Programme

This session explores the geotechnical, hydrogeological, and geoenvironmental ground investigations underpinning feasibility studies for the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC) at CERN,  a next-generation particle accelerator three times the size of the LHC. Structural Soils, working as part of an international consortium, led detailed site investigations in Haute-Savoie, France, to de-risk future tunnelling and underground construction. 

Delegates will gain insight into: 

• Geological complexity, including high water-bearing Quaternary deposits, Molasse formations, and karstic limestones. 
• Managing construction risks such as high groundwater pressures, ground gas, and challenging winter site conditions. 
• A multidisciplinary collaboration model, integrating drilling, geophysics, monitoring, HSE, and logistics across multiple RSK Group businesses and European partners. 
• Development of realistic geological models to inform tunnel alignment, future site investigations, and European strategy updates. 

This landmark project highlights how complex international investigations can both advance ground engineering practice and support cutting-edge scientific infrastructure. 

This 40-minute session takes attendees underground to examine how digital innovation is reshaping the way we understand and manage complex subsurface environments. Through a series of focused presentations, each speaker will showcase their work and its direct impact on ground engineers: 

Gillian Dick will present Glasgow’s Environmental Digital Twin, a 2D and 3D representation of the city’s natural assets that integrates environmental and spatial data to inform planning, resilience, and sustainable development. Richard Duffield will discuss the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR), revealing how this initiative is improving the visibility and coordination of underground assets, reducing risks, and enhancing efficiency in urban projects. Andrea Gillarduzzi will talk about the  Digital Transformation of Ground Data initiative that envisages a future where ground data is seamlessly connected, transparently shared, and intelligently interpreted across the entire infrastructure lifecycle. DTGD' goal is to foster a collaborative, interoperable, and digitally mature ecosystem that empowers all stakeholders with timely, reliable, and context-rich subsurface data and information. 

Following the presentations, an open discussion will invite participants to ask questions, share experiences, and explore how these digital advancements can be leveraged to solve real-world challenges in ground engineering.  

This follow-up to the 2024 event’s, highly regarded session returns to the pioneering full-scale piled raft monitoring programme underway at Edge London Bridge, now with over two years of data from a complex mixed-use site. In 2024–2025, the project reached new technical milestones in validating design assumptions against measured soil-structure interaction during excavation and loading. The presentation will unpack how the observed performance of individual piles and the connecting raft compared to both finite element and empirical design predictions, what instrumentation drift was detected and corrected, and how this feedback loop is now actively influencing foundation optimisation on new basements across the UK. 

This session will dissect the impact of the Building Safety Act (BSA) on deep basement and subterranean projects, focusing on how the legislation is reshaping responsibilities, design practices, and project delivery timelines. 

The panel will cover: 

• The shift in accountability to defined duty-holders 
• Structural competency requirements for below-ground works 
• The integration of digital record-keeping (“the golden thread”) for underground safety and compliance 

A pre-event survey of industry professionals will inform the discussion, allowing the panel to address the most pressing questions and concerns from practitioners. Expect a frank and honest conversation, where HSE will hear directly from the industry about the real-world implications of the Act. 

The panel will also explore how early design requirements, while perceived by many as slowing the sector, can be leveraged to drive better outcomes and how consultants and contractors can adapt to this new landscape.

At the heart of New York’s Times Square, the TSX Broadway project redefined what is possible in urban engineering. The scheme combined selective demolition of a 47-storey tower, excavation of anew 4.6m below-grade retail level, and the unprecedented raising of the 109-year-old Palace Theatre by 9.5m, all within one of the busiest intersections in the world. 

This session will explore how Langan’s integrated approach to investigation, design, and construction support enabled delivery of a one-of-a-kind building while safeguarding adjacent structures and subway tunnels. 

Key themes include: 

• Balancing heritage and innovation: preserving and lifting a landmark theatre while creating new retail and hotel space 
• Complex below-grade works in constrained sites: excavation support, caisson design, and stability of surrounding buildings 
• Sustainability in practice: minimising waste and CO₂ emissions through selective demolition and embedded foundation solutions 
• Collaboration as a driver of success: coordinating across agencies, contractors, and disciplines to meet cost and schedule goals 

The project showcases how innovative geotechnical engineering can transform the challenges of dense, historic cityscapes into opportunities for landmark redevelopment.

This closing panel looks ahead to the future of underground engineering, asking whether tomorrow’s basements will power cities as geothermal energy hubs, safeguard data as critical digital centres, or even host habitable spaces. Drawing on insights shared throughout the day, the panel will explore how climate adaptation, net-zero targets, digital transformation, and urban densification will reshape below-ground design and reuse. From low-carbon materials and advanced monitoring to shifting regulations and funding models, speakers will challenge delegates to reimagine the role of subterranean infrastructure in creating resilient, connected, and sustainable cities.