Teaching

CEC504_NCEC504 Mechanics of Geomaterials (PG Course)

CED 523 Ground Improvement and Geosynthetics (PG Course)

CED 524 Railway Geotechnics (PG Course)

CEC 51202 Experimental Geotechnics (PG Course)

CEC 17104 Foundation Engineering (UG Course)

CEC 15102 Geotechnical Engineering – I (UG Course)

CEC 15102 Geotechnical Engineering – II (UG Course)

CEC 15202 Geotechnical Engineering - I Practical (UG Course)

CEC 201 Surveying (UG Course)

CEC 210 Surveying Laboratory (UG Course)

CEH 15101 Rock Mechanics (UG Course, B.Tech Honours)

CEH 16201 In-situ Soil Testing Practical (UG Course)

CEM 18701 Environmental Engineering Sessional (UG Course, Minor)

CEC 13103 Building Material, Construction and Estimation (UG Course)

CEC 13203 Material Testing Practical (UG Course)

MCC12101 Engineering Graphics (UG Course)

CEC 13301 Project Work (UG Course)

CEC 14301 Project Work (4^th Semester) (UG Course)

CEC 16301 Project Work (6^th Semester) (UG Course)

Academics

Ph.D - Geotechnical Engineering in 2013 from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

M.E.- Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering in 2007 from College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai.

B.E.- Civil Engineering in 2005 from St. Xavier’s College of Engineering, Anna University.

Position

Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, April 2022 – Till date.
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, June 2014 – April 2022.
Research Associate, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi, July 2013-May 2014.
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Ch. B.P. Govt. Engineering College, Delhi (Guest Faculty), January 2014-May 2014.
Sr. Graduate Engineer (Projects), DLF Projects Ltd., Gurgaon, August 2007-June 2008.

Awards and Honors

International

2018 - Recipient of Best Presentation Award from ICSMGE 2018, London, United Kingdom
2014 – Recipient of Best Paper Award from International Symposium on Lowland Technology, Japan
2012 – Recipient of Best Paper Award in the field of Ground Improvement in Transportation Infrastructure from Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, Australia

National:

2024 - Felicitated by “Women Achiever Award 2023” in 98th Foundation Day of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
2023 - Selected as ‘top 75 Women leaders in India in Geotechnical Engineering’ by Indian Geotechnical Society ‘Daughter’s of Soil” for the remarkable and extraordinary contributions.
2023 - The research paper titled “Effect of Rail Axle Load on Geosynthetic Reinforced back-to-back Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls: Experimental and Numerical Studies” by Shilpa S. Vadavadagi and Sowmiya Chawla published in Transportation Geotechnics, Elsevier 2022 has been adjudged as the best paper on “Earth Retaining Structures”. IGS-Kolkata Chapter YGE Award.
2022 - The research paper titled “Performance Evaluation of Micropiles as a Ground Improvement Technique for Existing Railway Tracks: Finite-Element and Genetic Programming Approach” by Randhir Kumar Gupta and Sowmiya Chawla published in International Journal of Geomechanics, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), December 2021 is adjudged as the best paper on “Computational Geomechanics”. IGS-Delhi Chapter YGE Award.
2022 - The research paper titled “Application of Geocell Reinforced Coal Mine Overburden waste as Subblast in Railway Tracks on Weak Subgrade” by Lalima Banerjee, Sowmiya Chawla and Sujit Kumar Dash published in Construction and Building Materials, ELSEVIER, 265 (2020) 120774, September 2020 is adjudged as the best paper on “Ground Improvement''. IGS-Baroda Chapter YGE Award.
2019 – Recipient of ‘IEI Young Engineers Award 2019-20 (Civil Engineering)’ Award from Institution of Engineers, India
2019 – Recipient of ‘Outstanding woman in Engineering (major area of study – Civil Engineering)’ Award from Venus International Foundation, India
2018 - Recipient of ‘Young Scientist Award’ from Venus International Foundation, India
2018 – Best technical paper presenter award in the theme of Transportation Geotechnics in Indian Geotechnical Conference 2018, IISc Bengaluru, for the paper entitled “Effect of scaling of ballast particles on their morphological characteristics” (Paper authored by Rahul Raj, Aval Singhal, Maneesh Kumar and Sowmiya Chawla; Presented by Mr. Rahul Raj)
2018 – Best technical paper presenter award in the theme of Transportation Geotechnics in Indian Geotechnical Conference 2018, IISc Bengaluru, for the paper entitled “Three-dimensional finite element analyses of geocell reinforced railway tracks” (Paper authored by Lalima Banerjee, Sowmiya Chawla and Sujit Kumar Dash; Presented by Mrs. Lalima Banerjee)
2017 - Recipient of ‘Young Geotechnical Engineer Award’ for best paper on Solutions of Problematic Soils from Indian Geotechnical Society-Chennai Chapter, India
2013 – Nominated for the Best Ph.D thesis from the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi, India
2012 - Recipient of CSIR travel grant for participating in ICGIGC 2012, University of Wollongong, Australia
2011 - Recipient of Best Paper Award from Indian Geotechnical Society-Delhi Chapter and Central Road Research Institute, India
2011 - Recipient of Best Paper Award from Indian chapter of International Geosynthetics Society, India
2008-2013 – Recipient of MHRD, Govt. of India scholarship during Doctoral study at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
2007 - Recipient of Best Paper Award from CIVIL TECH, India

