A packed programme of technical talks is planned for WTC 2025, following a training course that covers themes from risk and sustainability to contracts. In this issue we provide a preview of the major industry event and note its new feature, that takes advantage of the large gathering of professionals: the ‘Think Tank’ sessions, on three different themes – Environmental Impact; Technical Education; and, Safety.
The first two take up entire halfday sessions and are to be followed by workshops, the outputs of which re sought, at the event, by the General Assembly of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES). The Technical Development session is to consider how universities and industry can work together on education.
With a focus on WTC in Stockholm, in this issue we have a project report on a major road tunnel project underway over the last few years, involving extensive rock tunnelling. Also on drill & blast, we look at new Sandvik software for geomapping and navigation for jumbos. And, further on projects, from North America there are briefings on TBM tunnelling that is helping address problems with combined sewer overflows.
The opportunities for, and challenges of designing, underground space are discussed in two articles from ITACUS – one on options in Hong Kong, the other weighing matters of psychology of the subsurface.
On the theme of gatherings, in this issue we carry the first ‘Chairs’ Corner’ reports that bring updates on the aims and activities of the BTS and BTSYM, direct from their respective Chairs – John Corcoran and Arabel Vilas Serín.
And, this issue we are also very pleased to profile John, who was appointed BTS Chair last year. He tells of his career in tunnelling, long involvement with the Society, his plans, and also his many sporting and outdoor interests.
