRST 10 YEARS) TO DO EXTRA EFFORTS BY WORKING IN PART TIME SMALL CONSULTANTS, BUT UNDER AN EXPERT AND A DESIGN CAREER MENTOR.PERSON.

ADVANTAGES ALREADY STATED ABOVE. BUT MENTOR SHALL NOT SACRIFICE SAFETY TO GAIN MORE WORKS FROM BUILDERS, IN SUCH SCENARIO ONE NEVER WORK.

WHILE WORKING WITH MAIN DESIGN OFFICE, ONE ALWAYS GET TIME TO LEARN MORE AND MORE THROUGH SUCH PART TIME ASSIGNMENT S. THIS ALSO HELPS TO BREAK MONOTONOUS WORKING ON ONE TYPE OF STRUCTURES. AND RESULTS IN MORE INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT.

I MET ONE VERY GOOD PART TIME STRUCTURAL EXPERT DURING MY LEARNING YEARS, AND CONFIDENCE IN HANDLING DESIGN/ DETAILING GOT ENHANCED, BUT ONE MUST BE CHOOSY.

Speak Out Box :: RE: SEARCH FOR A MENTOR

vikram.jeet — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:05:46 GMT

Author: vikram.jeet
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 4:05 am (GMT 0)

ROLE OF MENTOR IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WORK,,

TO TOUCH EXPERTISE AND ACHIEVE PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE , A MENTOR ( GURU, GUIDE, TEACHER, ) IS NEEDED. IT IS APPLICABLE TO ALL PROFESSIONS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING IS MUCH MORE DEPENDENT .

ONE CAN READ BOOKS, PAPERS, MASTER SOFTWARES BUT WITHOUT MENTOR, THE COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF PROFESSION AND TRICKS OF TRADE, FAR AWAY.

JUST A SHORT COMMENTRY - BUT IT IS VERY FACT

ALL THOSE WHO ACHIEVED NEAR PERFECTION IN
FIELD, MUST HAVE / HAD WORKED UNDER SOME EXCELLENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS / CONSULTANTS. ( FULL PERFECTION IN THIS SUBJECT IS VERY RARE).

BUT SEARCH FOR MENTOR MUST REMAIN ALIVE.

SOME DISTANT - MENTORS HERE ON SEFI :-

SRI UH VARYANI SIR

DR. N SUBRAMANIAN ( DR. NS) SIR

LATE SRI PRABHAKAR

LATE SRI INDRAJIT BARUA ( CLASS MATE OF SRI U H VARYANI)

SRI THIRUMALAICHETTIAR

DR B V HARSODA

AND OTHERS

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir

rajancivildesign@gmail.co — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:00:03 GMT

Author: rajancivildesign@gmail.co
Subject: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 3:00 am (GMT 0)

I really wondered that Varyani sir have only� B.E. degree only. With his experience, he have written many good books on charts for folded plates and shells. Charts for limit state design for columns and beams. I also initially have B.E. degree only. But I am the one of the design engineer in TNEB designed more than many rcc buildings. Foundations of residential, commercial, sub station buildings. Many people ask me are you M.E.� I humbly says that I am only B.E.( Civil). Only in my age 50, I studied my M.E. (struct) with distinction and now I know staad pro connect edition, ETABS, RCDC. SAFE and staad advanced foundation software. I always think of Varyani sir in my design carrier. Very useful to gain knowledge from his good books.V.M.Rajan.�

On Wed, 15 Jul, 2026, 7:38 am Rajan v.m., <rajancivildesign@gmail.com (rajancivildesign@gmail.com)> wrote:

Quote:

Structural Design of Multistoreyed buildings is a good� book I have read this from U.H.Varyani sir. For each and every component he give some explanation what� is to be followed in practice. Among this, depth of footing for isolated footing� thumb rule is very useful without any calculation one can easily tell the depth of footing based on size of footing and sbc of soil. Among many authors who have written books on RCC, I love Varyani sir book very simple and easy to understand� the concepts. Thank you sir.V.M.Rajan,� M.E., FIE,
Former CE/Civil/ TANGEDCO,�
Chennai-23.

