PhD, State University of New York at Buffalo, 2015
MTech, IIT Kanpur, 2010
BTech, IIT Kanpur, 2008
Research Interests
Performance-based earthquake engineering
Passive structural control
Seismic isolation,
Characterization of earthquake shaking
Seismic risk assessment
Concrete and masonry structures
Blast-resistant design
Concrete printing
Fluid-structure interaction
Resilience of infrastructure
Work History
Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India (November 2021 – present)
Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India (June 2015 – November 2021)
Awards and Honors
Long Service Award at IIT Gandhinagar (2025)
ASCE Outstanding Reviewer for Journal of Structural Engineering (2024)
Appreciation letter for teaching a course at IIT Gandhinagar (2022 Spring, 2024 Spring, 2024 Fall)
Co-chair of World Housing Encyclopedia committee of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (2023)
Nidhi Prayas grant by DST to develop a method for systematic reinforcement of 3D printed concrete layers (2023)
Indian Army Commendation Card for contributions towards developing India's first 3D printed concrete bunker (2021); Indian Army announced adoption of the bunker's variants along Himalayan and western borders of India (2022).
Honorable Mention Paper Award in the 13th North American Masonry Conference (2019)
Graduate School Ambassador Award at SUNY Buffalo (2014)
Second prize in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ graduate student poster competition at SUNY Buffalo (2013)
Second prize in the department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering’s graduate student poster competition at SUNY Buffalo (2013)
IH Shames Outstanding Teaching Assistant at SUNY Buffalo (2012)
ASR Sai Gold Medal at IIT Kanpur (2011)
Academic Excellence Award at IIT Kanpur (2008, 2010)
IWA-Bonn Scholarship at IIT Kanpur (2006-07)
Merit Certificate for securing 6th rank in state in Intermediate Science Examination (12th Board), 2004
Merit Certificate for securing 3rd rank in state in High School Examination (10th Board), 2002
Technology Development
Blast- and impact-resistant 3D printed permanent defense (PD) concrete structure | Collaborators: Shashank Shekhar, Micob Inc., Indian Army | User: Indian Army | TRL 9 | Status: Hundreds of variants of the structure deployed along Indo-Chinese and western borders | Details: 1. Indian Army Commendation Card, 2. Announcement by Indian Army
Single surface sliding bearing | Collaborators: Amay Gupta, Jeet Mevawala, Durgesh C Rai, Harsha Engineers International Ltd., Sriharitha Rowthu | Potential users: Owners of houses, hospitals, schools, offices and other structures interested in enhanced earthquake performance | TRL 6 | Status: Development and structural testing on a set of materials under realistic structural loading completed
Sponsored Projects
“Development of a sliding bearing for earthquake protection of structures” for Department of Science and Technology, 2021-24, PI: Manish Kumar, Co-PIs: Durgesh C. Rai, Sriharitha Rowthu, Approved amount: INR 63,77,941.
“Seismic performance assessment of fixed-base and isolated Generic Fast Reactors” for Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, 2020-23, PI: Manish Kumar, Approved amount: INR 26,20,000.
“Towards optimum seismic design of plasterboard suspended ceiling systems” for Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, 2017-18, PI: Manish Kumar, Approved amount: INR 7,00,000.
“Towards performance-based earthquake-resistant design of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frame buildings” for Department of Science & Technology, 2016-19, PI: Manish Kumar, Approved amount: INR 18,15,000.
Consultancy Projects
"Developing a software package to perform deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard analyses for a generic nuclear site in accordance with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) guidelines" for National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), 2025, PIs: Utsav Mannu, Manish Kumar, Pankaj Khanna
“Risk analysis and protection of GMRC metro piers near railway lines in Ahmedabad” for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC), 2025, PIs: Sushobhan Sen, Manish Kumar.
“Structural adequacy check of Zinc Sulphate plant (wet section) at IFFCO Kandla” for Indian Farmer Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) Kandla, 2025, PIs: Krishna Siva Teja Chopperla, Manish Kumar.
“Assessment and retrofitting of fire-affected structural members at the Sabarmati site of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project” for IRCON-Dineshchandra Joint Venture, 2025, PIs: Manish Kumar, Krishna Siva Teja Chopperla.
“Safety audit and retrofitting planning of Railway Station building at Lakhtar” for Western Railway, 2024, PIs: Manish Kumar, Krishna Siva Teja Chopperla, Udit Bhatia, and Shailesh R Gandhi.
