Civil and Structural Engineering, Ceramics and Composites
19
Scopus Publications
60
Scholar Citations
4
Scholar h-index
2
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Bamboo–Coir Hybrid Composite Panels for Formwork Systems C. Bhargavi, K. S. Sreekeshava, Manish S. Dharek, B. K. Raghu Prasad, J. V. Raghavendra Applied Mechanics, 2026 This study evaluates bamboo–coir hybrid composite panels developed for formwork applications using an 80:20 fiber–matrix ratio and a 50:50 bamboo-to-coir distribution. The novelty of this study lies in the combined assessment of formwork-relevant mechanical performance, Mode I and Mode II fracture behavior, finite element validation and post-fracture microstructural correlation for a high fiber volume fraction natural fiber hybrid panel. Mechanical, durability, fracture, numerical and microstructural investigations were performed and benchmarked against 10 mm thick construction-grade plywood. The hybrid panels exhibited a density of 805 ± 10.84 kg/m3, which is within 0.7% of plywood, a tensile strength of 50.20 ± 2.85 MPa, representing an increase of 41.8% over plywood, and a flexural strength of 38.60 ± 2.10 MPa, corresponding to an increase of 12.9% as compared to plywood. The impact energy absorption of hybrid panels was 7.85 ± 0.62 J, which is 26.6% greater than plywood. Mode I fracture testing yielded a fracture toughness of 456.65 ± 15.42 J/m2, corresponding to an increase of 9.3% over plywood, while Mode II fracture toughness yielded a value of 792.42 ± 30.18 J/m2, representing an increase of 13.7% over plywood. Finite element predictions deviated from experimental load–displacement responses by 5–13%. SEM observations identified fiber bridging, fiber pullout and interfacial sliding in the hybrid panels, consistent with the measured fracture energy values. The results indicate that bamboo–coir hybrid panels satisfy the mechanical and fracture performance requirements for reusable formwork systems.
Assessment of Mechanical and Durability Characteristics of Geopolymer Concrete Using Coal Mine Bottom Ash and Copper Slag Anilkumar Anilkumar, K S Sreekeshava, C. Bhargavi, B K Raghu Prasad Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2026 This study aims to evaluate the combined influence of Coal Mine Bottom Ash (CMBA), Copper Slag (CS), Demolition Waste (DW) and Manufactured Sand(M-Sand) on Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) with the objective to enhance the sustainability, mechanical performance and durability characteristics. Six mixes (M1-M6) were designed by varying the proportions of CMBA, CS and DW. Fresh, mechanical, microstructural and durability properties of the mixes were assessed. A 10% increase in workability was observed with 40% CMBA compared to the mix with the absence of CMBA, contributing to better flowability. Mixes with CS exhibited a 5% reduction attributed to CS's angularity and increased specific gravity. The mix with 40% CMBA recorded 22.9%, 27.1%, and 28.4% higher compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength than the initial mix. The mix with 20% CMBA and 20% CS showed closer performance gains of 20-24% confirming the benefit of combined reinforcement. Microstructural Analysis revealed that the mix with 40% CMBA exhibited denser matrices and fewer microcracks whereas the one with 0% CMBA exhibited porous zones and weak interfaces. Water absorption was observed to decrease by 33.8% in a similar manner indicating improved impermeability. Compressive strength retention after acid exposure varied from 81% to 98.11% with the lowest weight loss of 1.4% confirming better chemical resistance. Future work will focus on long-term durability assessments and structural behaviour of reinforced elements under loading conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that integration of these mineral wastes produces a GPC with superior mechanical strength, reduced permeability and enhanced acid resistance, confirming its suitability for sustainable structural applications.
