Call for abstracts for ATC23

The 18^th ATC will be held in Auckland on November 5-8, 2023.

With an overarching focus on “Trends and Transitions in Tunnelling”, the main themes of the conference include:

• Resilience: well-being, infrastructure, economics.
• Relationships: industry, stakeholders and future generations.
• Guardianship: sustainability and legacy. Re-purposing and enhancing existing infrastructure, decarbonisation
• Future(s): what kind of infrastructure is needed?

The conference committee is specifically looking for abstracts on the following topics, but all abstracts relevant to tunnelling are welcomed:

• Transition engineering, sustainability and economic growth
• Metros and mass transit
• Digital engineering, instrumentation and monitoring
• Hydropower and utility tunnels
• Mechanised tunnelling
• Conventional tunnelling/SEM/caverns
• Tunnel operations, asset management, repurposing and rehabilitation
• Tunnel systems, ventilation and fire life safety
• Human factors: users, resourcing, training, competency education and diversity
• Safety and occupational safety
• Underground architecture and space development
• Grouting, ground modifications and hydrogeology
• Sprayed concrete and tunnel linings
• Automation and technological advances
• Shafts
• Tunnels and tunnelling for mines
• Geotechnical characterisation, seismicity and difficult ground
• Risk management, collaboration and contracting

The deadline for abstract is March 31; papers are due by August 31; and the deadline for paper moderations and final papers is September 30.

Convenor and chair of the ATC23 organising committee Bill Newns is looking forward to welcoming national and international colleagues to the event.

“We are confident we can appeal to more international attendees and contributors to the conference and build on the reputation the Australasian Tunnelling Conference has for quality, value and relevance to all tunnelling professionals,” he said.

“It will be an intense few days of making new connections, catching up with old mates, sharing knowledge and experience, all within a programme we hope will inspire and contribute to our vitally important area of infrastructure.”

The ATC is now a biennial event and has played a significant role in the development of the tunnelling industry regionally for over 50 years.

“We aim to maintain and build the reputation for technical excellence as well as offer many interesting social and networking opportunities that only an ‘in-person’ conference provides,” said Newns. “All set against the backdrop of our stunning city of Auckland.”

In keeping with previous conferences, young members are encouraged to submit their papers so the conference can provide a specific young members technical session.

For more information, visit the event website atc2023.com