The recent conference held in Paris by the French Tunnelling Association, AFTES, was entitled ‘Underground Works: ambitions and realities.’ Organised under the auspices of the ITA, with the patronage of the French Minister of Public Works, Transport and Housing, the event coincided with the centenary celebrations of the French capital’s metro system, but also, unfortunately, with market decline in underground construction in France.
Speakers from around the world participated, representing countries as far afield as Brazil, the US, Russia and South Africa. An address was given by a representative of the minister, and ITA Chairman Alfred Haack, presented a paper on ‘Political and social aspects of the present and future in underground works.’
Papers covered technological changes in the design, completion and non-destructive surveying of underground works; site methods and working conditions; and the application of quality assurance to project management. Reflecting the state of the French market, a fourth topic was the impact of economic and social realities on underground projects.
A well attended exhibition was organised alongside the conference, featuring around 130 exhibitors.
