The IAStructE–IIIT Hyderabad Student Chapter organized a guest lecture on “Heritage and Hazard: Adapting Indigenous Himachali Construction Techniques for Modern Safety Challenges” on 30th October, 2025. The session was delivered by Dr. Thainswemong Choudhury, Assistant Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IIT Mandi, through an online mode. The lecture offered an insightful exploration of the structural wisdom embedded in traditional Himalayan architecture and its relevance to modern safety and sustainability challenges. Dr. Choudhury opened the session by emphasizing the superior seismic performance of traditional Himachali systems compared to unreinforced masonry, which has often failed in past earthquakes. He explained how the region’s challenging topography, high altitude, and remote setting have helped preserve indigenous construction practices such as Kath-Kuni, Dhajji-Dewari, Taq, Thathara, and dry-stone masonry. Each of these techniques, deeply rooted in local material use and climatic adaptability, reflects centuries of empirical engineering knowledge passed through generations.

The lecture provided a detailed technical perspective on these traditional typologies. Kath-Kuni structures, known for alternating layers of wood and stone joined through dovetail or corbel interlocks, achieve an effective box-type action capable of dissipating seismic energy. Similarly, Dhajji-Dewari construction employs a timber frame with stone or brick infill, allowing ductility and controlled energy absorption. Dr. Choudhury highlighted that the inherent flexibility and energy dissipation capacity of these systems align with the same performance principles that underpin modern confined masonry. A significant portion of the discussion was devoted to the computational and analytical challenges in modelling such irregular, heterogeneous structures. Dr. Choudhury explained the limitations of conventional continuum models, which often overlook local failure mechanisms along mortar joints. He presented advanced techniques such as the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and detailed micro-modelling approaches that can capture the intricate behaviours of joints and masonry interfaces, including sliding, separation, and cracking patterns. He also discussed the issue of “bad discretization” in complex geometries and stressed the need for intelligent meshing strategies to improve model reliability and computational efficiency.

The lecture further examined the growing trend of hybrid construction that combines traditional systems with modern materials like concrete and steel. While these interventions often aim to improve durability, they may inadvertently create stiffness imbalances that disrupt the original seismic response. Dr. Choudhury urged the engineering community to approach such integrations cautiously, ensuring that modern adaptations respect the mechanical balance and cultural integrity of indigenous systems. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Choudhury emphasized a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to preserving and adapting traditional knowledge. He proposed exploring engineered wood products, advanced material characterization, and region-specific design guidelines to create sustainable and safe construction practices that bridge tradition with modern innovation. Rather than replacing traditional methods, he advocated optimizing and modernizing them through research-driven understanding.

An engaging Q&A session followed, with participants seeking clarifications on the feasibility of constructing new Kath-Kuni houses, the development of seismic design codes for hilly terrains, and the mechanisms governing load transfer in Taq and dry-stone masonry. Dr. Choudhury’s detailed and pragmatic responses, supported by field experiences and computational insights, enriched the discussion. The session concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired by the fusion of heritage and engineering science. Dr. Choudhury’s lucid presentation, supported by real-world visuals and technical rigor, made the lecture both intellectually stimulating and contextually relevant. The event successfully highlighted the importance of integrating traditional construction wisdom with contemporary research to build resilient and culturally rooted structures for the future.