On Tue, 14 Jul, 2026, 11:45 am uhvaryani, <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)> wrote:

Quote:

Posted via Email

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir

rajancivildesign@gmail.co — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:00:03 GMT

Author: rajancivildesign@gmail.co
Subject: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir
Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2026 3:00 am (GMT 0)

Structural Design of Multistoreyed buildings is a good� book I have read this from U.H.Varyani sir. For each and every component he give some explanation what� is to be followed in practice. Among this, depth of footing for isolated footing� thumb rule is very useful without any calculation one can easily tell the depth of footing based on size of footing and sbc of soil. Among many authors who have written books on RCC, I love Varyani sir book very simple and easy to understand� the concepts. Thank you sir.V.M.Rajan,� M.E., FIE,
Former CE/Civil/ TANGEDCO,�
Chennai-23.

On Tue, 14 Jul, 2026, 11:45 am uhvaryani, <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)> wrote:

Quote:

Posted via Email

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir

abish92 — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:00:05 GMT

Author: abish92
Subject: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 5:00 pm (GMT 0)

Respected UH Varyani sir,

Thank you for writing the book "Structural design of Multi-storeyed buildings". It gives valuable insights to the next generation of structural engineers on how complex structures were analysed & designed in the pre-computer era & continue to do so in today's AI age. I continue to be inspired by it.

My humble salutations to your contributions to the field of structural engineering and your kindness in sharing your knowledge gained from your practical experience.

Happy 90th birthday to you sir.

- Abhishek R
� Asst Engg Manager- Structure
� L&T (Ahmedabad).

On Tue, 14 Jul, 2026, 11:50 am uhvaryani, <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)> wrote:

Quote:

Posted via Email

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: SEFI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT...

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:43:29 GMT

Author: admin
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 12:43 pm (GMT 0)

Dear Sir

There are two ways to donate:

https://www.sefindia.org/?q=donate

a) Quick donation (Receipts not required): Use UPI one touch button or scan QR feature. Receipts sent manually at later stage.

b) At the lower part of page https://www.sefindia.org/?q=donate : Enter Amount , Click on "Proceed with donation" , Fill required details, this will take you to CCavenue Payment Gateway and after completing steps , you will be taken back to SEFI with automatic receipt and mails confirmation.

c) For donors who already paid and used Quick Pay option of UPI in option a) if they require receipt, they can simply use option b) Create a donation order and in final steps use "Check / Offline payment " as payment method and create donation order and then send an email to admin@sefindia.org or comment here and we will manually apply donated transaction to generate receipts.

Option a) was aimed at expediting quick donations. while option b) is standard donation flow for immediate receipts.

In this case I urge you to follow option c) so we can generate receipts like it used to be in previously.

We will improve the donate page to be more user friendly. It seems to be be slightly problematic as for steps concerned. Your feedback has been very valuable on this context.

Best regards

Admin SEFI

SEFI General Discussion :: Design of ballast mounting system for solar panels

Suryavardhan Singh Rathor — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:10:04 GMT

Author: Suryavardhan Singh Rathor
Subject: Design of ballast mounting system for solar panels
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 12:10 pm (GMT 0)

I run a solar installation firm in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. I am facing a problem where I have to design the mounting system as ballast type non penetration. It would be very helpful if someone could guide me on how to design this system! Attached if a image from some company that designs ballast mounting system for solar panels.

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir

rakesh_kumar — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:03 GMT

Author: rakesh_kumar
Subject: [OT] Happy Birthday to Varyani Sir
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 9:00 am (GMT 0)

Happy belated birthday varyani sir�

Warm regards�
Rakesh kumar
Structural engineer�
Pune�

��

On Tue, 14 Jul 2026, 11:47 uhvaryani, <forum@sefindia.org (forum@sefindia.org)> wrote:

Quote:

Posted via Email

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: SEFI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT...