Publications

Books Published

List of papers published as Book Chapter:

Banerjee, L., Sowmiya Chawla and Dash, S.K. (2020), “Three-dimensional finite element analyses of geocell reinforced railway tracks”, Geotechnical Characterization and Modelling, Springer, pp 741-749.
Raj, R., Singhal, A., Kumar, M. and Sowmiya Chawla (2020), “Effect of scaling of ballast particles on their morphological characteristics”, Geotechnical Characterization and Modelling, Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6086-6_62.
Vadavadagi, S.S., and Sowmiya Chawla (2020), “Behavior of reinforced retaining wall against railway embankment using MIDAS under static and seismic loading”, Geohazards, Springer.
Gupta, R.K., and Sowmiya Chawla (2020), “Finite element analysis of micropile reinforced subgrade in railway tracks”, Geotechnical Characterization and Modelling, Springer.
Banerjee, L., Sowmiya Chawla and Bhandari, G (2019). “Performance of Geocell Reinforced Embankment over Soft Soil Deposit”, Current Geotechnical Engineering Aspects of Civil Infrastructures, Springer, pp-69-82.
Shahu, J.T. and Sowmiya Chawla (2019). “Evaluation of Geosynthetic Reinforced Tracks on Clayey Subgrade”, Geotechnics for Transportation Infrastructure – Recent Development, Upcoming Techniques and new Concepts, Springer.

7. Nath, B., Sowmiya Chawla and Gupta, R. (2019). “A Study on Utilization of Mine Overburden as A Replacement of Base and Sub-Base Layers on Rural Roads”, Current Geotechnical Engineering Aspects of Civil Infrastructures, Springer, pp-83-100.

8. Shahu, J.T. and Sowmiya Chawla (2018). “Evaluation of Geosynthetic Reinforced Tracks on Clayey Subgrade”, Proceedings of International Symposium on Geotechnics of Transportation Infrastructure, ISGTI 2018, IIT Delhi, April 07-08, 2018, pp: 127-134.

9. Sowmiya Chawla, Chawla, A., and Pasupuleti, S. (2017). “A feasible approach for Landslide Susceptibility Map using GIS”, Geo-Risk 2017, Impact of Spatial Variability, Probabilistic Site Characterization, and Geohazards, ASCE, pp. 101-110.

Technical Report:

Chawla, S. (2020). “Coupled three-dimensional non-linear finite element analysis of geocell reinforced railway tracks with mine waste,” Completion Report submitted for DST (SERB) Sponsored Project- YSS/2015/000222, New Delhi.
Shahu J.T. and Sowmiya L.S (2012), “Consultancy for instrumentation and monitoring of construction of formation in field trial of new formation specification for heavy axle load”, Report submitted to Research Designs and Standards Organization (Ministry of Railways) Lucknow.

