Earthqauke Engineering

Earthquake Engineering is the systematic study of earth’s shaking, and the danger it poses to human life, property and environment. Students who study earthquake engineering are called earthquake engineers.

These engineers plan, design, construct and manage earthquake resistant structures and facilities. In broader terms, one can say, earthquake engineering is the enquiry and solution of danger posed by damaging earthquakes.

Earthquake Engineering as a profession in India is a newly introduced field in academics and industry. Since 60% of Indian geography is declared sensitive to earthquakes, the role of earthquake engineers proves vital in building quake resistant structures.

Earthquake Engineering is an interdisciplinary study area, and involves study of civil engineering, geophysics, soil sciences, mathematics, statistics, weather sciences and many other allied study disciplines including computer sciences and Internet technologies.

Earthquakes may happen anywhere on the Earth and greatly damage human lives and property including natural resources and environment. The most sensitive areas to earthquakes are mountain regions, where possibility of an earthquake is always high.

In India, 60% of total area is sensitive to earthquakes. In year 2006, when India was celebrating Republic Day, an Earthquake occurred at 8.46AM in Kutch area in Gujarat, causing damage worth USD 5 billion, and left nearly 18600 people dead and 167 000 injured. Its shocks were felt in National Capital Region New Delhi too.

India was struck with several earthquakes in the past causing damage to life and property. Government of India has constituted National Information Center on Earthquake Engineering (NICEE). It is the Apex Body of Government of India on Earthquake Researches and damage control.

The NICEE engages in research on earthquakes through prominent institutes like Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT- K). NICEE offers postgraduate program leading to the award of Master of Engineering (ME) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D).

Besides, NICEE also conducts postdoctoral research through various centers. Many other institutes and universities also offer programs on Earthquake Engineering and related sciences.

Earthquake Engineering Eligibility Criteria

In India, programs in Earthquake Engineering are offered at postgraduate level leading to the award of Master of Engineering (ME) / Master of Technology (M.Tech.).

Qualification in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is required to join ME / M.Tech. Program. Admission in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program is offered on the basis of score in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or CSIR - National Eligibility Test (NET).

Earthquake Engineering Career Prospects

The life of an earthquake engineer is always busy gathering and researching data from different sources and locations and finding solutions to make structures earthquake resistant.

Besides gathering information and researching in libraries and reading journals, Earthquake Engineers also need to travel places to gather real information from local people.

Earthquake Engineers find work opportunities with R&D organizations involved in earthquake researches. They work with government and private agencies engaged in construction of buildings, railways, highways, ports, bridges, and space stations.

In academics, earthquake engineers find work opportunities as lecturers, professors and researchers. NGOs working for earthquakes and environment related issues also seek services of earthquake engineers.
 

Earthquake Engineering Pay Package

Earthquake engineers are respected professionals and integral part of society. An Earthquake Engineer normally earns Rs 25000 – Rs 30000 in the beginning of career. Various other facilities like HRA, T.A., D.A., medical care, are also offered by employing agency.

However, this is not the limit and earning raises manifold based on promotions, experiences, higher qualifications and research papers published.
 

Earthquake Engineering Institutes

Following provided the list of institutions offering courses in Earthquake Engineering and allied disciplines
 

• Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) Kanpur
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun
• Mumbai University, Mumbai
• Kurukhestra University, Kurukhestra
• Anna University, Chennai
• Osmania University, Hyderabad