Institute: Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi
Title: Assistant Professor
Country/Region: INDIA
Period: 2026/5/11- 2026/8/1
Theme: A Computational Framework for City-Scale Seismic Risk Assessment: Customizing IES for Indian Building Typologies Research
Host: MADDEGEDARA Lalith Lakshman Wijerathne
Introduction: Mahendra Kumar Pal is a faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi. Prior to this, he worked at E-Defense – Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Miki, Hyogo, Japan.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology Jhansi, his M.Tech. from Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, and his Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo.

His academic work focuses on large-scale computational and experimental studies, with interests in nonlinear analysis and structural design, constitutive modeling, and the application of computational and experimental techniques to assess the performance of underground structures. His research aims to address practical challenges in infrastructure systems, enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of civil engineering structures.

In terms of teaching, he currently offers courses such as Strength of Materials, Design of RCC Structures, and Construction Management and Economics at the undergraduate level. At advanced levels, he offers courses related to tunnelling and underground structures, including courses on TBM, NATM, instrumentation, and the design of support systems.

In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Pal has initiated a postgraduate course in Tunnelling and Underground Space Engineering in collaboration with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which envisages providing indigenized solutions to challenges faced by the tunnelling industry.
Fiscal Year: 2026