Effect of Notch Depth on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Rubber-Modified Bamboo–Coir Composites C. Bhargavi, K S Sreekeshava, Narendra Reddy, Naveen Dyava Naik Journal of Composites Science, 2025 This study investigates the Mode II fracture behavior of bamboo–coir–rubber (BCR) hybrid composite panels developed as sustainable alternatives for wood-based panels used in structural applications. The composites were fabricated using alternating bamboo and coir layers within a polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic matrix, with styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) incorporated as an additive at 0–30 wt.% to enhance interlaminar toughness. Commercial structural plywood was tested as the benchmark. Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIc) was evaluated using the ASTM D7905 End-Notched Flexure (ENF) test, supported by optical monitoring to study crack monitoring and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for microstructural interpretation. Results demonstrated a steady increase in GIIc from 1.26 kJ/m2 for unmodified laminates to a maximum of 1.98 kJ/m2 at 30% SBR, representing a 60% improvement over the baseline and nearly double the toughness of plywood (0.7–0.9 kJ/m2). The optimum performance was obtained at 20–25 wt.% SBR, where the laminated retained approximately 85–90% of their initial flexural modulus while exhibiting enhanced energy absorption. Increasing the initial notch ratio (a0/L) from 0.2 to 0.4 caused a reduction of 20% in GIIc and a twofold rise in compliance, highlighting the geometric sensitivity of shear fracture to the remaining ligament. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the increase in GIIc for the 20–25% SBR laminates relative to plywood and the unmodified composite is significant at p < 0.05. SEM observations revealed rubber-particle cavitation, matrix shear yielding, and coir–fiber bridging as the dominant toughening mechanisms responsible for the transition from abrupt to stable delamination. The measured toughness levels (1.5–2.0 kJ/m2) position the BCR panels within the functional range required for reusable formwork, interior partitions, and transport flooring. The combination of renewable bamboo and coir with a thermoplastic PP matrix and rubber modification hence offers a formaldehyde-free alternative to conventional plywood for shear-dominated applications.
Evolution of Studies on Fracture Behavior of Composite Laminates: A Scoping Review C. Bhargavi, K S Sreekeshava, B K Raghu Prasad Applied Mechanics, 2025 This scoping review paper provides an overview of the evolution, the current stage, and the future prospects of fracture studies on composite laminates. A fundamental understanding of composite materials is presented by highlighting the roles of the fiber and matrix, outlining the applications of various synthetic fibers used in current structural sectors. Challenges posed by interlaminar delamination, one of the critical failure modes, are highlighted. This paper systematically discusses the fracture behavior of these laminates under mixed-mode and complex loading conditions. Standardized fracture toughness testing methods, including Mode I Double Cantilever Beam (DCB), Mode II End-Notched Flexure (ENF) and Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB), are initially discussed, which is followed by a decade-wide chronological analysis of fracture mechanics approaches. Key advancements, including toughening mechanisms, Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM), Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT), Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC), are analyzed. The review also addresses recent trends in fracture studies, such as bio-inspired architecture, self-healing systems, and artificial intelligence in fracture predictions. By mapping the trajectory of past innovations and identifying unresolved challenges, such as scale integration, dataset standardization for AI, and manufacturability of advanced architectures, this review proposes a strategic research roadmap. The major goal is to enable unified multi-scale modeling frameworks that merge physical insights with data learning, paving the way for next-generation composite laminates optimized for resilience, adaptability, and environmental responsibility.
Studies on Optimization of Fly Ash, GGBS and Precipitated Silica in Geopolymer Concrete Anilkumar, K S Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi Construction Materials, 2025 Considering the urgent need for sustainable construction materials, this study investigates the mechanical and microstructural responses of novel hybrid geopolymer concrete blends incorporating Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), Cement (C) and Precipitated Silica (PS) as partial replacements for traditional cementitious materials. The motive lies in reducing CO2 emissions associated with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The main aim of the study was to optimise the proportions of industrial wastes for enhanced performance and sustainability. The geopolymer mixes were activated using a 10 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH)—Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) solution and cast into cubes (100 mm), cylinders (100 mm × 200 mm) and prism specimens for compressive, split tensile and flexural strength testing, respectively. Six combinations of mixes were studied: FA/C (50:50), GGBS/C (50:50), FA/C/PS (50:40:10), FA/GGBS/PS (50:40:10), GGBS/C (50:50) and GGBS/FA/PS (50:40:10). The results indicated that the blend with 50% FA, 40% GGBS and 10% PS exhibited higher strength. Mixes with GGBS and PS presented a l0 lower slump due to rapid setting and higher water demand, while GGBS-FA-cement mixes indicated better workability. GGBS/C exhibited a 24.6% rise in compressive strength for 7 days, whereas FA/C presented a 31.3% rise at 90 days. GGBS/FA mix indicated a 35.5% strength drop from 28 days to 90 days. SEM and EDS analyses showed that FA-rich mixes had porous microstructures, while GGBS-based mixes formed denser matrices with increased calcium content.
