technical talk

17 July 2025 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are proposing to finance a 23-kilometer four-lane Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project for DPWH to alleviate the perennial delays and closures of the existing Dalton Pass with landslides and flooding during typhoons.  DPWH intend to build a bypass to provide a more secure and safe route to interconnect Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, and the Cagayan Valley Region. 

The proposed bypass road includes the construction of 6.1 kilometers of twin tunnels, 10 bridges of 5.8 kilometers, and flood control. Construction is expected to run from 2026 to 2031. 

The talk will run through the investigation and preliminary design options for the tunnels and the considerations for the alignments through the challenging mountain terrain

Project Manager | CS Service 

Davao City Bypass Project

19 June 2025 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

The talk will outline various aspects of the construction and design of the 5km-long Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok sub-sea tunnel in Hong Kong, highlighting the key construction elements of this integrated sub-sea highway tunnel.

Spanning from project mobilization in 2013 to its full opening in 2020, the development incorporated a range of innovative solutions and methods, including the use of the world’s largest tunnel boring machine (TBM) at the time, with an external diameter of 17.6 meters.

The presentation will also cover the diverse ground conditions encountered and the general design and construction approaches that contributed to the project's success.

PTS President and Arup Director

15 May 2025 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

 This talk will cover the challenges and design considerations for the running tunnels

 connections to for CP 101 and other elements of shield tunnelling for the Metro Manila

 Subway Project.

 It will outline the design requirements and the selection of the TBM’s for the expected

 ground conditions and identify the key drivers for the design of the tunnelling of the project.

CRE  / Project Manager MMSP GC

Architect - GCR - Consortium

20 March 2025 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

This talk will cover a line-wide description and the specific station design of FTI, illustrating how concepts evolve through key design stages, are validated through simulations, and are refined in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The session will feature an HD movie showcasing the final design product, providing a comprehensive look at the station's development and functionality.

GCR - Consortium

20 February 2025 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

This talk will focus on promoting cast-in fastening systems as a safer, more efficient alternative to conventional methods in tunneling construction. By eliminating drilling and welding, these systems reduce workplace hazards such as silica dust, noise, and vibration, while improving operational efficiency, quality control, and long-term flexibility. Highlighted through global case studies, cast-in systems demonstrate superior performance in various tunnel types, meeting rigorous safety and technical standards and underscoring their importance in futureproofing tunneling projects.

Specification Manager | SG & MY

Leviat

17 October 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom

The talk will discuss the various techniques to provide backfill grouts around the annulus for TBM segmental linings and to review the various new materials, grouts and innovation that is providing better backfill and grouting solutions. The talk will highlight the important factors in selecting and choosing the correct grouts as well as the different grout properties and solutions to deal with groundwater challenges and to ensure integrity of the backfill grouting control and quality. 

Regional Manager Underground - Technical Team Asia Pacific

MAPEI Far East Pte Ltd

19 September 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Elks Club

The talk will present a series of problems, like high internal water pressures, limited ground cover, poor geological conditions, limited construction period, etc., that impact the design of pressurized aqueduct TBM tunnels using segment lining and what a TBM drive.

The talk will introduce the various design considerations and the innovative mitigation solutions that have been considered to deal with these problems and to overcome the challenges for segmentally lined tunnels for successful completion on time.

 Asst. Project Director 

China International Water & Electric Corp (CWE)

15 August 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will present the current status of the ongoing background research and cataloguing of the tunnels and underground space in the Philippines.

The Society has been pulling together a list of the known and potential future tunnels that have been built and are intending to be built in the Philippines across the whole length of the country.

PTS President and Arup Director

20 June 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

 This presentation explores the advantages and applications of precast arches in tunnel construction. It discusses the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and consistent quality control offered by precast methods compared to traditional construction techniques.  Key topics include design considerations, the manufacturing and installation processes, and the flexibility and structural integrity of precast arches. Case studies of successful projects highlight environmental and safety benefits, along with a comparison of materials volume which demonstrates significant long-term savings.

General Manager

Reinforced Earth Philippines

Technical Manager 

Reinforced Earth Philippines

16 May 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will explore the evolution of basic principles adopted in the design of steel fibre-reinforced concrete in tunnelling applications. It also emphasizes the benefits of high-performance fibres via two case studies involving tunnel linings for the Sydney Metro (precast segments) and the Westconnex motorway project (sprayed concrete) in Sydney, Australia. 

