Mr. Ratakonda specializes in structural engineering with an emphasis on evaluation of structural performance and damage evaluation. He has investigated failure of steel structures, cold formed steel structures, fabric roof structures, cranes, concrete slabs, wood frames, steel joist systems, and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). In addition, Mr. Ratakonda has experience regarding the engineering aspects of urban construction including analysis of crane collapses, analysis of roof collapses due to snow and ponding loads, analysis of settlement of buildings due to adjacent construction, the use of underpinning and bracing systems to stabilize structures during construction and demolition, analysis and repair design for steel, concrete and cold formed steel construction, crane erection consulting, precast-concrete bridge deck issues and large scale scaffold collapses. He has also investigated building envelopes for evaluation of water intrusion and associated damage, and inspected properties damaged by wind and water surge from hurricanes.
Prior to joining Exponent, Mr. Ratakonda was a graduate student at the University of Michigan. During his time there he researched the stress-strain properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be used in sensors, and the performance of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) retrofit of steel and concrete beams. Mr. Ratakonda has also worked on shape optimization, using a genetic algorithm, for large span roof trusses and for metal castings.
Ratakonda R, Erdem I. Traditional analytical methods underestimate the stresses at beam copes. Structures Congress, Orlando, FL, 2010.
Ratakonda R. Study of stress-strain properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). University of Michigan, 2007.
Ratakonda R. Study of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) retrofit of concrete beams. B.Tech. Thesis, IIT Guwahati, 2006.
Reddy PDT, Ratakonda R, Dutta A. Multi-objective optimization of a large span roof truss. SEC 2005, IISC Bangalore, 2005.