Structural response of reinforced, steel fiber reinforced and prestressed geopolymer concrete beams subjected to transverse loading Thanh-Quang-Khai Lam, K.S. Sreekeshava, S. Kumar, C. Bhargavi, B.N. Skanda Kumar, et al. Materials Physics and Mechanics, 2025 The workability of the geopolymer concrete mixes was evaluated in accordance with prevailing code of practice. Furthermore, regression analysis was carried out to establish correlations among the strength properties. Fly ash was considered as the primary binder, activated with NaOH and Na2SiO3 solutions. The beam mixes were selected based on trial combinations that achieved the highest compressive strength of 41.63 MPa at a water-fly ash ratio of 0.23. To investigate the structural performance, beams of generally reinforced, steel fiber reinforced and prestressed geopolymer concrete with comparable geometries were fabricated and tested under two-point loading. The results revealed that steel fiber reinforced and prestressed geopolymer concrete beams exhibited 14 and 32 % higher ultimate strength, respectively, as compared with generally reinforced geopolymer concrete beams. Moreover, beam stiffness improved by 22 % (steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete) and 25 % (prestressed geopolymer concrete). All the beam types satisfied serviceability limits, with deflections below the code-specified span/250 ratio at cracking load. Strain measurements indicated reductions of 10 % in steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete and 40 % in prestressed geopolymer concrete relative to generally reinforced geopolymer concrete, with maximum strains of 0.036 (steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete), 0.035 (prestressed geopolymer concrete) and 0.030 (generally reinforced geopolymer concrete). Ductility ratios were observed to improve by 6–7 % in both steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete and prestressed geopolymer concrete beams. Crack analysis revealed that the flexural failures were predominant in generally reinforced and steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete beams, while prestressed geopolymer concrete beams exhibited shear-dominated failures with diagonal tension cracks.
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Bamboo–Coir Hybrid Composite Panels for Formwork Systems C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, MS Dharek, BK Raghu Prasad, ... Applied Mechanics 7 (1), 20 , 2026 2026
Bamboo-coir reinforced panels for sustainable formwork applications C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, GV Sanjay, N Reddy Journal of Building Engineering 120, 115386 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Effect of Notch Depth on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Rubber-Modified Bamboo–Coir Composites C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, N Reddy, ND Naik Journal of Composites Science 9 (12), 704 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Decoding Rainfall Diversity: A Long-Term GIS Assessment of the Chikkamagaluru Region KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi, G Gayathri Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering Technology 13, 54-62 , 2025 2025
Evolution of Studies on Fracture Behavior of Composite Laminates: A Scoping Review C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, BK Raghu Prasad Applied Mechanics 6 (3), 63 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Studies on Optimization of Fly Ash, GGBS and Precipitated Silica in Geopolymer Concrete Anilkumar, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi Construction Materials 5 (2), 29 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Structural response of reinforced, steel fiber reinforced and prestressed geopolymer concrete beams subjected to transverse loading TQK Lam, KS Sreekeshava, S Kumar, C Bhargavi, BN Skanda Kumar, ... Materials Physics and Mechanics 53 (5), 150-163 , 2025 2025
Strategies of Passive Design Buildings C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, MM Kumar, GR Kishore Environmental Engineering for Ecosystem Restoration: Select Proceedings of … , 2024 2024
Overlap of the Safety Distance of the Gas and Oil Pipeline Network with the Urban Area of the City of Mohammedia A Jadouane, A Essami, A Chaouki, C Bhargavi, I Gourich, M Nadraoui Civil Engineering for Multi-Hazard Risk Reduction: Select Proceedings of … , 2024 2024
Exploring the Potential of Green Microalgae‐Based Phycoremediation Treated Wastewater for Sustainable Concrete Production TQK Lam, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, NS Ambale, ... Advances in Civil Engineering 2024 (1), 8564202 , 2024 2024 Citations: 14
Recent Advances in Building Materials and Technologies–An Introduction S Kolathayar, KS Sreekeshava, N Vinod Chandra Menon, P Shekhawat, ... International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
An experimental investigation of untreated and treated corncob ash concrete V Pavan Kumar, BS Keerthi Gowda, R Abhishek, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Green Steel: A Sustainable Solution for Low-Carbon Building Construction SA Bharathi, S Hamsa, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Environmental Engineering for Ecosystem Restoration—An Introduction N Vinod Chandra Menon, S Kolathayar, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023
