Preface

Many developing countries are facing acute shortage of affordable houses. In addition, the shortage is further magnified due to damage caused by natural hazards, like cyclone, earthquakes and floods. In the context of severe constraints on resources of all kinds, there is growing awareness of the need to adopt measures for economy, energy conservation and sustainable development in the construction of shelters for teeming millions in the developing countries. In this quest for economy, the avoidance of energy intensive materials like steel and concrete and utilisation of local materials, skill and manual techniques have been suggested for application in such mass housing schemes. Considerable advances in research and development have been made in the technology of building, utilising load-bearing masonry components with efficiency and economy, so much so that masonry is no longer considered as an inferior or craft based technology. It is an added advantage that the CO2 loading to the atmosphere throughout the life cycle of a masonry building is much lower than other form of construction. Thus, the importance of engineering masonry through proper choice of materials, adoption of correct design methods and appropriate techniques is increasingly realised among professionals and these trends need to be further encouraged for sustainable development and maintenance and preservation of our cultural heritage. The seminar will provide a forum for exchange of information at the international level on the advances in research and development in Structural Masonry, preservation of our cultural heritage in masonry, and will help to synthesize and disseminate the wealth of knowledge available in the area to Architects, Engineers developers and professionals in the construction industries.

PROF. BRAJ SINHA
Conference and Organizing Chair