List Of Research Publications (only in Peer-reviewed Journals)

Publications in Refereed Journals:

Vadavadagi, S.S., and Chawla, S.* (2024). Prediction and validation of geogrid tensile force distribution in back-to-back MSE walls under rail axle load: Finite-Element and Intelligent techniques, Environmental Earth Sciences, (I.F. 2.727), Q2.
Srivastav, S., Chawla, S.*, and Mishra, S. (2024). Numerical analysis of moving train induced vibration effect on tunnel, surrounding ground and structure, Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration, Springer, (I.F. 2.727), Q2.
Chawla A., Sarkar k., Abhishek R., Chawla S.* Pasupuleti S and Mishra S (2023). “A geotechnical approach to compare different slope stabilization techniques for failed slope in the Darjeeling hills, India”, Environmental Earth Sciences, 82:376, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-023-11054-3
Banerjee, L, Chawla, S* and Dash, S.K (2023). Investigations on cyclic loading behavior of geocell stabilized tracks with coal overburden refuse recycled as subballast material, Transportation Geotechnics, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2023.100969. (I.F.-5.245) Q1
Vadavadagi, S.S., and Chawla, S.* (2022). Effect of rail axle load on geosynthetic reinforced back-to-back mechanically stabilized earth walls: Experimental and numerical studies, Transportation Geotechnics, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2022.100907. (I.F.-5.245) Q1. (Received the IGS-Kolkata Chapter YGE Award: Best paper on “Earth Retaining Structures”)
Suresh, D., and Chawla, S.* (2022). Comparative life cycle assessment of railway subballast layer with natural and coal overburden aggregates in India, International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Springer, (I.F.-6.803), Q2.
Thakur, R.N., Gupta, R.K., Gupta, S.K., Sinha, A., and Chawla, S*. (2022). Performance of jute geotextile treated with bitumen emulsion for subgrade improvement, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, Springer, (I.F. 1.827), Q4.
Gupta, R.K., and Chawla, S.* (2021). Performance Evaluation of Micropiles as a Ground Improvement Technique for Existing Railway Tracks – A Finite Element and Genetic Programming Approach, International Journal of Geomechanics, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0002270, (I.F. 4.068), Q2. (Received the IGS-Delhi Chapter YGE Award: Best paper on “Computational Geomechanics”)
Chawla, S., Shahu, J.T and Saurabh, K. (2021). “Analysis of Cyclic Deformation and Post-Cyclic Strength of Reinforced Railway Tracks on Soft Subgrade”, Transportation Geotechnics, ELSEVIER, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2021.100535.
Thakur, R.N., Gupta, S.K., Sinha, A., Sowmiya Chawla and Shilpa, S.V. (2021). “A durability study of jute geotextile treated with bitumen emulsion”, Journal of Natural Fibres, Taylor and Francis, https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2019.1623749.
Jotheeshwar, V., Suresh K., Tandrila, S., Prashant, K.C., Ajay, K. T, Mahendra, P.S, Chawla, S, Pal, S.K. (2021). “Comprehensive study on evaluation of Kaliasaur Landslide attributes in Garhwal Himalaya by the execution of geospatial, geotechnical and geophysical methods”. Quaternary Science Advances, 3, ELSEVIER, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2021.100025.
