July 29, 2025 – The third edition of the Seismic Model Competition was held at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), organised by the Structural Engineering Forum (SEF) in collaboration with the School of Engineering and Technology (SET). This unique event brought together over 80 aspiring engineers and mentors from seven countries: Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and Pakistan, united by their passion for earthquake-resistant design.
Sponsored by CSI Bangkok and the Earthquake Research of Thailand (EARTH), the event attracted over 25 team registrations, with 16 teams participating in the final event, transforming AIT campus into a hub for hands-on learning, international collaboration and engineering innovation.
Models being tested on the shake table under simulated earthquake conditions.
Student teams constructed scaled-down building models and tested them on a seismic shake table that simulated real earthquake conditions. Each model reflected weeks of design and refinement, with students incorporating strengthening techniques such as diagonal bracing, truss systems, and redundant load paths to improve stability.
Team Mentor setting up the model on the shake table.
Each team was mentored by a postgraduate student from AIT, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge where undergraduates gained insights from young researchers and peers. Alongside testing their models, students built valuable connections and friendships in a truly global setting.
Dr Chaitanya Krsihna, Program Chair STE, with some words of encouragement for the participants.
“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s always about learning and creating a network,” said Dr. Chaitanya Krishna, Academic Program Chair of Structural Engineering at AIT. “In today’s world, our network is our net worth. Keep building knowledge and networks together.”
Judges Dr. Nattapat (Naresuan University) and Mr. Aung (AIT Solutions) (right) inspect the final models and provide expert feedback.
The learning experience was further enhanced by a distinguished panel of judges: Dr. Nattapat Wongpakdee from Naresuan University, recognised for his expertise in earthquake-resistant design, and Mr. Thaung Htut Aung, Director at AIT Solutions, with extensive engineering consultancy experience. They assessed each team based on performance, innovation, and presentation skills, providing valuable feedback to support student development.
Launched in 2022, the Seismic Model Competition has quickly established itself as a flagship event at AIT. What sets it apart is that it is completely organized by Structural Engineering students, who handle all aspects such as logistics, judge selection, and technical evaluations. These students lead the initiative with guidance from their professors, who act as mentors.
Prof Pennung Warnitchai with faculty from other universities observing the event.
“This competition, now in its third edition, showcases the abilities of our students. We faculty only provide guidance when necessary; it is the students who take charge,” said Prof. Pennung Warnitchai, Founding Director of EARTH and senior faculty at AIT. “EARTH supports this initiative because it fosters interest and engagement in earthquake engineering among students throughout Asia.”
Team PICE-Davao from the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineers celebrates after winning first place at Seismic Model Competition 3.0.
Team PICE-Davao from the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineers won the top prize: the CSI Award and 50,000 Thai Baht, for their strong and well-designed model that performed best under the highest amplitude. The Most Innovative Idea Award, sponsored by Kanazawa University, Japan, went to a team from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Thailand, whose creative engineering approach earned them 7,000 Thai Baht.
Participants described the experience as both intense and rewarding. “We are grateful to AIT for providing us with this opportunity,” shared Akil Aadhithan S. from Chennai Institute of Technology, India. “We experienced a truly international learning environment that motivates us to come back stronger.”
Dr. Naveed Anwar addressing the students about the role of visualization and hands-on experience in structural engineering.
Industry support also played a vital role in the event’s success. Dr. Naveed Anwar, CEO of CSI Bangkok, expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s growth. “This event is expanding rapidly and has become one-of-a-kind. CSI strongly supports such initiatives that help students see real-world engineering in action,” he said.
With continued support from partners like CSI Bangkok, EARTH, and new international partners like Kanazawa University, the competition continues to grow in scale and impact. It’s more than just a contest, it’s a platform for future engineers to innovate, collaborate, and gain real-world experience in structural design.
Seismic Model Competition 3.0 showcased student leadership, experiential learning, and international exchange. Supported by academic and industry partners, it provided future engineers a platform to apply skills, network, and gain real-world experience. AIT continues to shape future-ready engineers through hands-on, cross-border learning experiences like this competition, underscoring its position as a regional hub for innovation and excellence.
Students from Walailak University work intensely on final touches before testing their model on the shake table.
