Good day, Dr. Menaka K. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Please start by introducing your professional journey in academia.

Hello, are you there?

Hello, shall I continue? Sorry for the interference.

OK, I have completed my bachelor's and master's degree in College of Engineering Guindy and University Chennai and uh, the this is what my, uh, academic background. I have good academic records in my SSLC and 12th standard also. And now I would like to say I will be a.

Of course, please continue.

I'll be focused, I'll be focusing on teaching and then applied research and I would like to develop interdisciplinary research with the Ivy IT University and IIT and other universities I will be focused on. I will be dedicated in contributing and strengthening the concepts, theoretical concepts with the real life applications and case studies.

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing that, Professor.

Yes.

In at Greg Engineering.

I couldn't able to hear you properly.

Apologies for any confusion earlier. Dr. Menaka, let us begin with the relevant aspects of your profile. Could you summarize your expertise in Earthquake Engineering and how it aligns with teaching and research in academia?

Oh yeah, my PhD is geotechnical earthquake engineering. That means I have collected the earthquake events in and around Chennai city for more than 200 years. That is from 18180 to 2020. I have 22. I have collected A seismic a ones for the Chennai city in and around Chennai city. With that data, I have analyzed the data and then developed the seismic.

Cop instead of using the conventional analysis methods which is a probabilistic or deterministic seismic hazard analysis, I have used fuzzy logics. I have introduced fuzzy logic to consider the uncertainties in the data. In that I have the data are processed and then that process to data.

When the outputs are quantified using the available equations then the data are generated. High quality data are generated. With that data I have trained the adaptive neutral fuzzy inference system, then tested the data, then developed based on that developed fuzzy attenuation relationships. With that fuzzy attenuation relationships I have developed the.

Seismic hazard curve then with the seismic hazard curve which is matching with passive. PR website, Pacific Engineering Research Center website at this at time acceleration ground motion records are available. This ground motion which ground motion record is matching with the analyzed data that is my seismic hazard curve that is applied and then scale that is appropriately used in my further analysis that is ground response analysis. When this ground motion event, what I have obtained that spectrum compatible ground motions, what I have obtained from the?

Pure website and scale that is given as input in at the bedrock level and then I have.

Checked 4. Analyze how it is propagating through the soil profile whether it's amplified or de amplified. How much amplification is there based on the sites. For that I need to do the site classification characterization also. But also I did as per. I have used the borehole data which is showing the end values of the profile. Also I have used a few location. I have performed multi channel analysis of surface based test.

It is MASW test with that site characterization I'm the ground motions at the bedrock level. I have analyzed the ground response analysis for that also helps used fuzzy probabilistic approach to obtain how the ground response is there instead of using the conventional approach. This approach is based on the data.

Training on main testing. This is data-driven approach. The data approach I have developed seismic microzonation maps.

Which shows the peak ground acceleration values. Uh, let us.

How much acceleration will be there at the top of the ground level and at a different depth, that is to major or 8m and 10m? What is the peak ground acceleration value variation in the city area so that it will be useful to design the seismic resistant, earthquake resistant structures and then I have to find out the predominant site period so that it should not match with the natural frequency of the structure.

This is not so developed and then given in the in my thesis and I have published paper from my research. Also I know I have good publication from my PhD work.

Oh yeah Sir, this is. I have worked aircraft engineering like this.

Dr. Menaka, thank you for that comprehensive explanation. It’s clear you’ve conducted significant work in geotechnical earthquake engineering, focusing on seismic hazard analysis and site response. Let me delve deeper into this. Can you explain how your research methodology—using fuzzy logic and adaptive neural systems—addresses the uncertainties in seismic data more effectively than traditional probabilistic or deterministic methods?

In the traditional probabilistic and deterministic methods, we will directly use the like. We will be directly given input for this magnitude and the source to side distance whatever all the factors affecting. When we give input of those data, we will get the output that is PGA values or whatever spectral acceleration we want. But in my analysis there are like data scarcity and. Uncertainties that especially epistemic uncertainties, are there.

It is lack of data and engineering judgment and everything. So what was the logic did what in my research what I have done like I have like from in Chennai city the lower magnitude of 3.52 maximum 6-7 magnitude earthquakes are occurring. So each values what is the. I have defined and classified fuzzy sets based on the fuzzy set. In the fuzzy set we will be giving membership to the each.