P.K.Mallick — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:22:56 GMT

Author: P.K.Mallick
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 8:22 am (GMT 0)

Sir,
I am not disputing anything. I followed step by step, and ultimately I was led to this screen:https://www.sefindia.org/payment/NON_SEAMLESS_KIT/ccavRequestHandler.php, which is blank.
I would be grateful if you could explain here a step-by-step method that will generate an auto-receipt and mail.

Warm Regards.
P.K.Mallick
_________________
P.K.Mallick
p.k.mallick1962@gmail.com
9472967626

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: SEFI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT...

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 07:08:49 GMT

Author: admin
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 7:08 am (GMT 0)

Dear Mallick Sir

We thankfully acknowledge to have received donation of 2000 Rs via UPI. UPI payments require manual confirmation / receipts etc. While if we use the standard steps it triggers instant receipt and mails. We will try to optimize the processes to instantly notify.

Best regards

Admin SEFI

P.K.Mallick wrote:

Respected ADMIN.

Sir
There is a minor glitch in SEFI's donation methodology. After making a payment through GPAY, we do not receive confirmation from SEFI that the payment was made. No email is also received in this regard.

Warm Regards.
P.K.Mallick

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: SEFI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT...

P.K.Mallick — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 06:52:28 GMT

Author: P.K.Mallick
Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2026 6:52 am (GMT 0)

Respected ADMIN.

Sir
There is a minor glitch in SEFI's donation methodology. After making a payment through GPAY, we do not receive confirmation from SEFI that the payment was made. No email is also received in this regard.

Warm Regards.
P.K.Mallick
_________________
P.K.Mallick
p.k.mallick1962@gmail.com
9472967626

SEFI General Discussion :: RE: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures

someshwar ganti — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:17:39 GMT

Author: someshwar ganti
Subject: Re: The Great AI Heist of Structural Engineering Treasures
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2026 1:17 pm (GMT 0)

Thank u madam
I have a idea, we will create a sample excel sheet as a training tool
I will help create prompts that will be a compass for the young engineers to use and create good HTML programs without any programming knowledge and ready to use html

I know it is pure common sense, but when u speak to it in the jargon it understands u get better response otherwise it will halusanate and too many iterations to correct it

Perhaps we can have a Google meet every Sunday for an hr where i can share whatever little I know about it ( i was totally illiterate year back on Ai usage, now i swear by it)

But first condition is it HAS TO BE OPEN SOURCE
any Excel file put in that branch should not have any passwords, if anyone puts the protected file either i will crack it and share or delete it

alpa_sheth wrote:

Thanks Er. Someshwar Ganti for your response. It is v encouraging.

I think we can create a team of members who can volunteer to test out the excel sheets. I can offer excel sheet testing and validation from my office. I request other experienced engineers to also kindly volunteer.

I will also discuss with Sanjeev, our SEFI Administrator (and a Civil Engineer from IIT Kanpur!) re the Open Source Page tool on SEFI website. We will connect offline with you.

Meanwhile look forward to more feedback from our dear members. What design tools are required, how they can participate in this project and so on!!

best regards,
Alpa Sheth

someshwar ganti wrote:

Thank you alpa madam

as you put it yes we may have divergent views on the AI,

but I as a programmer am Awed at the way machine which has NO BRAINS or FEELING understands our prompts and SPITS out what any one have read from the SAME BOOK or PAGE into a implementable solution.

All this is done not by an engineer or a writer, but by a Mathamatician who knows NOTHING about what is the prompt about, that is what amazes me.

regarding your  initiation, I am open to coalabration of like minded people in this area, infact I would appriciate if SEFI can create a OpenSource Page for such tools.

To begin with

    Isolated Footing Design, (there are 1000s of excel programs ) can be made web based,
     once that is authiciated by 90% of Seniors, we can read the support reactions from STAAD input file for all the load combinations, check the footing sizes for all the load combinations, once it is right we can generate a good output that will pass an Engineering Exam paper correction with all formulea

there are 100s of such small tools in mind, but I am more a programmer than an engineer and that is is the curse,at the time of coding i will have knowledge of a Phd equvalant of that , after that I cannot remember even the basic M/y equations (FYI I have written a Intercation Curve for Column Uni-axial, Biaxial for IS code , BS code , Euro code, but today i cannot design a columnm even after looking at SP16)

I am willing to give my small contribution to the community as I have taken TONNES of Open Source from them I just do not know how to give back , perhaps this is an oppourtinity for me .

