Tunnels take centre stage

Maximum exposure in Canada

From 24 to 26 September, teams from SYSTRA Canada and SYSTRA SWS took part in the TAC 2023 conference in Toronto, Canada. This major North American event is organised by the Tunnelling Association of Canada (TAC), and this year’s theme was ‘Smart Solutions, Future Growth’. Of particular note this year was a major exhibition showcasing trenchless tunnel excavation technologies, with examples from Canada and around the world.

The TAC 2023 conference was an opportunity for Edoardo Misano, SYSTRA SWS tunnel expert, to demonstrate our skills in conventional tunnel excavation methods under the Seine in Paris. In particular, the case study of lot T3a of line 15 South of the Grand Paris Express, in which SYSTRA SWS was involved, was presented, to show how the state of the soil meant that the shafts and horizontal access galleries had to be redesigned, and then the soil had to be treated appropriately to prevent any instability between the water and the ground.

Spotlight on road tunnels in Colombia

The following week in Medellín, Colombia, the ‘ExpoTúneles y Minería Subterránea 2023’ was held, focusing on the underground and mining markets. Representatives from SYSTRA Subterra were on hand to meet our clients.

Rafael Sanchez, Head of the Safety Installations Department, gave a presentation on the inspection and safety of road tunnels.

Tunnels in the City of Lights

Finally, it was in France that the world of tunnels met for the 17th international AFTES (French Association for Tunnels and Underground Spaces) conference, from 2 to 4 October in Paris.

The SYSTRA France stand was the venue for a host of meetings with all those involved in the underground, public works, and tunnel structure sectors, focusing especially on energy, the environment and digital transition.