an Association of Structural En

in association with
IR-Central Building Research
Organizing
Lecture - cum - Panel Discussion on
Engineering Aspects of Shri Ram M
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Online through Zoom

For more information or any queries, please contact us at iastructe@gmail.com

 Speakers & Panellists
Moderator

Mr. Manoj Mittal Mr. Alok Bhowmick Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar

Immediate Past President, IAStructE Past President, IAStructE President, IAStructE

Dr. N. Gopalakrisnan Ar. Ashish Sompura Dr. Manojit Samanta

Ex Director, CSIR-CBRI Temple Architect, M/s CB Sompura Principal Scientist, CSIR-CBRI

Dr. Debdutta Ghosh Ms. Hina Gupta Dr. S. K. Panigrahi

Senior Scientist, CSIR-CBRI Senior Scientist, CSIR-CBRI Chief Scientist, CSIR-CBRI

Topic Speaker Time

Introduction Mr. Manoj Mittal, Imm. Past President, IAStructE 09:35 - 09:40
Brief about the Webinar Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director, CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee 09:40 - 09:55
and President, IAStructE
Engineering Challenges Dr. N Gopalakrishnan, Former Director, CSIR-CBRI, 09:55 - 10:10
Roorkee
Architecture of the Temple Ar. Ashish Sompura, Temple Architect, M/s CB 10:10 - 10:25
Sompura
Geotechnical, Foundation Scheme & Dr. Manojit Samanta, Principal Scientist, CSIR-CBRI 10:25 - 10:55
Monitoring Aspects
Structural Analysis and Design Dr. Debdutta Ghosh, Senior Scientist, CSIR-CBRI 10:55 - 11:25
Details about the finalized Structural Model Ms. Hina Gupta, Senior Scientist, CSIR-CBRI 11:25 - 11:40
Surya Tilak on Shri Ram Navami Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CBRI 11:40 - 11:55
Panel Discussions on Engineering Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, 11:55 – 12:55
Contribution of CSIR-CBRI in Shri Ram Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Dr. Manojit Samanta,
Mandir at Ayodhya and Questions & Answers Dr. Debdutta Ghosh, Ms. Hina Gupta
Vote of Thanks Mr. Manoj Mittal, Imm. Past President, IAStructE 12:55 - 13:00

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/reiP3R8FzeZZjRWy9

Registration Fee: Rs. 295/- (18% GST inclusive)
(Note: Only registered participants will receive the zoom webinar registration link one day prior to the event.)
Fee shall be paid through NEFT/RTGS/UPI as per bank details given below :

Beneficiary: Indian Association of Structural Engineers

C. Account No.: 10151200388
State Bank of India(07196)
Branch Address: Flyover Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024
IFSC: SBIN0007196
MICR: 110002034
Swift Code: SBININBB382
GST No.: 07AAATI3885P1ZZ
 Engineering Contribution of CSIR-CBRI in Shri Ram Mandir at
Ayodhya
The CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee has successfully carried out
comprehensive scientific study of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya including geophysical
characterisation of site, geotechnical analysis, foundation design vetting, 3D structural analysis
and design, opto-mechanical design for Surya Tilak of Shri Ram Lala on Shri Ram Navami etc.

The geophysical characterisation process involved a Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves

(MASW) to estimate primary and shear wave velocity, along with electrical resistance
tomography (ERT) to identify anomalies, water saturation zones, and water tables. These
findings served as crucial inputs for a site-specific response for underground investigations and
estimation of seismic design parameters. CBRI also vetted soil investigation schemes,
foundation design parameters, excavation schemes and foundation scheme. Estimation of
liquefaction potential and vetting of the report was also carried out. It is also involved in the
determination of the interface coefficient of stones. Design vetting of stone retaining structures
at Mandir premises (plinth level) and concrete retaining wall at the periphery of the temple was
also carried out. CBRI proposed the settlement monitoring of rafts and plinths, health
monitoring of structures and retaining walls including the scheme of installation and data
collections. Design vetting and suggestions on the arrangement of stones on the plinth
structures. Some of these studies (i.e. MASW, GPR) are also conducted by CSIR-NGRI. The
foundation scheme was decided by an expert committee consisting of expert from IITs, &
CBRI. In all the vetting and review work, CBRI provided suggestions/modifications.

CSIR-CBRI has also carried out 3D structural analysis and suggested design modifications. The
scientific study was done to ensure the structural safety of the temple for the Maximum
Considered Earthquake, equivalent to a 2500-years return period. The structural design was
recommended after simulating more than 50 computer models and assessing them under
different loading conditions for its optimal performance, architectural appealing, and safety. The
alterations were made without significantly deviating the architecture which follows a Nagara-
type design. The entire superstructure has been constructed using Banshi Paharpur sandstone,
embodying a dry jointed structure with no steel reinforcement, designed for a lifespan of 1,000
years. The 161 ft high structure with 3 floors of 20ft each has five mandaps: Garbha Griha,
Gudh Mandapa, Ranga Mandapa, Prathana Mandapa, and Nritya Mandapa with double
domes. Pillars/columns are constructed of multiple stone pieces interlocked pieces with corbels
present at different levels to support the beams and arches. Total length and width of the temple
id around 360 ft x 235 ft. Several kinds of structural analysis (macro element and micro element)
have been performed to study the behaviour of structure under different loading conditions. In
this endeavour several stakeholders have participated in the design review, TCE, L&T, CB
Sompura and Temple Trust.

CSIR-CBRI has also designed the opto-mechanical system for enabling the Surya Tilak on the
forehead of Shri Ram Idol at each year Shri Ram Navami at 12 noon. The design of mechanical
gear system has been carried out for tracking sunrays in 19-year repetitive cycle. Design of optic
pipes, mirror holding mechanisms, lens sliding mechanism and other parts has been carried out
for this purpose.

CSIR-CBRI gratefully acknowledges the participation of Temple Trust, CB Sompura, TCE,

L&T, IIA Bangalore, Optics & Allied Engg. Pvt. Ltd. (Optica), Various IITs (IITM, IITD, IITB,
IITG) and SVNIT in various engineering aspects.