“Technical inputs on structural analysis of a major bridge in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (Chainage: 146+800) considering spatial variability of ground motions” for Gawar Construction Ltd., 2024, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Development of site-specific response spectra and compatible ground motions for the site of a major National Highway Authority of India bridge in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (Chainage: 188+885)” for Gawar Construction Ltd., 2024, PIs: Manish Kumar, Utsav Mannu, Shailesh R Gandhi.
“Site-specific response spectra and compatible ground motions for the analysis of the NH-5 balance cantilever bridge between Shakral Village and Dhalli section, and five NH(O) arch major bridges between Padhar and Bijni sections” for Gawar Construction Ltd., 2024, PIs: Manish Kumar, Utsav Mannu, Shailesh R Gandhi.
“Capacity expansion of intake well at GIDC pumping station at Rundh” for GIDC Jhagadia, 2024, PIs: Udit Bhatia, Pranab Mohapatra, Manish Kumar, Shailesh R Gandhi.
“Site-specific response spectra and compatible ground motions for Kunjwani to Sidhra, and Domel to Katra sections of National Highway 44 under Bharatmala Pariyojna” for APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd., 2023, PIs: Manish Kumar, Utsav Mannu, Shailesh R Gandhi.
“Inspection and retrofit of platform level pier arms for Thaltej Gam Station of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase - I” for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, 2023, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Quality audit of select structural members in the E-W Corridor (Apparel Park to Thaltej) and N-S Corridor (APMC to Motera Stadium) of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project” for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, 2023, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Safety audit of railway station building at Surendranagar” for Western Railway, 2022, PIs: Manish Kumar, Shailesh R Gandhi, Udit Bhatia.
“Installation acceptance tests for radio tower at Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project, Phase-I” for Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited, Construction, 2021, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Investigation of concrete surface deterioration and salinity impacts on concrete surfaces in Dholera” for Dholera Industrial City Development Limited, 2021, PIs: Udit Bhatia, Manish Kumar.
“Technical audit of select structural members in the Priority Reach of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project” for Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited, 2021, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Evaluation of verticality and twist in the 175 m high guy mast at All India Radio, Ahmedabad” for Mark Integration & Technology Solutions LLP, 2020, PI: Manish Kumar.
“Improving seismic resilience of built environment in India” for World Bank, 2019, PI: Sudhir K Jain, Co-PI: Durgesh Rai, O R Jaiswal, Manish Kumar.
“Root cause analysis of collapse of part of wet section of Soda Ash Plant of Nirma Ltd., Porbandar” for United India Insurance Co. Ltd., Ahmedabad, 2019, PIs: Manish Kumar, Dhiman Basu.
“Seismic safety evaluation of La Gajjar Chambers building, Ahmedabad” for Reserve Bank of India, Ahmedabad, 2018, PI: Sudhir K. Jain, Co-PIs: Svetlana Brzev, Manish Kumar.
Workshops
A workshop on 𝟯𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 was organized on August 20, 2025 in collaboration with the Central Public Works Department. Details can be seen at IIT Gandhinagar social media page, Press Information Bureau, The Live Ahmedabad, and Navjeevan Express. The discussions covered the past, present, and future of 3D concrete printing technology, systematic and automated integration of fiber mesh with the printed layers, seismic isolation technology for earthquake protection of structures, and industrial applications of 3D concrete printing technology. Besides, the delegates visited the site of a 3D-printed concrete building, an industrial facility for 3D concrete printing, and IIT Gandhinagar’s laboratory for 3D concrete printing. This workshop was intended to discuss the incorporation of emerging indigenous technologies into building construction practices.
Organized a workshop entitled "Analysis and design of seismically isolated structures" on February 27-28, 2023. Details can be seen at events.iitgn.ac.in/2023/seismic_isolation.
Organized a workshop entitled "Resilience of power and allied lifeline infrastructure systems" on September 26, 2022 in collaboration with Professors Udit Bhatia and Pranab Mohapatra. Details can be seen at events.iitgn.ac.in/2022/infra_resilience/index.html.
Training Sessions
Delivered a day-long training session (in the run-up to the seismic isolation workshop) at the Southern Region Head Quarters of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in Hyderabad on January 10, 2023. Different aspects of earthquake engineering, and role of structural engineering in the power sector were covered.
