

M-TECH in Computer Aided Design Of Structure at Visvesvaraya Technological University


Belagavi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Aided Design of Structure at Visvesvaraya Technological University Belagavi?
This Computer Aided Design of Structure program at Visvesvaraya Technological University focuses on leveraging computational tools and advanced analytical methods for the design and analysis of civil engineering structures. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals who can apply modern software and simulation techniques to complex structural problems in the Indian construction and infrastructure sectors. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications of CAD/CAE tools.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Civil Engineering graduates seeking to specialize in advanced structural design and analysis using computational methods. It is also suitable for working professionals in the construction industry looking to upskill in modern CAD/CAE software and advanced structural theories. Individuals aiming for roles in design consultancies, R&D departments, or pursuing further research will find this specialization highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in leading Indian and international design firms, construction companies, and government organizations. Roles include Structural Design Engineer, FEA Analyst, CAD Manager, and Research Engineer, with starting salaries typically ranging from INR 4-8 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry needs for efficient, safe, and economical structural solutions in India''''s booming infrastructure development.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Structural Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp the fundamentals of Matrix Methods, FEM, and Structural Dynamics. Focus on understanding the underlying theories, not just software operation. Utilize textbooks, lecture notes, and online courses like NPTEL modules to strengthen theoretical knowledge. Actively participate in problem-solving sessions and seek clarifications from professors to build a strong base.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Structural Analysis, Textbooks by Punmia, Reddy, Chopra, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for understanding advanced topics and for effectively using specialized CADS software, which directly impacts your problem-solving capabilities in future design roles.
Gain Proficiency in CADS Software- (Semester 1-2)
Start early with hands-on practice using industry-standard software like STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, and ANSYS. Attend workshops, complete lab assignments diligently, and explore additional tutorials. Focus on understanding the input, analysis process, and interpretation of results for various structural elements and systems.
Tools & Resources
STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, ANSYS Academic Version, Software tutorials from vendors
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools is a direct requirement for almost all structural design and analysis positions, significantly enhancing your employability and efficiency as a design engineer.
Develop Strong Research and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the ''''Research Methodology and IPR'''' subject. Practice critical literature review, data analysis, and technical report writing. Participate in seminars, present your findings clearly, and hone your communication skills, which are vital for academic success and future professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Grammarly, Presentation software
Career Connection
These skills are essential for your M.Tech project and will be highly valued in R&D roles, consultancies, and for effectively communicating complex technical information to clients or teams.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry-Relevant Internships- (After Semester 2 / Semester 3)
Actively seek and complete an internship at a reputed structural design consultancy or construction company. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, understanding design codes, and observing professional practices. Document your experience and learn from industry mentors.
Tools & Resources
VTU Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company websites
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, build professional networks, and often lead to pre-placement offers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Topics- (Semester 2-3)
Carefully choose program electives that align with your career interests, whether it''''s earthquake engineering, bridge design, or fracture mechanics. Dive deep into these specialized areas, pursuing additional certifications or mini-projects to build expertise beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Industry certification programs, Research papers on chosen topics
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more valuable candidate for niche roles and enables you to contribute to cutting-edge projects in specific structural engineering domains.
Participate in Structural Design Competitions- (Semester 2-3)
Form teams and participate in structural design competitions or hackathons organized by professional bodies like IEI, ICI, or student chapters. This hands-on experience in competitive environments hones problem-solving, teamwork, and time management skills.
Tools & Resources
IEI/ICI student chapters, Civil engineering department notices, Online challenge platforms
Career Connection
Such participation demonstrates practical aptitude, innovation, and leadership, making your resume stand out to potential employers in the competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive M.Tech Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a challenging M.Tech project that involves advanced CADS concepts, potentially integrating research, design, and analysis. Work closely with your faculty advisor, ensuring a rigorous methodology, innovative solutions, and thorough documentation. Aim for conference publications or journal submissions.