Banerjee, L., Chawla, S., and Dash, S.K. (2020). “Application of geocell reinforced coal mine overburden waste as subballast in railway tracks on weak subgrade”, Construction and Building Materials, ELSEVIER, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120774. (Received the IGS-Baroda Chapter YGE Award.: Best paper on “Ground Improvement”)
Banerjee, L., Chawla, S., and Dash, S.K. (2020). “Performance Evaluation of Coal Mine Overburden as Potential Sub-Ballast Material in Railways with Additional Improvement using Geocell”, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003269.
Acharya, B., Sarkar, K and Chawla, S. (2020). "Preliminary slope stability analysis and discontinuities driven susceptibility zonation along a crucial highway corridor in higher Himalaya, India”, Journal of Mountain Science, https://doi.org/10.1007s11629-019-5524-6.
Sowmiya Chawla, Shahu J.T and Gupta, R.K. (2019). “Design Methodology for Reinforced Railway Tracks based on Threshold Stress Approach”, Geosynthetics International, Institution of Civil Engineers London, https://doi.org/10.1680/jgein.18.00040.
Banerjee, L., Sowmiya Chawla, Bhandari, G. (2019). “Experimental and 3-D Finite Element Analyses on Geocell Reinforced Embankments”, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, ASTM International, 47(3), https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20170686.
Chawla, A., Pasupuleti, S., Sowmiya Chawla, Rao, A.C.S., Sarkar, K., and Dwivedi, R. (2019). “Landslide Susceptibility Zonation Mapping: A Case Study from Darjeeling District, Eastern Himalayas, India”, Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-018-0916-6.
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T (2018). “Numerical Study on the Benefits of Geosynthetic Reinforcement for a Typical Indian Railway Track”, Indian Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Improvement, International Geosynthetics Society (India), 7(1), 17-21.
Chawla, A., Sowmiya Chawla, Pasupuleti, S., Rao, A.C.S., Sarkar, K., and Dwivedi, R. (2018). “Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Darjeeling Himalayas, India”, Advances in Civil Engineering, Natural Hazards Challenges to Civil Engineering Special Issue, pp:117, https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6416492
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T. (2016). “Reinforcement and mud-pumping benefits of Geosynthetics in railway tracks: Model tests”, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Elsevier, 44, pp:366-380, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2016.01.005 (Received the IGS-Chennai Chapter YGE Award: Best Paper on solutions for problematic soils).
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T. (2016). “Reinforcement and mud-pumping benefits of Geosynthetics in railway tracks: Numerical analysis”, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Elsevier, 44, pp:344-357, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2016.01.006.
Sowmiya L.S., Shahu J.T. and Gupta K.K., (2015), “Performance of geosynthetic reinforcement on the ballasted railway track”, Lowland Technology International, International Association of Lowland Technology (IALT): ISSN 1344-9656, 2015; 17 (2): pp: 83-92.
Sowmiya, L.S., Shahu, J.T. and Gupta, K.K. (2014). “Stresses and Displacements in Reinforced Tracks”, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Ground Improvement, Institution of Civil Engineers London, Vol. 167, (1), pp. 47-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1680/grim.13.00009.
Ilamparuthi K., and Sowmiya L.S (2009). “Study on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Vol.03.01 SPL. pp. 155-161.