Madam we ceertainly can have an offline discussion how to take this forward my number is +91 98662 68065 , i am placed in hyderabad

alpa_sheth wrote:

Hi All:

We've had some great conversations on the topic! Thanks all. Of particular interest to me was the trailing mail.

I am happy when we have differing views on the forum- That's what adds to the vibrancy and diversity of this discussion forum! I actually agree with most of the points below. In fact Er. Someshwar Ganti has prised open another interesting topic of how to apply AI in structural engineering EFFECTIVELY. I suggest to Er Ganti to initiate a series of notes on this topic for the benefit of SEFI subscribers. Starting with the simple to the more complex. Happy to have an offline discussion on this.

Where I differ is in the philosophical. I believe the very foundation of AI is based on thievery. And it is doing a reverse Robin Hood. It is stealing from the creative commons and then selling it back to them for very expensive tokens. As long as you are using the free version, you are fine. But try something complicated which needs the paid version and you will see the tokens being consumed very rapidly and the costs running high!

But Er Ganti's last para is the most important and should be imbibed by all young engineers.

"So all the young engineers who want to survive the AI onslaught, go back to your BASICS , learn to design using the CALCULATOR , understand reading the drawings , how to give various Loads, etc those things AI cannot or atleast as of now REPLACE the FEEL of a Engineer, it has already REPLACED the computational aspect of the engineer, if you are a programmer understand how to break up your project into smaller parts through classes etc"

I hope this advice is heeded!!

warmly,
Alpa Sheth

someshwar ganti wrote:

I defer from your views,

1. AI is a tool like a KNIFE, you can use it to save lives and Take lives, it is not the Mistake of the KNIFE, it is the users responsiblity

2. AI does a fantastic JOB in strctural engineering also, what you take days it does in seconds, you should know how to use it and understand it and apply the correct interpetation (most of the time it is correct)
For example , you give a existing .XLS file and ask it to write a generic program based on that XLS file , it does a fantastic JOB, you should be aware of what you want and validate some cases then you have a much easier tool than excel at your finger tips.
(say you have a footing design program, and you have a STAAD output file, you can make it write a program that will replicate your footing design exactly, and apply for all the support reactions of the STAAD output file thus avoiding juggling between your XLS file and .ANL file)

3. If your anology of Buying the book and giving the knowledge free is WRONG,  then what about our entire learing system from our childhood ?? in what way are we diffrent from what the AI companies are doing ?? we buy any book and have paid the value of the BOOK , the knowldedge gained from that is OUR PROPERTY and we are allowed to do what we want if you do not want your knowledge to be shared then DO NOT WRITE THE BOOK. (that is what exactly happended with our AyurVedic medicines , they died because that doctor did not want it to be shared and thousands of wonderful medicens died with them)

4. And regarding comunity knowldege sharing , if you observe  99% of the people here are only to view and only 1 % contribute , the 99% is NOT intrested in Sharing OR NOT capable of sharing. (see anyone puting an EXCEL sheet , most of them protect it with a PW , i see those as a Instagram or a Facebook post only for the adrenaline of likes and views)
for those who think their EXCEL sheets posted here with password are safe, it takes 2 mts for AI to crack it)

5. to survive the AI world , a real time experince is a MUST , as i have seen it was able to replace my 35 years of coding in 3.5 months, but my domain knowledge can and will never be replaced.

so all the young engineers who want to survive the AI onslaught, go back to your BASICS , learn to design using the CALCULATOR  , understand reading the drawings , how to give various Loads, etc those things AI cannot or atleast as of now REPLACE the FEEL of a Engineer, it has already REPLACED the computitational aspect of the engineer, if you are a programmer understand how to break up your project into smaller parts through classes etc