IIT Madras Structural Engineering Professor Dr. Arul Jayachandran Stresses People-Centric Building Design

CHENNAI: Industry events often create moments that go beyond networking and product showcases. At Steel Expo 2026 in Chennai, one such moment unfolded when the BuildWatch News team encountered one of India’s most respected structural engineering experts.

The BuildWatch News team, represented by Sathish Kumar, Editor-in-Chief, and Khader Famil, Founder and Director, was attending the expo to interact with leaders from the steel ecosystem when they met Mr. Joseph Rozario, Director, Metal Scope India Pvt Ltd. During the discussion, Mr. Rozario mentioned that Dr. Arul Jayachandran, Professor of Structural Engineering at IIT Madras and widely respected in the engineering community as the “Bridge Man of India,” was also present at the venue.

Dr. Arul Jayachandran is a leading structural engineering expert with more than three decades of experience in advancing steel and composite structures through research, engineering practice and infrastructure development. A former Deputy Director at the CSIR Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), he has contributed to more than 100 national infrastructure projects and has played an important role in the development of structural design standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards. He is widely published, frequently invited as a global speaker, and has served as a consultant to industry and government on major infrastructure projects including bridges, airports and large-scale building systems.

Recognizing the opportunity, the team quickly arranged an interaction that soon evolved into an engaging conversation on steel construction, structural durability and the future of engineering in India. Mr. Joseph Rozario hosted the discussion on behalf of BuildWatch News, raising questions that reflected the concerns and opportunities within the steel and construction sectors.

India’s Steel Construction Momentum

Responding to the question of whether India is ready for large scale steel construction, Dr. Arul Jayachandran expressed strong confidence in the country’s preparedness.

He explained that India’s steel consumption has grown dramatically over the past two decades. Around twenty years ago the country consumed only about 10 to 15 kilograms of steel per capita each year. Today that figure has crossed nearly 100 kilograms per capita, reflecting the rapid expansion of infrastructure and industrial development.

According to him, advancements in manufacturing capacity, construction technologies and engineering codes have strengthened India’s ability to adopt steel structures on a larger scale. Pre engineered buildings in particular have emerged as key enablers for industrial growth due to their efficiency, speed and structural flexibility.

Rethinking Building Design

During the interaction, Dr. Arul Jayachandran highlighted an important issue in the way many buildings are designed today.

He observed that projects are often driven primarily by cost and structural weight considerations, while the real functionality of the building receives less attention. For him, structural design must always begin with a simple but critical question: who will occupy the building.

Engineers and designers should focus on how people will live and work within the structure. Aspects such as thermal comfort, usability and long term durability must become central to the design approach.

He pointed out that many middle class families invest their lifetime savings to build homes and naturally expect those homes to last for decades. Choosing appropriate materials and engineering solutions is therefore a responsibility shared by the entire construction ecosystem.

Designing for Durability

Dr. Arul Jayachandran explained that Indian structural codes generally assume a design life of about fifty years.

Achieving this lifespan requires a combination of proper engineering design, quality construction practices and the use of reliable materials. Modern codes now include specific provisions addressing durability, helping engineers design structures that can withstand environmental conditions over long periods.

Addressing the Corrosion Myth

Steel corrosion is often cited as a concern in construction, but Dr. Arul Jayachandran believes the issue is widely misunderstood.

Steel does corrode, but modern engineering solutions have significantly reduced the risks. Advanced coating systems including zinc rich primers, epoxy layers and polyurethane finishes can protect steel structures for decades when properly applied.

In many buildings, a large portion of the structural steel is not directly exposed to weather conditions, which further reduces corrosion risks. With the right detailing and maintenance practices, steel structures can achieve long service lives comparable to other materials.

Advice for the Next Generation

Towards the end of the discussion, the conversation shifted to the future of engineering talent.

Dr. Arul Jayachandran encouraged young structural engineers to pursue their profession with passion rather than focusing only on academic grades or career packages. He emphasized the importance of independent thinking, creativity and dedication to one’s chosen field.

The full video interaction between Dr. Arul Jayachandran and Mr. Joseph Rozario will soon be released on the BuildWatch News channel.