ABSTRACT
Connecting Communities Through Underground Infrastructure contains the contributions presented at the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress 2026 (Montréal, Canada, 15–21 May 2026). The papers reflect the full lifecycle of tunnelling and underground engineering projects, from strategic vision through operation and renewal.
This book brings together the collective expertise of owners, designers, contractors, suppliers, consultants, researchers and academics from around the world, capturing the innovation, collaboration and technical excellence that define the tunnelling industry. The papers in this volume are organized into 5 key themes:
- Strategic Vision, Planning and Governance
- Ground Intelligence and Digital Integration
- Engineering Design and Underground Structures
- Construction Methods, Innovation and Delivery
- Commissioning, Operation and Asset Management
Together, they provide a comprehensive reference to the state-of-practice and state-of-the-art in tunnelling and underground engineering, and a key resource for working professionals, decision makers, researchers and students.
1. Strategic Vision, Planning and Governance 1.1 Planning and Use of Underground Space 1.2 Sustainability / Net Zero and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 1.3 Contractual Practices, Insurance and Risk Management 2. Ground Intelligence and Digital Integration 2.1 Site Investigation and Ground Characterization 2.2 Instrumentation, Monitoring and Remote Sensing 2.3 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 2.4 Digital and Information Technology 3. Engineering Design and Underground Structures 3.1 Ground Support and Lining Design 3.2 Grouting, Groundwater Control and Waterproofing 3.3 Shaft Design, Caverns and Power Houses 4. Construction Methods, Innovation and Delivery 4.1 Conventional and Sequential Excavation in Challenging Conditions 4.2 Mechanized Tunnelling in Challenging Conditions 4.3 Microtunnelling and Immersed Tunnels 4.4 Innovative Tunnelling, Robotics and Automation 4.5 Safety in Tunnelling 5. Commissioning, Operation and Asset Management 5.1 Operation and Inspection 5.2 Maintenance and Rehabilitation