`Geotechnical Special Publications, ASCE`

Banerjee, L., Sowmiya Chawla and Bhandari, G (2018). “Performance of geocell reinforced embankment over soft soil deposit”, Geo-China 2018, ASCE Geotechnical Special Publication, July 23-25, 2018, Hangzhou, China doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-957500_6
Nath, B., Sowmiya Chawla and Gupta, R. (2018). “A study on utilization of mine overburden as a replacement of base and sub-base layers on rural roads”, Geo-China 2018, ASCE Geotechnical Special Publication, July 23-25, 2018, Hangzhou, China. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-95750-0_7
Sowmiya Chawla, Chawla, A and Pasupuleti, S (2017). “A feasible approach for Landslide Susceptibility Map”, Geo-Risk 2017, ASCE Geotechnical Special Publication, June 4-7, 2017, Denver, USA, https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784480717.010

Papers in conference abstract volumes / presented

International Conference Publications:

Gupta, R.K., and Chawla, S.* (2024). “Retrofitting Of Existing Railway Tracks Using Micropiles as A Ground Improvement Technique: Finite-Element and Genetic Programming Approach”, 5th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics, 5th ICTG 2024, Sydney, Australia., November 20-22.
Vadavadagi, S.S. and Chawla, S.* (2024). “Load-Bearing Behaviour of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Bridge Abutment for Railways with Waste Coal OB as Backfill Soil: Model Tests”, 5th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics, 5th ICTG 2024, Sydney, Australia., November 20-22.
Vadavadagi, S.S. and Chawla, S (2021). “Numerical and experimental analysis of internal stability of back-to-back mechanically stabilized earth walls supporting the rail embankment system”, 4^th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics, 4^th ICTG 2021, Illinois, U.S., May 24-27
Banerjee, L., Chawla, S., Dash, S.K (2021). “Finite Element Analyses of Geocell Reinforced Tracks Over Clayey Subgrade”, 4^th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics, 4^th ICTG 2021, Illinois, U.S., May 24-27.
Vadavadagi, S.S. and Sowmiya Chawla (2018). “Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Retaining Wall for Railway Embankment”, 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ICSMGE 2018, London, U.K., Aug 20-21. (Received the Best Presentation Award)
Shahu J.T and Sowmiya Chawla (2018). “Evaluation of Geosynthetic Reinforced Tracks on Clayey Subgrade”, Proceedings of International Symposium on Geotechnics for Transportation Infrastructure, ISGTI 2018, IIT Delhi, April 07-08, 2018, pp: 127-134.
Sowmiya Chawla, Ajit Kumar Singh, Ravindra Singh Dangi, Yogendra Kumar, Raman Deep, Sahil (2018). “Numerical Analysis of Effect of Berms, Shear Keys and Geotextiles on Embankment over Soft Soil”, Proceedings of IIRAJ International Conference (ICCISEM 2018), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 07 - 08 April 2018, ISBN: 978-93-5281-498-5.
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T (2016). “Numerical study on the benefits of geosynthetic reinforcement for a typical Indian railway track”, 6th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics, New Delhi, India.
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T (2016). “Model Test and Non-linear Analysis of Geosynthetic Reinforced Railway Tracks Laid on Delhi silt Subgrade”, International Conference on Trends and Recent Advances in Civil Engineering, August 11-12, 2016, Noida, India.
Sowmiya Chawla and Shahu J.T (2016). “Stresses and Displacement Response of Geosynthetic Reinforced Railway Track”, 10th International Symposium on Lowland Technology, 15-17 Sept.2016, Mangalore, India.
Shahu. J.T. and Sowmiya L.S. (2014). “Study on the benefits of geosynthetic reinforcement on ballasted railway track”, International Conference on Advances in Civil and Mechanical Engineering Systems, 23-24 Dec.2014, Surat, India.
Sowmiya, L.S., Shahu, J.T. and Gupta, K.K. (2014). “Study on the Performances of the Geosynthetic Reinforcement on the Ballasted Railway Track – Model test and Numerical Analysis”, International Symposium on Lowland Technology (ISLT2014), 29th Sept. – 1st Oct. 2014, Saga University, Saga, Japan, pp: 326-331. (Received the Best Paper Award)
Sowmiya, L.S. and Shahu, J.T. (2014). “Benefits of Geosynthetic Reinforcement on Typical Indian Railway Tracks”. ICSCI 2014, ASCE India Section, Oct. 17-18, 2014, Hitex, Hyderabad, India, pp: 734-743.
Sowmiya, L.S. (2014). “Study on the Benefits of Geosynthetic Reinforcement – Typical Indian Railway Tracks”, 10th International Conference on Geosynthetics, 10ICG, Young Geotechnical Engineers Secession, 21-25 Sept. 2014, Berlin.
Shahu. J.T., Sowmiya L.S. and Gupta. K.K. (2014). “Use of Geosynthetics on Railway Tracks”, Proceedings of the Deep Foundations, Institute Middle East Conference, April, Dubai, UAE, pp 155-190.
Sowmiya, L.S., Shahu, J.T. and Gupta, K.K. (2012). “Effect of Geosynthetic Reinforcement on Clayey Subgrade – Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis on Railway Track”, Proceedings of the International Conference on Ground Improvement and Ground Control (ICGI 2012), 30 Oct. – 2 Nov. 2012, University of Wollongong, Australia. pp: 863-868. (Received the Best Paper Award)
Sowmiya, L.S., and Ilamparuthi K. (2012). “Experimental Investigation on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, International Conference on Ground Improvement and Ground Control – Transport Infrastructure Development and Natural Hazards Mitigation, ICGI Wollongong, Australia 2012. pp: 653-658.
Ilamparuthi K., and Sowmiya L.S (2009). “Study on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Concrete, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering-2009, ACSGE-2009, Pilani, pp. 93.
Ilamparuthi K., and Sowmiya L.S (2008), “Study on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, International Conference on ‘Resource Utilization and Intelligent Systems’, INCRUIS2K8, Kongu Engineering College, Erode January 2008.