Invited Talks
Kumar, M. (2025). “Principles and applications of 3D concrete printing: Recent developments and path forward,” Executive Excellence Program organized by Association of Infrastructure Industry, IIT Gandhinagar, September 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “Behavior of seismically isolated structures,” Executive Excellence Program organized by Association of Infrastructure Industry, IIT Gandhinagar, September 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “Introduction to 3D concrete printing, and associated technologies,” Workshop on 3D Concrete Printing, IIT Gandhinagar, August 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “Role of seismic isolation in the sustainability of built infrastructure,” Third International Conference on Construction Materials and Structures (ICCMS), IIT Tirupati, July 2025 (Keynote Lecture).
Kumar, M. (2025). “Dynamic analysis and modeling of structures under seismic loads,” Beijing University of Technology, China, June 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “Effect of earthquakes on buildings,” Training Program on Earthquake Risk Reduction in Housing Schemes for Engineers & Architects, Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, March 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “Principles and applications of 3D concrete printing: Recent developments and path forward,” Executive Excellence Program organized by Association of Infrastructure Industry, IIT Gandhinagar, January 2025.
Kumar, M. (2025). “A glimpse into the world of Civil Engineering,” Pandit Deendayal Energy University, January 2025.
Kumar, M. (2024). “Role of structural and earthquake engineering in the resilience of built environment,” Charotar University of Science and Technology, September 2024.
Kumar, M. (2024). “Design and application of sliding isolation systems,” International Workshop on Seismic Isolation organized by IIT Bombay, June 2024.
Kumar, M. (2024). “Design and construction of resilient hospitals,” IIT Gandhinagar (as part of the Capacity Building Programme of Project Implementation Unit Engineers (Health Division) of the Government of Gujarat conducted by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management), March 2024.
Kumar, M. (2024). “Print, heat and reinforce: A perspective on the role of 3D concrete printing in structural engineering,” International Workshop on 3D Concrete Printing – Present & Future Prospects organized by IIT Bombay and Indian Concrete Institute (Mumbai chapter), March 2024.
Kumar, M. (2024). “Building codes, construction and safety,” IIT Gandhinagar (as part of the Certificate Course (Hybrid) on Disaster Risk Reduction and National Security conducted jointly by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management and Rashtriya Raksha University), January - March 2024.
Kumar, M. (2023 - 24). “Disaster resilient school infrastructure,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar (as part of the Capacity Building Program for Architects, Engineers and Technical Resource Persons of Samagra Shiksha on Resilient Schools), December 2023 - February 2024.
Kumar, M. (2023). “Structural engineering and resilience of built infrastructure,” Gujarat Technological University, Gandhinagar (as part of the AICTE Training and Learning Academy Faculty Development Program (ATAL – FDP) on Advances in Earthquake Engineering & Structural Resilience), October 21, 2023.
Kumar, M. (2023). “Protecting industrial infrastructure using seismic isolation technology,” Power Management Institute, National Thermal Power Corporation, Noida (as part of the seminar on "Seismic and Vibration Protection Systems for Nuclear Power Project"), September 27, 2023.
Kumar, M. (2023). “Effect of cyclones on buildings,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, September 1, 2023.
Kumar, M. (2023). “An inside-the-box research story,” Summer Research Internship Program (2023) lecture series, IIT Gandhinagar, May 18, 2023.
Kumar, M. (2023). “Influence of heating on 3D printed concrete with low initial yield strength,” International Conference on Asian Scenario on Infrastructural Development (ASID) organized by the Nagpur chapter of Indian Concrete Institute, March 11, 2023.
Kumar, M. (2022). “Print, heat and expand: An overview of 3D concrete printing at IIT Gandhinagar,” University of Victoria, January 27, 2022.
Kumar, M. (2020). “Confined masonry construction,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, September 25, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2020). “A context-based perspective on the future of earthquake-resistant design in India,” Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jhansi (as part of Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP-III)), August 21, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2020). “Effect of earthquakes on buildings,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, July 28, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2020). “Seismic risk: characterization and mitigation,” Madhav Institute of Science and Technology, Gwalior (as part of Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP-III)), July 17, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2020). “Effect of cyclone on buildings,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, June 25, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2020). “Structural retrofit and structural risk mitigation,” Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar, January 22, 2020.
Kumar, M. (2019). “Response analysis of masonry-infilled RC frames,” Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China, September 22, 2019.
Kumar, M. (2019). “Seismic isolation of nuclear structures,” Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China, September 22, 2019.
Kumar, M. (2019). “Construction: safety and sustainability,” Electrotherm India Limited Engineers Meet, Ahmedabad, June 5, 2019.