Strategies of passive design buildings in cold and arid climates: a review C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, M Manoj Kumar, GR Kishore International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Recent advances in structural engineering—an introduction KS Sreekeshava, S Kolathayar, N Vinod Chandra Menon, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Overlap of the safety distance of the gas and oil pipeline network with the urban area of the city of Mohammedia Morocco A Jadouane, A Essami, A Chaouki, C Bhargavi, I Gourich, M Nadraoui International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Innovative exploration techniques: Utilizing iot-enabled robots for safe and efficient underground tunnel investigation N Shravan, M Manoj Kumar, B Chakravarthi, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Evaluation of Spatial Variation for Terrain Parameters Associated with Surface and Groundwater Quality Necessary for Sustainable Geo-environmental Condition KR Rao, B Kiran, CR Ganesh, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023
Recent Advances in Civil Engineering for Sustainable Communities: An Introduction N Vinod Chandra Menon, S Kolathayar, H Rodrigues, KS Sreekeshava, ... International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Exploring the Potential of Green Microalgae‐Based Phycoremediation Treated Wastewater for Sustainable Concrete Production TQK Lam, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, NS Ambale, ... Advances in Civil Engineering 2024 (1), 8564202 , 2024 2024 Citations: 14
Innovative exploration techniques: Utilizing iot-enabled robots for safe and efficient underground tunnel investigation N Shravan, M Manoj Kumar, B Chakravarthi, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Mechanical Properties of Steel and Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete. C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, P Sunagar, MS Dharek, CR Ganesh Journal of Mines, Metals & Fuels 71 (7) , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Evolution of Studies on Fracture Behavior of Composite Laminates: A Scoping Review C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, BK Raghu Prasad Applied Mechanics 6 (3), 63 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Studies on Optimization of Fly Ash, GGBS and Precipitated Silica in Geopolymer Concrete Anilkumar, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi Construction Materials 5 (2), 29 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Overlap of the safety distance of the gas and oil pipeline network with the urban area of the city of Mohammedia Morocco A Jadouane, A Essami, A Chaouki, C Bhargavi, I Gourich, M Nadraoui International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
Recent Advances in Building Materials and Technologies–An Introduction S Kolathayar, KS Sreekeshava, N Vinod Chandra Menon, P Shekhawat, ... International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
An experimental investigation of untreated and treated corncob ash concrete V Pavan Kumar, BS Keerthi Gowda, R Abhishek, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Strategies of passive design buildings in cold and arid climates: a review C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, M Manoj Kumar, GR Kishore International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Bamboo-coir reinforced panels for sustainable formwork applications C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, GV Sanjay, N Reddy Journal of Building Engineering 120, 115386 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Effect of Notch Depth on Mode II Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Rubber-Modified Bamboo–Coir Composites C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, N Reddy, ND Naik Journal of Composites Science 9 (12), 704 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Green Steel: A Sustainable Solution for Low-Carbon Building Construction SA Bharathi, S Hamsa, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Recent advances in structural engineering—an introduction KS Sreekeshava, S Kolathayar, N Vinod Chandra Menon, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Recent Advances in Civil Engineering for Sustainable Communities: An Introduction N Vinod Chandra Menon, S Kolathayar, H Rodrigues, KS Sreekeshava, ... International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Bamboo–Coir Hybrid Composite Panels for Formwork Systems C Bhargavi, KS Sreekeshava, MS Dharek, BK Raghu Prasad, ... Applied Mechanics 7 (1), 20 , 2026 2026
Decoding Rainfall Diversity: A Long-Term GIS Assessment of the Chikkamagaluru Region KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi, G Gayathri Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering Technology 13, 54-62 , 2025 2025
Structural response of reinforced, steel fiber reinforced and prestressed geopolymer concrete beams subjected to transverse loading TQK Lam, KS Sreekeshava, S Kumar, C Bhargavi, BN Skanda Kumar, ... Materials Physics and Mechanics 53 (5), 150-163 , 2025 2025
Strategies of Passive Design Buildings C Bhargavi, CR Ganesh, MM Kumar, GR Kishore Environmental Engineering for Ecosystem Restoration: Select Proceedings of … , 2024 2024
Overlap of the Safety Distance of the Gas and Oil Pipeline Network with the Urban Area of the City of Mohammedia A Jadouane, A Essami, A Chaouki, C Bhargavi, I Gourich, M Nadraoui Civil Engineering for Multi-Hazard Risk Reduction: Select Proceedings of … , 2024 2024
Environmental Engineering for Ecosystem Restoration—An Introduction N Vinod Chandra Menon, S Kolathayar, KS Sreekeshava, C Bhargavi International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approaches in Civil … , 2023 2023