Professor B K Ramiah, graduated in Civil Engineering (B.E.) of Mysore
University, at University College of Engineering, Bangalore, in March
1946, passed the M.S.C.E. of University of Connecticut, U-Conn, U.S.A.
in 1956, passed PhD of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana,
U.S.A. in June 1959. He served as Junior Engineer from 1946-1949,
joined as Lecturer in Civil Engineering, Dept of Civil Engg., Univ.
College of Engg., from 1949-1954, Research Assistant, Univ. of
Connecticut, USA, from 1954-1956, ‘XR’ Fellow of Purdue Research
Foundation from 1956-1959, Chief Soil Engineer from 1959-1960, Reader
in Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Bangalore in
1960 and appointed Principal, Professor and Head of the Department of
Civil Engineering from 1963 onwards and Principal, University College of
Engineering, from 1971 onwards. He established Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering, highway and Airport Pavement design and Highway
Materials and Experimental Stress Analysis by Photo Elasticity Strain
gauge and stress coat and model studies. He distinguished himself as a
teacher and researcher. Professionally he was a member of many National
and International Societies, Academic Committees. He has published more
than 100 papers in India and abroad. He has organized the Fifth Asian
Regional Conference in Bangalore. He has traveled worldwide during his
service. He has received several awards from Bangalore University,
Mysore University and Institution of Engineers, India. He served as
President of Indian Geotechnical Society during 1977-1979. He founded
the Karnataka Geotechnical Centre, and acted as Chairman since its
inception in 1963. In the fond memory of its founder chairman Prof. B.K.
Ramaiah, The Karnataka Geotechnical Centre of Indian Geotechnical
Society has launched B.K. Ramaiah memorial lectures starting from the
year 1993.
