On May 24, 2025, after a rigorous prerequisite exam, students from various universities across Thailand took part in Building Design Quest Using ETABS as part of a CSI Challenge Series.
This was a 5-hour, focused, high-pressure hackathon where students model, analyze, and design a building structure using ETABS v22, applying both theory and practical skills.
Hackathon Kickoff
The event took place at the Robert B. Banks Auditorium.
There was a buzz in the air. Students, faculty and CSI Bangkok team were all ecstatic to be here.
Students arrived between 8 – 9 AM for registration and were welcomed with breakfast.
After registering, they entered the main hall and took their seats in a unique design setup. Each participant was provided with an individual workstation where they can place materials, laptops, and other digital screens.
MCs Mr. Abdur Rahman and Ms. Jutamas Taweesint gave a warm welcome to all the participants. They provided all the necessary information and moderated the event so that it ran smoothly. The MCs then invited Dr. Chaitanya Krishna G., Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering at AIT and Shayan Naveed, Head of Media at CSI Bangkok to deliver a few inspiring words to the students.
The speakers encouraged students to approach the challenge with both creativity and logic, and to use the experience to strengthen their technical and decision-making skills.
The Building Design Quest using ETABS Begins
Students then began the design task using ETABS version 22. They were given a set time to work independently on structural modeling and analysis problems.
They were also informed about the rules and specific tasks that had to be followed. The only main rule – no use of AI to complete the tasks. Other than that, students were allowed to use all the resources at their disposal.
The level of focus was remarkable. Even with food and breaks readily available, many participants chose to stay at their workstations, fully immersed in their tasks. The competition was intense, yet the atmosphere remained calm. Some had a spark of creativity in their eyes, while others were completely absorbed in deep concentration.
The challenge tested not just technical knowledge, but also decision-making and time management, which is what structural engineers face in practice.
After the time was up and participants submitted their work for review, a few volunteers came up on stage to share their experience. Overall, they were pleased with their effort and thanked everyone for giving them the opportunity to be here.
Participation and Awards
All students submitted their work by the end of the session. Certificates of participation were given to all who completed the challenge.
The following day, five winners were invited to CSI Bangkok for an award ceremony presented by Dr. Naveed Anwar. The gathering had a warm and personal tone.
Dr. Naveed met with all the winners, listened to their stories, and discussed their work.
It became more than just a prize-giving event but rather a meaningful exchange between an industry leader and the next generation of engineers.
Undergraduate Winners
🥇 Phongsathon Luangthong – Srinakharinwirot University
🥈 Ye Khant Kyaw – King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
Postgraduate Winners
🥇 Wisit Kawayapanik – Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Uthenthawai Campus
🥈 Pawarit Dilokwuttisit – Chiang Mai University
Students from AIT
🥇 Lin Htin – Asian Institute of Technology
Why Does CSI Bangkok Organize This Challenge Series?
The Challenge Series is part of CSI ongoing efforts and mission to support the engineering community through practical learning and access to useful tools.
We organized a challenged in 2024 as well using CSiCol. The purpose of the initiative is to create opportunities for applied learning and to contribute to the continued development of future engineers.
This year’s hackathon showed that students are still excited to use structural engineering design software. That they are willing to go the distance with learning and adapting to solve complex problems.
What’s Next
The Building Design Quest Using ETABS is just one of several initiatives CSI Bangkok organizes to provide students with hands-on experience in structural engineering.
If you’re a student reading this and are interested in taking part, we will be hosting more and more challenges and activities. We will also be posting this challenge online soon for everyone to try it out – anytime, anywhere.
To view all the images from the event, please visit our CSI Bangkok Gallery
If you would like more information about the CSI Challenge Series or want to discuss anything regarding our knowledge-based events, please email us at [email protected]