Tools & Resources
Advanced FEA software, Programming languages (Python/MATLAB), Research databases
Career Connection
A strong project showcases your ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and apply advanced tools, which is highly regarded by R&D firms and for academic pursuits.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 3-4)
Start placement preparation early. Practice technical interview questions related to structural analysis, design codes, and CADS software. Refine your resume and cover letter, focusing on your M.Tech project and internship experiences. Participate in mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell workshops, GeeksforGeeks for technical questions, LinkedIn for company research
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation is critical for securing desirable job offers in top structural engineering firms and consultancies across India.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and alumni events. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. These interactions provide insights into industry trends, potential job opportunities, and mentorship, expanding your professional network within the Indian civil engineering community.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry events (e.g., ICI, IEI seminars), VTU Alumni network
Career Connection
A robust professional network can open doors to career opportunities, mentorship, and collaborative projects, significantly influencing your long-term career growth and impact in the sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering or equivalent degree with minimum aggregate marks as per VTU regulations.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50% (for theory subjects, varies for labs/projects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22CST11 | Matrix Method of Structural Analysis | Core Theory | 4 | Flexibility and Stiffness Methods, Matrix Formulation for Trusses, Matrix Formulation for Beams, Matrix Formulation for Plane Frames, Shear Deformations in Structures |
| 22CST12 | Finite Element Method of Analysis | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to FEM and Variational Methods, One-Dimensional Finite Elements, Two-Dimensional Finite Elements, Isoparametric Elements, Three-Dimensional Finite Elements |
| 22CST13 | Structural Dynamics | Core Theory | 4 | Single Degree of Freedom Systems, Multi-Degree of Freedom Systems, Modal Analysis, Earthquake Response of Structures, Damping in Dynamic Systems |
| 22CSTE14X | Program Elective – 1 | Program Elective | 3 | Students choose one from a list of electives. Topics vary based on choice. |
| 22CSTE141 | Theory of Elasticity and Plasticity | Program Elective | 3 | Stress and Strain Analysis, Hooke''''s Law and Constitutive Relations, Plane Stress and Plane Strain, Yield Criteria and Plastic Flow, Limit Analysis |
| 22CSTE142 | Advanced Concrete Technology | Program Elective | 3 | Concrete Making Materials, Admixtures and Special Concretes, Concrete Mix Design, Durability of Concrete, Quality Control and NDT |
| 22CSTE143 | Mechanics of Composite Materials | Program Elective | 3 | Introduction to Composite Materials, Micromechanics of Composites, Macromechanics of a Lamina, Laminate Theory, Failure Criteria for Composites |
| 22CSTE144 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Program Elective | 3 | Fluid Kinematics, Fluid Dynamics and Conservation Laws, Potential Flow Theory, Boundary Layer Theory, Turbulent Flow |
| 22CSTE15X | Program Elective – 2 | Program Elective | 3 | Students choose one from a list of electives. Topics vary based on choice. |
| 22CSTE151 | Advanced Design of Steel Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Limit State Design of Steel Structures, Design of Connections, Design of Plate Girders, Plastic Analysis and Design, Fatigue and Fracture in Steel |
| 22CSTE152 | Advanced Design of RC Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Limit State Design Principles, Design of Slender Columns, Design of Shear Walls, Design of Flat Slabs and Deep Beams, Ductile Detailing |
| 22CSTE153 | Analysis and Design of Bridges | Program Elective | 3 | Bridge Classification and Components, Loads on Bridges (IRC Specifications), Design of Plate Girder Bridges, Design of Composite Bridges, Pre-stressed Concrete Bridges |