Of magnitude like that source to side distances also also fuzzy fired using fuzzy sets. These values are given as input in the fuzzy adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system. While doing that we we to get the fuzzy rules. That is if then rules and then the corresponding fuzzy attenuation relationships using genotype fuzzy inference method. Initially before getting that we have to train.

Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy inference model with the input and output data. That is, in my case I have simplicity. I have considered a magnitude and then source to side distance values and the corresponding.

Output value that is PGA value from the attenuation relationships that are Bajaj and Balagan relationship and then NDMA sorry ground motion equations are used and then developed at 10,000 earthquakes scenarios using Monte Carlos simulation for that data. With that data it is the adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems are trained and then tested then with. Then the fuzzy attenuation relationships are developed.

For the given fuzzy input sets for the with the fuzzy alternation relationships, the fuzzy PGA values are obtained. Other does the output peak ground acceleration. The fuzzy PGA values are then D fuzzified to get the PGA value with the PGA under annual probability of exceeding that PGA value. The fuzzy has that curse or obtained. That is the final output of seismic hazard analysis.

Thank you for that detailed insight, Dr. Menaka. Your approach highlights a sophisticated way to tackle uncertainty in seismic data through fuzzy logic, adaptive neuro systems, and Monte Carlo simulations. This methodology indeed seems robust and valuable in regions with limited seismic data. How do you envision integrating these advanced concepts into teaching earthquake engineering courses, particularly for undergraduate or postgraduate students, to help them grasp such complex methodologies effectively?

Yeah, In order to do that, first I will teach them the basic concepts of earthquake engineering. From that I will like, I will give small, small assignments like how it how to collect the data. Every step I'll give an assignment. Then I'll give the case studies to them. I'll.

I will train them each and every concept whatever is possible like that only I can do initially, not everything can be feeded into them. First they let let me for bachelor's level, I will teach the earthquake engineering concepts clearly. Then while during the coursework itself, I'll give small small assignments and case studies to in order in order to ensure their capability to. I mean understand the concepts and how to implement these things.

In Safeman hazard, our response analysis or liquefaction studies or like to analyze the earthquake induced effects or what how the earthquake things are happening everything.

Thank you for elaborating. Your approach of building foundational knowledge through clear teaching of concepts, and progressively enhancing comprehension with assignments and case studies, seems well-structured. It’s good to see that you plan to gradually develop practical skills among the students alongside their theoretical understanding. Now, transitioning into your research publications—can you briefly highlight one or two of your significant publications and explain their impact in the field of geotechnical earthquake engineering?

Yeah, in the earthquake engineering I have to a good publications like geotechnical artifact engineering how the seismic hazard analysis using the fuzzy approach. Then the other paper is on the to develop the seismic microzonation maps using fuzzy probabilistic approach. Both are in the like good.

Impact factor journals and then it is it is showing my research.

Capability in earthquake engineering.

It’s commendable that your work on seismic hazard analysis and seismic microzonation maps has been published in high-impact journals. These contributions clearly establish your expertise in applying advanced methodologies to earthquake engineering. Now, to assess your capacity as a professor: how do you typically align your research work with guiding students on projects or theses, especially if their interests diverge slightly from your primary area of expertise?

Yeah. I will give uh projects as like to identify the potential earthquake areas and then like to classify uh for bachelor level. I will give the projects like uh, to find out the uh spectrum compatible exploration time histories and to process the PSH, the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and then.

Yeah. How to use the AI tools to pattern recognition and classification, how we can develop the data like that for masters level, I will ask them to do testing, MSW testing and then block vibration test or banner element test or seismic dynamic soil dynamic test to ensure the capability of the soil. And then I mean to characterize the site and then further do the analysis.

Thank you, Dr. Menaka. Your strategy demonstrates a balanced approach, combining practical experiments like MSW testing and data-driven methodologies for undergraduate and postgraduate students. It shows your commitment to fostering research diversity and interdisciplinary learning. Let’s explore your experience with industry projects or consultancy. Could you provide an example of how you’ve contributed to a real-world structural or geotechnical challenge through your expertise?

Yeah, uh, in my thesis work, in my PhD work, I have developed this map, uh, to by representing the peak ground acceleration values, right. That is at the ground level, whole Chennai city at ground level, how the playground exploration values are varying and then how it is varying at 2m level depth and six meter, 8 meter, 10m depth, how the peak ground acceleration values are varying, that is the spatial variation of the peak.

Exploration around the Chinese city. This will help the urban planners, engineers to design the earthquake resistant structures.

