Harish K. Venkatanarayanan

Harish K. Venkatanarayanan serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), where he has established himself as a leading researcher in structural engineering and construction materials.

Dr. Venkatanarayanan earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from Clemson University in 2011, following an M.E. in Construction Engineering and Management from Anna University in 2005, and a B.E. in Civil Engineering from the University of Madras in 2003. His academic excellence was recognized early with Gold Medal and University Rank holder status in both his undergraduate and graduate programs.

His research program focuses on advanced concrete technology, with particular emphasis on material properties, durability mechanisms, and sustainable alternatives. Dr. Venkatanarayanan's work investigates the behavior of innovative construction materials including ultra-high strength mortars, fly ash applications, and rice husk ash in cementitious systems. His laboratory at IIT Kanpur conducts cutting-edge material characterization studies that have significantly contributed to understanding concrete durability issues.

Dr. Venkatanarayanan has published numerous influential papers in top-tier journals including Construction and Building Materials, Cement and Concrete Composites, and the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. His publications demonstrate a cohesive research program examining heat-treated ultra-high strength mortars, alkali-silica reaction mitigation, and sustainable cement alternatives.

• ACI Foundation Student Fellowship Recipient (BASF Construction Chemical), 2010-2011
• Professional Enrichment Grant from Clemson University, 2011
• CTS Research Alliance Award Recipient from CTS cement, 2009
• Travel grant to attend ICRI Conference, Charleston, SC, 2008
• University Rank holder in Bachelor's degree, 2003
• Gold Medalist and University Rank holder in Master's degree, 2005

As an educator, Dr. Venkatanarayanan actively mentors graduate students and teaches courses related to structural engineering and construction materials. His research group at IIT Kanpur maintains strong collaborations with industry partners and international research institutions, focusing on developing more durable and environmentally friendly construction materials.