Kumar, M. (2019). “Seismic isolation of nuclear structures,” Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, March 19, 2019.
Kumar, M. (2019). “A bird’s eye view of earthquake engineering,” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Vasad, February 25, 2019.
Kumar, M. (2018). “Seismic isolation of NPPs using sliding bearings,” Indo-US workshop on Current Practices and Emerging Challenges in Seismic Risk Analysis and Design of Nuclear Facilities, IIT Bombay, February 14, 2018.
Kumar, M. (2017). “An overview of performance-based earthquake engineering,” Short Term Training Program on Earthquake Protection of Structures, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, May 24, 2017.
Kumar, M. (2016). “A perspective on low cost housing,” Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat, December 22, 2016.
Kumar, M. (2016). “Application of steel in structures,” Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers & Architects (organized by Vizag Steel), Ahmedabad, November 26, 2016.
Kumar, M. (2016). “Scientific and technological aspects of disaster mitigation,” Exercise Sahayata, Air Force Station, Chiloda, September 14, 2016.
Service to Profession
Chaired a general session in the 19th World Conference on Seismic Isolation (September 15-19, 2025) in Berkeley, USA.
Served as a reviewer in the selection for the cohorts of Quad Fellows (2024, 2022).
Manish served as a West Zone Jury Committee member for the All-India Students' Competition on the design of an archery training center organized by Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG) in 2022.
Served as a panel member in the sessions on intelligent transportation systems (chair: Engineer-in-Chief, Indian Army) and 3D concrete printing in the 9th Civil Engineering Conference in the Asian Region (CECAR9), Goa in 2022.
Member, CED 32 working group of Bureau of Indian Standards on 3D printed concrete structures (2022 - date)
Chaired a session of invited lectures, and a technical session in Socio-Technological Aspects of Seismic Disaster and Mitigation Conference 2022 at IIT Guwahati. In addition, served as a judge for the poster competition.
Served on the panel of judges for the National Award Competition for Students 2021 organized by Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG). The theme for the competition was "Iconic steel roof structure over an open-air theater and stage."
Member (alternate), CED 39 committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (2021- date).
Member, World Housing Encyclopedia committee of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (2021 - date).
Served as a member on the Program Development and Review Committee (PDRC) for 'Masons Training on Multi-Hazard Resistant Construction' constituted by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management, Gandhinagar in 2020.
Delivered lectures in the short course entitled “Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures for Earthquake and Fire as per NBC 2016” organized at IIT Gandhinagar in May 2018.
Chaired a general session in the 13th North American Masonry Conference (June 17-19, 2019) in Salt Lake City, USA.
Chaired a general session in the 24th Structural Mechanics in Reactor Technology (SMiRT 24) conference (August 20-25, 2017) in Busan, South Korea.
Chaired a general session in the 16th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (January 9-13, 2017) in Santiago, Chile.
Peer-review for journals: Journal of Structural Engineering (ASCE), Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, Nuclear Technology, Nuclear Engineering and Design, Engineering Structures, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, Journal of Earthquake Engineering, International Journal of Pressure Vessel and Piping, Journal of Vibration and Control
Member, Senate Scholarships and Prizes Committee (2016 – 2023)
Member, Institute Ranking Committee (2022 – 2025)
Chairman, Transport Committee (2016 – 2022)
Member, Faculty Search Committee (2020 - 2022)
Member, Undergraduate Research Committee (2016 – 2020)
Courses Taught
ES 221: Mechanics of Solids (Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Summer 2022, Spring 2022 (co-taught), Summer 2021, Spring 2021 (co-taught), Summer 2019, Summer 2018, Summer 2017)
CE 302: Structural Analysis (Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2017)
CE 304: Concrete Design (Spring 2016)
CE 306: Civil Engineering Materials Lab (Spring 2017)
CE 307: Masonry Design (Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018)
CE 401: Comprehensive Project (coordinator) (Fall 2019, Fall 2020)
CE 491: Special Topics in Civil Engineering (Structural Analysis and Design) (Fall 2018)
CE 607: Advanced Structural Analysis (Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2020, Fall 2019)
CE 622: Structural Dynamics (Fall 2022, Fall 2021)
CE 626: Earthquake Engineering (Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2015)
CE 691: Special Topics in Civil Engineering (Design for Dynamic Loads) (Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020)
CE 691: Special Topics in Civil Engineering (Blast Engineering) (Fall 2017)