While designing. Because it will be to avoid the natural frequency of the structure and then I have developed this amplification. How the soil profile and how the application amplification will be so that the engineers can design the resistance structures by considering more flexibility of the structures and then the structural number of structure storage will not be matching with the. Natural frequency of that location.

Uh, this is how my research will be helpful for the engineers.

Thank you, Dr. Menaka. It’s clear that your research outputs, such as spatial PGA variation maps and amplification insights, have potential real-world applications in improving earthquake-resistant designs. This integration of research into practical solutions strongly positions you as a valuable contributor to both academia and industry. Let’s now touch on your approach to student evaluation. How do you plan to fairly and effectively assess students' academic performance in both theoretical coursework and practical lab sessions?

Yeah. Initially while starting the coursework itself, I will give them like one small test to the people. Like I'll be asking the questions like very fundamental or basic things, how they have learned from the outside learning just just by seeing the things, how they have learned, how much knowledge they have about that subject, what is their view of that subject.

Perception of their subject. This this I will do at the initial level itself. Then I will do the keep like, uh, one month, once or two-month ones, I will ask them, I'll do that again that, uh, and attest to the students to check how they have understood their subjects and then how, how much knowledge they have. And for the, I mean, for assessing the practical knowledge also, I'll ask them to do, I'll give them some case studies and I'll check each each an individual person. I'll give separate different, different case studies and I'll check how much they can enable to do.

Understand the concepts and solve the issues in the case studies and I'll help them to understand the theoretical concepts more clearly if any student is struggling to understand and I'll make any extra classes or special classes to make them understand clearly.

So in what way they are struggling? I will conduct a meeting monthly once or twice to check in what way they are struggling so that I'll help them to.

Thank you, Dr. Menaka. Your method of starting with a baseline test, followed by periodic assessments and personalized feedback, shows a strong commitment to nurturing individual student growth. Offering additional support through case studies, meetings, and extra classes also reflects your dedication to effective teaching and mentorship. Finally, could you highlight how your practical experience with advanced tools and technologies, such as MATLAB or Deepsoil, aligns with your ability to conduct laboratory sessions and train students in these methods?

Sorry to interrupt, we're down to the last 5 minutes.

Uh, so MATLAB and then the fuzzy, uh, final element analysis, like deep soil, it will be helpful. It will, this is like computational approach, this computational things. I'll for case studies, it will be useful for practical testing in lab. I'll like, I'll ask them to do the site characterization studies like, uh, how the soil, uh, shear wave velocity profile identification using major elements order.

Uh, this thing?

Traction cyclic traction test or multi channel analysis of surface based test. This is how I can do the same test. I can model. I'll teach the students to model in the finite element and do the analysis.

Thank you for elaborating, Dr. Menaka. Your ability to integrate computational tools like MATLAB and Deepsoil with practical lab testing and finite element modeling showcases a comprehensive teaching strategy. Training students in both experimental and computational methods will undoubtedly enhance their skillsets. We’ve explored a wide range of topics today. Is there anything specific you'd like to add or discuss further before concluding?

Yeah, I would like to, uh, introduce, I would like to implement a building information modeling or artificial intelligence to uh, you know, I to support the uh, physical based, physics based and mechanical based approaches to get the more reliable and then to do the reliability analysis and optimization purpose to come up with the decision making. The recently advanced tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Approaches and they offers they logic methods, data-driven approaches will be helpful. I'll be focusing on that. Also I'm keeping on learning on the new technologies like new techniques like AI, ML to introduce the introduce it into earthquake engineering.

That’s impressive, Dr. Menaka. Your focus on integrating advanced methodologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into earthquake engineering exhibits a forward-thinking approach, preparing students and researchers to tackle future challenges in a rapidly evolving field. With that, we've covered the major aspects of your profile and aspirations. Do you have any other thoughts or questions you'd like to address?

Yeah, I have few questions, uh, whether the institute will allow the interdisciplinary research so that the students will be exploring the other institutes and then, uh, their sources for doing the research.

Interdisciplinary research is highly encouraged, as the role emphasizes guiding students in emerging technologies, promoting industry and institution interaction, and engaging in research development activities. Collaborations across departments and institutions align with the institution's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in research and education. Does this clarify your concern?

Thank you, Sir. Thank you. And I'll ask one more question, that is, the department has the ability for supporting the computational approaches, computational things.

No, Sir.

Thank you. No further questions.

Thank you, Dr. Menaka. To confirm, would you like to conclude the interview at this point?

Yeah, I would like to conclude that the session now.