National Conference Publications:

Rahul Abhishek, Pragati Saxena and Chawla, S.*, (2022). “Rockwool as a Potential Alternative to Conventional Geosynthetic Materials in Sustainable Ground Improvement Solutions”, Proceedings of the Indian Geotechnical Conference 2022 Volume 4 - Geotechnics: Learning, Evaluation, Analysis and Practice (GEOLEAP).
Rahul Abhishek, and Chawla, S.*, (2022). “Large-Scale Direct Shear and Discrete Element Modelling Investigations of Ballast, Sub-Ballast, and Sleeper Interface Characteristics in a Railway Track Structure”, Proceedings of the Indian Geotechnical Conference 2022 Volume 4 - Geotechnics: Learning, Evaluation, Analysis and Practice (GEOLEAP).
Vadavadagi, S.S. and Chawla, S.*, (2022). “Tensile Force Distribution of Geogrid Reinforced BBMSE Wall: Numerical Analysis and Model Study – Prediction by ANFIS”, Proceedings of the Indian Geotechnical Conference 2022 Volume 4 - Geotechnics: Learning, Evaluation, Analysis and Practice (GEOLEAP).
Gupta, R.K., and Chawla, S.*, (2021). “Performance Evaluation of Micro Pile Reinforced Existing Railway Tracks Under Static and Moving Loads”, Proceedings of Eighth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 2021, October 21-23, 2021.
Raj, R., Singhal, A., Kumar, M. and Sowmiya Chawla (2018), “Effect of scaling of ballast particles on their morphological characteristics”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2018, 13-15 December 2018, IISc, Bengaluru. (Best Presentation Award)
Vadavadagi, S.S., and Sowmiya Chawla (2018), “Behavior of reinforced retaining wall against railway embankment using MIDAS under static and seismic loading”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2018, 13-15 December 2018, IISc, Bengaluru.
Gupta, R.K., and Sowmiya Chawla (2018), “Finite element analysis of micropile reinforced subgrade in railway tracks”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference2018, 13-15 December 2018, IISc, Bengaluru.
Banerjee, L., Sowmiya Chawla and Dash, S.K. (2018), “Three dimensional finite element analyses of geocell reinforced railway tracks”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2018, 13-15 December 2018, IISc, Bengaluru. (Best Presentation Award)
Acharya, B., Kundu, J., Sarkar, K and Sowmiya Chawla (2017), “Stability Assessment of a Critical Slope Near Nathpa Region, Himachal Pradesh, India”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2017, 14-16 December 2017, IIT Guwahati.
Banerjee, L., and Sowmiya Chawla (2017), “A Finite Element Approach of Stability Analysis of Over Burden Dump Slope - A Case Study”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2017, 14-16 December 2017, IIT Guwahati.
Sowmiya L.S. and Shahu J.T. (2015). “Study on the benefits of the advanced techniques used for instrumentation and monitoring of typical Indian railway track formations”, Advances in Instrumentation, Geo-monitoring and Validation, 23-24 July 2015, Central Board of Irrigation & Power, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Sowmiya L.S., Shahu J.T. and Gupta K.K. (2014). “Numerical Modeling of Reinforced Railway Track Settlement”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2014, December 18-20, Kakinada, India. pp. 2601-2605.
Sowmiya, L.S and Shahu, J.T. (2012). “Study on advanced techniques used for instrumentation and monitoring of railway track formations”, Indian Geotechnical Conference-2012, IIT Delhi. pp.444-447.
Sowmiya, L.S., Gupta, K.K. and Shahu, J.T. (2011). “Railway Tracks on Clayey Subgrade Reinforced with Geosynthetics”, Indian Geotechnical Conference-2011, Kochi. pp.529-532.
Sowmiya, L.S., Gupta, K.K. and Shahu, J.T. (2011). “Finite Element Analysis of Railway Tracks on Clayey Soils Reinforced with Geosynthetics”, Proceedings of Third Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (3IYGEC), New Delhi-16, pp.103-108. (Received the Best Paper Award)
Sowmiya, L.S., Shahu, J.T. and Gupta, K.K. (2010). “Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Railway Track”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2010, GEOtrendz, IIT Bombay, Vol. II, pp. 909-912.
Sowmiya, L.S., Gupta, K.K., Chille, K., Reddy, R. and Shahu, J.T. (2009). “Modification of Pond Ash by Surfactants”, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference-2009, Guntur. pp. 312-315.
Ilamparuthi K. and Sowmiya L.S (2008), “Study on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, Fourth Indian National Conference On Harbor and Ocean Engineering, INCHOE – 2007, National Institute of Technology Karnataka December 2007. pp. 299-306.
Ilamparuthi K. and Sowmiya L.S (2007), “Study on Ground Improvement Techniques for Mitigating Soil Liquefaction”, Proceedings of National Symposium on Ground Improvement Techniques, St. Xavier’s catholic College of Engineering, CIVILTECH – 2007, pp 76 to 77. (Received the Best Paper Award)

