Tunneling for a better world: Highlights from 2024 World Tunnel Congress

AECOM showcased our expertise in handling complex, mega projects and our industry-recognized contributions to tunneling at the 2024 World Tunnel Congress (WTC2024). Over 30 global experts participated onsite to engage with industry professionals and discussed our pioneering approaches and solutions in tunneling.

9 Iconic Projects | 22 Technical Papers | 9 Technical Sessions

At this congress, a total of 22 technical papers were presented, and nine AECOM experts served as chairpersons in different sessions. The topics covered a wide range, including operational safety and construction practices in the field of geology. Additionally, visitors were invited to explore our virtual showroom display at our booth, where they could learn about our global tunneling projects. If you missed the opportunity to visit the virtual showroom, you can still access it here.

ITA Iconic projects

Nine of our projects have been enlisted among the Top 50 iconic projects by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA), which recognized our effort in delivering innovative and sustainable tunneling projects that shape a better world. 50 projects were selected from approximately 170 major infrastructure projects recommended by member countries and relevant units of ITA.

ProjectLocation
Boston Central ArteryUnited States
Circle Line and Downtown RouteSingapore
City Rail LinkNew Zealand
Egnatia Odos TunnelsGreece
Elizabeth LineUnited Kingdom
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Link – Immersed TunnelHong Kong
Lee TunnelUnited Kingdom
Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok LinkHong Kong
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)United States

List of AECOM Technical Papers

Paper TitleRegionAuthors
A Broad Review of Cavern Engineering Approach in Sedimentary/Meta-Sedimentary Rock in Northern Hong KongAsiaJ. Wong, L. Tsang, H. Suen, D. Mak, F. To, G. Ho
A Modified Approach to Assess Tunnel Excavation StabilityANZS. Anwar, G. Charlesworth
A Study of Digital Quantitative Evaluation System for Safety Management in an Urban Rail Transportation Hub ProjectAsiaW. Mou, D. Gao, W. W. Yang, R. Wen
A Systematic Deformation Control Methodology for Underground Space Construction in Close Proximity to Existing Metro StationAsiaJ. Li, R. Wen, W. W. Yang, W. Mou
Comparison of Carbon Footprint Emissions in Tunneling Projects Using Innovative Methods US / CanadaP. Jarast, V. Nasri
Design of Precast Bolted Universal Segmental Tunnel Lining for the London Power Tunnels 2 ContractEuropeA. Simic, O. Brown, J. Ellis
Design of the REM Aéroport de Montreal’s P5 Ventilation ShaftUS / CanadaM. Mains, J. Lee, V. Nasri
Design of Toronto’s Ontario Line South TBM TunnelsUS / CanadaM. Bakhshi, V. Nasri
Developments in Large Diameter Subaqueous TunnelsAsiaO. Ozgur, T. Ma, J. Cheung
Excavation-induced Assessment in Sydney AreaANZG. Alvarado, S. Sadeghian, Y. Dong
Geotechnical Risks Management Associated with a Tunnel Launch in Complex Geological ConditionsAsiaC. L. Ng, C. M. Khoo,  N. A. Abdul Rahman
Ground Characterisation of the Sydney Basin for Tunneling WorksANZD. Och, G. Gutierrez, N. Walker
Ground Movement due to Shaft Construction and Dewatering at Bengeworth Road for the London Power Tunnels 2 ProjectEuropeO. Brown, A. Simic, J. Ellis
Karangahape Station MC21 Junction – Collaborative Solutions for Complex Geology and Geometrical ConstraintsANZA. Sarathchandran, G. Charlesworth, R. Graafhuis
Large Diameter Slurry TBM Tunnels With Very Low CoverUS / CanadaM. Mains,  S. Sánchez,  L. Içik, C. Mora
Mt Eden Mined Tunnels – Collaborative DesignANZH. Toi, R. Gong, D. Wang, G. Charlesworth
Numerical Analysis of Two Deep Circular Shafts at a Former Gas Works Site on the London Power Tunnels 2 ProjectEuropeJ. Ellis, O. Brown, A. Simic
Pawtucket CSO Tunnel Design Build – From Managing Risk and Quality to Design and Construction InnovationsUS / CanadaI. Halim, S. Polycarpe
Practical Considerations of Shale Swelling Impact on Underground Structures Liner Design for Ontario Line Transit Project in Toronto, CanadaUS / CanadaM. Rahjoo, V. Nasri
Risk Assessment and Large Diameter Segmental Lining Design in Swelling GroundUS / CanadaS. Sánchez, M. Mains, C. Álvarez, E. Barrouillet, C. Garrido, M. Ferreres
Rock Bolt Design A Parametric StudyANZS. Anwar, A. Mann, S. Sadeghian
Tunnels and Stations Design of Montreal Blue LineUS / CanadaV. Nasri

Technical Sessions Chaired by AECOM

SessionTime & DateChairperson
Design and Methodology (I)2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m., Apr. 22Verya Nasri
Senior Vice President, Engineering
Planning of Tunnels and General Aspects (I)2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m., Apr. 22Giuseppi Gaspari
Vice President, Tunnel Practice Leader, Canada, US East, Latin America
Contractual Practices and Risk Management (II)3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Apr. 23Ozturk Ozgur
Executive Director, Highway, Transportation, Asia
Innovations in Mechanized Tunneling (III)3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Apr. 23Sergio Sanchez
Head of Ground Engineering, Spain
Geotechnics, Geology and Geophysical Prospecting (I)8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Apr. 24Guy Bridges
Executive Director, Geotechnical, Hong Kong
Operational Safety, Maintenance and Repair (II)10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Apr. 24Mike Wongkaew
Americas Tunnel Practice Leader
Instrumentation and Monitoring / Testing and Inspection (I)2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m., Apr. 24Giovanny Alvarado
Major Projects Delivery Director, ANZ
Machine Learning3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Apr. 24Sajjad Anwar
Technical Director, Geotechnical Engineering, Australia & New Zealand
Mechanized Tunneling in Challenging Conditions (IV)3:50 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Apr. 24SW Lee
Executive Director, Geotechnical, Hong Kong

As a global leader in engineering and infrastructure solutions, AECOM will continue to contribute to delivering a better world through innovative and sustainable tunneling practices.