| 22CSTE154 | Experimental Stress Analysis | Program Elective | 3 | Strain Gauge Principles and Applications, Photoelasticity, Brittle Coatings and Moire Techniques, Holography and Interferometry, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) |
| 22CSL16 | CADS Lab – 1 | Lab | 2 | Introduction to FEA Software, Modeling and Analysis of Beams, Analysis of Trusses and Frames, Static Analysis of Plates and Shells, Report Generation and Interpretation |
| 22CST17 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Design and Data Collection, Statistical Analysis in Research, Report Writing and Presentation, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22CST21 | Computer Aided Design and Analysis | Core Theory | 4 | Introduction to CAD and CAE, Geometric Modeling Techniques, Finite Element Software Applications, Design Optimization, Advanced Analysis Techniques |
| 22CST22 | Theory of Plates and Shells | Core Theory | 4 | Classical Plate Theory, Bending of Rectangular Plates, Bending of Circular Plates, Membrane Theory of Shells, Bending Theory of Cylindrical Shells |
| 22CSTE23X | Program Elective – 3 | Program Elective | 3 | Students choose one from a list of electives. Topics vary based on choice. |
| 22CSTE231 | Design of Pre-stressed Concrete Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Principles and Systems of Pre-stressing, Losses in Pre-stress, Flexural Design of Pre-stressed Members, Shear Design and Anchorage Zones, Composite Pre-stressed Concrete Beams |
| 22CSTE232 | Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Engineering Seismology and Seismic Waves, Seismic Response of Buildings, Dynamic Analysis of Structures, Ductile Detailing as per IS Codes, Seismic Isolation and Energy Dissipation |
| 22CSTE233 | Analysis and Design of Tall Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Structural Systems for Tall Buildings, Gravity and Lateral Load Analysis, Wind Effects on Tall Buildings, P-Delta Effects and Stability, Outrigger and Belt Truss Systems |
| 22CSTE234 | Fracture Mechanics | Program Elective | 3 | Introduction to Fracture Mechanics, Stress Intensity Factors, Energy Release Rate, J-Integral and Crack Tip Plasticity, Fatigue Crack Propagation |
| 22CSTE24X | Program Elective – 4 | Program Elective | 3 | Students choose one from a list of electives. Topics vary based on choice. |
| 22CSTE241 | Reliability Analysis of Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Basic Probability Theory, Random Variables and Distributions, First and Second Order Reliability Methods, System Reliability, Monte Carlo Simulation for Reliability |
| 22CSTE242 | Concrete Construction Technology | Program Elective | 3 | Formwork Design and Construction, Concreting Operations, Special Concreting Methods, Joints in Concrete Structures, Repair and Maintenance Techniques |
| 22CSTE243 | Repair and Rehabilitation of Structures | Program Elective | 3 | Deterioration of Concrete Structures, Assessment of Damaged Structures, Repair Materials and Techniques, Strengthening of RC Structures, Retrofitting Strategies |
| 22CSTE244 | Advanced Geotechnical Engineering | Program Elective | 3 | Advanced Soil Mechanics, Shear Strength of Soils, Bearing Capacity of Foundations, Slope Stability Analysis, Ground Improvement Techniques |
| 22CSL25 | CADS Lab – 2 | Lab | 2 | Advanced FEA Applications, Non-Linear Analysis, Dynamic Analysis using Software, Design of Concrete/Steel Structures using Software, Optimization Studies in Structural Design |
| 22CSH26 | Technical Seminar | Seminar | 2 | Literature Review Techniques, Identifying Research Gaps, Technical Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Current Trends in CADS |
| 22CSI27 | Internship | Internship | 4 | Industry Exposure, Practical Application of CADS, Problem Solving in Real-World Scenarios, Professional Ethics and Teamwork, Internship Report Preparation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22CSP31 | Project Work Phase – 1 | Project Work | 8 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Extensive Literature Survey, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design and Analysis, Project Report Writing Phase 1 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22CSP41 | Project Work & Dissertation | Project Work | 20 | Advanced Research and Development, Detailed Analysis and Design, Experimental/Numerical Validation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Final Presentation and Viva-Voce |