Patents

Patent Published

Dr. Lalima Banerjee. (Former PhD. Scholar, Civil Engg), Prof. Sowmiya Chawla, Prof. Sujit Kumar Dash,

Indian patent No. 202331077988 on 16.11.2023

Title of invention: ‘A Method of Building Geocell Reinforced Railway Tracks, Over Weak Subgrade, Using Recycled Coal Overburden as Subballast’

Projects & Activities

Consultancy Project (for ONGC)

`Sl.No`	`Project Title`	`Amount`	`Role`	`No. of Co-PIs`	`Funding Agency`	`Sanctioned Date`	`Status`
`1.`	`Engagement of M/s IIT-ISM as an Expert Advice and Vetting of IIT (ISM), Dhanbad on the Technical Feasibility Note of Talaipalli Mine submitted by CMPDIL`	`7.08 Lakhs`	`Co-PI`	`2`	`NTPC Ltd., Ranchi`	`29-11-21`	`Completed`

Membership of Scientific Societies

Associate Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, A.M. ASCE, Member I.D. 936311
Individual Member, International Geosynthetics Society, Member ID: 9834
Life Member, Alumni Association IIT Delhi
Associate Member, The Institution of Engineers (India), A-548952-1
Life Member, Indian Geotechnical Society, LM-2934

Other Academic and Administrative Activities

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Institute level Roles (Present):

 Senate Member

 Honorary Secretary, Indian Geotechnical Society, Dhanbad Chapter

 Centenary Year Celebration, Departmental Representative

 Coordinator, III & Basant 2025

Institute level Roles (Earlier):

 Associate Dean, Media (MBC)

 Dean’s Advisory Council Member under Dean (IRAA)

 IIT JEE Advanced - 2021: RC officer for JoSAA counselling

 Nominated as nodal faculty to coordinate the Female intake of IIT JEE Advanced.

 Executive Member, Scolomin Club

 Co-convener – Srijan

Departmental level Roles (Present):

 DUGC Convener

 Member, Placement

 Member of Departmental Purchase Advisory Committee (DPAC)

 Member, DSC

 Member, Departmental Grievance Redressal Committees (DGRC)

Departmental level Roles (Earlier):

 FIC-Advanced Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

 FIC- In-Situ Soil Testing Laboratory

 FIC- Transportation Engineering Laboratory

 FIC- Examination

 Member, Interview Board (JRF)

 Member of Departmental Faculty Screening Committee (DFSC)

 Member of Departmental Purchase Advisory Committee (DPAC)

 Member, Departmental Under Graduate Committee (DUGC)

 Member of Departmental Research Committee (DRC)

 Member of Departmental Tender Advisory Committee (TAC)

 Faculty Advisor-B.Tech 2nd year

 Member, Admission Committee (JRF)

 Member, DSC

 Tabulator

Participation in Co-curricular activities:

 Sister Dept. member for DSC of JRF’s (ME, AGL and AGP Dept.)

 Sister Dept. member for M.Tech. Project evaluation for AGP Dept.