Technical Director, Tunneling

Aurecon 

18 April 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will delve into the Kidston Pumped Hydro Electric Scheme Project located in Queensland, Australia. This innovative scheme comprises an underground power station complex and intricate tunneled waterways connecting two decommissioned mine pits, which serve as upper and lower reservoirs. It stands as the world's inaugural hydro scheme utilizing an abandoned gold mine, marking Australia's first pumped hydro project in over 40 years. 

Senior Technical Director – Tunnels & Major Projects

Tunnels Service Line Leader Asia-Pacific

GHD

21 March 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will discuss a growing niche of specialist small bore tunneling applications and solutions applicable in dense urban environments like Manila and will delve into the technical aspects of these solutions, outlining their benefits and key considerations for adoption. The presentation will also encompass various products, including direct pipe, long-distance jacking, tight radius bends, and pipe roofing.   

Area Sales Manager – Asia Pacific

Herrenknecht Asia Ltd.

15 February 2024 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk  will  outline the challenges that he faced with finding UXO on his project. What to think about before, during, and after the discovery of UXO, how to handle the situation and what to do and what not to do.  

NSCR Contract 3B – Project Director

Leighton Contractors (Asia) Ltd.

16 November 2023 (Wednesday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk  will discuss about technical design & construction concepts in relation to the experience of BAUER in the construction of Diaphragm Walls and some deep foundation solutions such as Mixed-In-Place (MIP™) Walls, Secant Pile Walls, & King Posts relevant for the successful operations for the Metro Manila Subway Projects. ​ 

Engineering Manager

Bauer Foundations Philippines, Inc.

Lead Design Engineer

Bauer Foundations Philippines, Inc.

18 October 2023 (Wednesday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will delve into the dewatering strategies specifically tailored for tunnels and shafts. We'll explore the essential need and purpose of surface systems, such as well points and deep wells, in effectively managing water in underground construction. 

In this technical talk, Toby will examine the range of application permissions required for these strategies and explore innovative techniques like cross passages and caverns within tunnels to address dewatering challenges. 

Executive Chairman

WJ Groundwater 

27 September 2023 (Wednesday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will discuss his experiences in tunneling through various types of soil and rock in Hong Kong. He will also discuss the excavation of large underground cavern spaces to house station caverns for the West Island Line and the Kwun Tong Extension line. 

In this technical talk, Iwata will present the practical construction aspects of the tunneling work, highlighting the logistical challenges and construction techniques employed to minimize disruptions to residents and the general public in the densely populated and urban areas of Hong Kong. 

Projects Manager

Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd.

17 August 2023 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The talk will focus on providing solutions and updates to a wide diversity of other trenchless equipment solutions that have been applied to a range of tunnels, roadways, pipelines and shafts around the world.   

In this technical talk, Gavin will present CRCHI recent experience in its development of various underground solutions from TBM’s to other underground construction equipment with various innovations and improvements in construction technology applications accumulated from over 1,200 TBMs deliveries worldwide.  

Executive Deputy Director & Chief Engineer

China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited Overseas Business Unit

20 July 2023 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

The construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel presented formidable challenges, requiring engineers to overcome difficult geological conditions while aiming to create a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation route.  

In this technical talk, Dieter will explore the conceptual background behind the tunnel, delve into the main challenges faced during its construction, and highlight the key success factors that have made this project a significant milestone in modern infrastructure development.

 Former CEO of AlpTransit Gotthard Ltd.

18 May 2023 (Thursday)

6:00pm (Manila Time)

Live via Zoom 

This talk is an introduction to all things trenchless. James will identify and explain the most common trenchless technologies and provide an overview of their technical concepts, challenges and constraints. He will identify their differences compared to typical tunneling methods and will also explain the differences in accepted techniques and technologies in different regions around the globe.

James will take you through his decision-making process from inception to commissioning and beyond for a trenchless crossing and you should expect to gain an understanding of what it takes to design and construct these little siblings of the tunneling world.

James is a Tunnel Engineer in Arup HK with 8 years experience in tunnelling and ground engineering. He has a specialism in trenchless technologies and microtunnelling and has worked on various projects in the USA, Canada, UK, Spain, Hong Kong, Australia and the Philippines. 

James was part of the first dedicated Arup microtunnelling team and has experience of numerous microtunnelling techniques across many modalities including fresh and foul water, gas, electric, cable landfalls, drainage and access tunnels. He specialises in pipe jacking and segmental lining design.

James has a passion for sustainable development and asset preservation and can often be found crawling around inspecting existing small tunnels to extend their life.