(IABSE): Gate, Sanchi Stupa and Hall of Nations, New Delhi

International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)

Overview

• Foundation: The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) was founded in 1929.
• Purpose: It serves as a leading international body focused on the various multi-disciplinary aspects of civil engineering, including planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of civil engineering structures, along with their social and environmental impacts.
• Membership: IABSE has members from about 80 countries, comprising engineering organizations, construction firms, public administrations, universities, and research establishments.

Mission and Activities

• Promotion of Knowledge: IABSE promotes international cooperation and the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge in structural engineering.
• Conferences and Congresses: It organizes conferences and congresses to facilitate the sharing of advancements and best practices in the field.

Indian National Group

• Formation: The Indian National Group of the IABSE was established under the patronage of the Government of India, Ministry of Surface Transport (Roads Wing), and various State Governments.
• Significance: It is one of the largest and most active national groups within the IABSE network.

14th IABSE Congress

• Event Details: The 14th Congress of IABSE was held in New Delhi from March 1 to 6, 1992.
• Historical Importance: This congress was significant as it was the first time the event was hosted in a developing country in Asia.
• Participants: The congress was attended by approximately 1,000 foreign delegates and an equal number of domestic delegates.
• Theme: The main theme of the congress was “Civilization through Civil Engineering.”
• Logo: The congress logo featured the IABSE insignia and the wheel of the chariot of the Sun God from the Konark Temple in Orissa, symbolizing the interaction between heritage and progress in civil engineering.

Commemorative Stamps

• Design Elements:
• One stamp depicts the southern gopuram of the Madurai Temple, representing India’s structural heritage from the 17th century. The gopuram is 48.8 meters high and intricately carved in granite stone.
• The same stamp also features the second Hooghly River Bridge in Calcutta, a state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 452 meters, one of the longest in the world.
• Another stamp shows the Hall of Nations from the Exhibition Complex at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, alongside one of the entry gates to the Sanchi Stupa, a 2nd Century BC structure carved in sandstone.
• Theme Reflection: The combination of ancient and modern structures on the stamps reflects the congress theme “Civilization through Civil Engineering.”
• Design Credits:
• The stamps were designed by India Security Press, Nashik, based on materials provided by the IABSE.
• The first day cover features the IABSE logo and was designed based on materials from the association.
• The cancellation design was created by Alka Sharma.

Conclusion

The IABSE plays a critical role in advancing the field of structural engineering through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. The 14th Congress in New Delhi highlighted the importance of civil engineering in shaping civilization and showcased India’s rich heritage and modern achievements in the field.