Guidance

`Sl.No`	`Student Name`	`Joining Date`	`Ph. D Thesis Title`	`Date of Award`	`Role`
`1.`	`Dr. Lalima Banerjee` `(17DR000383)`	`23-03-2017`	`Study on the Behavior of Geocell Reinforced Tracks with Recycled Mine Spoils as Subballast Material`	`Awarded`	`Principal Guide`
`2.`	`Mrs. Barsa Acharya` `(2016DR000178)`	`01-08-2016`	`Slope Stability Analysis: A Himalayan Case Study`	`Awarded`	`Co-Guide`
`3.`	`Mr. Randhir Kumar Gupta` `(17DR000528)`	`01-08-2017`	`Strengthening of Existing Railway Tracks for Increased Axle Loads Using Suitable Ground Improvement Techniques`	`Awarded`	`Sole Guide`
`4.`	`Miss. Shilpa S. Vadavadagi` `(17DR000654)`	`27-12-2017`	`Experimental and Analytical Solutions of Reinforced Retaining wall for Railway Embankments under Static and Dynamic Loading`	`Awarded`	`Sole Guide`
`5.`	`Mr. Rahul Abhishek` `(20DR0179)`	`29-08-2020`	`Combined Three Dimensional Discrete and Finite Element Analysis of Existing Railway Tracks under Heavy Axle Loads and High Speeds – A Sustainable Ground Improvement Solutions`	`Ongoing`	`Principal Guide`
`6.`	`Mr. MD Aman Nimezi` `(23DR0075)`	`14-07-2023`	`Bio Inspired Geotechnics for Geotechnical Infrastructure – An Experimental and Numerical Study`	`Ongoing`	`Sole Guide`
`7.`	`Mr. Arnab Ghosh` `(23DR0032)`	`14-07-2023`	`Development and Application of Latex Backed Natural Geosynthetics`	`Ongoing`	`Principal Guide`
`8.`	`Ravishankar Sahu` `(23DR0296)`	`22-12-2023`	`Dynamic response of monopile based offshore wind turbines: An experimental and numerical study`	`Ongoing`	`Sole Guide`
`9.`	`Akash Sharma` `(24DP0055)`	`28-03-2024`	`Sustainable Pile Design Optimization for Dubai's Sedimentary Rock`	`Ongoing`	`Principal Guide`
`10.`	`Shubham Kumar` `(24DR0173)`	`27-06-2024`	`Evaluating Ground Improvement Techniques in Mitigating Ground` `Risks: A Combined Approach Using Laboratory, Numerical Modelling` `and Field Assessment`	`Ongoing`	`Principal Guide`

`Sl.No`	`Project Title`	`Sponsor`	`Amount`	`Period`	`Status`	`Position`
`1.`	`Performance evaluation of subgrade and subballast (blanket) materials for 32.5 MT axle load new Railway siding formation works at 3x 800MW PVUN (Phase-1) Patratu, Ramgarh`	`BHEL`	`4.41 Lakhs`	`2022`	`Completed`	`PI`
`2.`	`Feasibility study for construction of 10 MTPA Washery on OB Dump from structural strength and stability perspective.`	`Tata Steel Limited`	`4.93 Lakhs`	`2022`	`Completed`	`Co-PI`
`3.`	`Vulnerability analysis of engineered slopes along NH-05, from Jeori to Tranda, Himachal Pradesh, India`	`DST (NRDMS)`	`28.95` `Lakhs`	`2018-2021`	`Completed`	`Co-PI`
`4.`	`Coupled Three-Dimensional Non-linear Finite Element Analysis of Geocell Reinforced Railway Tracks with Mine Waste`	`DST, Young Scientist Started Grand`	`29.59 Lakhs`	`2016-2019`	`Completed`	`PI`
`5.`	`Non-linear Modeling of Behavior of Railway Ballasted Structure with Geocell Reinforcement`	`FRS Project` `Institute Research Fund`	`10.0 Lakhs`	`2015-2018`	`Completed`	`PI`
`6.`	`Model Tests on Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Slopes and Embankments`	`TEQIP – II` `Minor Project`	`2.0 Lakhs`	`2016-2017`	`Completed`	`PI`
`7.`	`Geosynthetic Reinforced Innovative Permeable Pavements – A Sustainable Design Approach with Structural and Hydrological Characteristics`	`MORTH`	`59.96 Lakhs`	`Submitted`	`Under` `Review`	`PI`
`8.`	`Numerical simulation and modelling of rainfall triggered debris flows/ landslides in Uttarakhand Himalaya.`	`ISRO (Respond)`	`23.62` `Lakhs`	`Submitted`	`Under` `Review`	`PI`
`9.`	`Numerical Simulation and Test Correlation of Low Velocity Impact of Flexible Body on Granular Soil`	`ISRO (Respond)`	`29.89 Lakhs`	`Submitted`	`Under` `Review`	`Co-PI`

Admission

Alumni

Faculty

Students

About

Faculty & Staff Opening

Sustainability

Happenings

Faculty details

Prof.Sowmiya Chawla