In May 2026, the 52nd World Tunnel Congress (WTC) was held in Montreal, Canada. This is the most important international event in the field of tunnelling and underground works, organised by the International Tunnelling Association (ITA-AITES). This congress brings together industry professionals annually, including engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and experts, with the aim of discussing the latest advances, sharing knowledge and promoting the most innovative technologies in this field.
TYPSA’s participation in this event was of particular significance, reaffirming its commitment to technical excellence, sustainability and digitalisation as key pillars of underground infrastructure development.
The event highlighted the company’s significant role in international tunnel projects. In Canada, its involvement in the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (Toronto) stands out, where it forms part of the TBM tunnel design team within the West End Connectors consortium. Furthermore, TYPSA is currently developing the construction design for the tunnel extension of the Yonge North Metro line (Toronto).
TYPSA’s participation, both in working groups (WG) and in the ITA General Assembly (GA), can be summarised as follows:
- Participation in the General Assembly: Pedro Ramírez, AETOS Vice-President for International Relations, spoke as the Spanish delegate at an assembly currently comprising 81 countries.
- New ITAym President: Aida Santos was elected president of the ITA International Youth Group, also standing out for her speech at the General Assembly.
- Participation in working groups: Several TYPSA professionals actively participated in meetings and presentations by various working groups. We can highlight Aida Santos and Alejandro Cantarero in WG-22 (Automation and Digitalisation), and Pedro Ramírez in WG-20 (Global Challenges, Underground Solutions).
In addition, several technical papers were presented, both in oral sessions and as posters:
- From traditional modelling to automation: The evolution in the Stockholm metro tunnel projects. A. Santos Santamaría & A. Cantarero Leal.
- Atmospheric intervention challenges in the London HS2 TBM Tunnels. X. Torelló & A. Denia, H. Castellví, D. Hoerrle & F. Acosta.
- Precast special segments for large ventilation openings at TBM tunnel crowns and large lateral openings. A. Denia & X. Torelló, H. Castellví, D. Hoerrle & F. Acosta.
- Temporary works for TBM operations in urban tunnelling: Insights from ECWE. X. Torelló, E. Salvador & A. Denia, F. Triana & M. Valle.
- Innovative approach for assessing the risk of rock swelling in the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project. E. Salvador & A. Plaza.
TYPSA’s and the Group’s companies’ strong track record in the field of tunnelling cements the company’s position as an international leader in the design, supervision and management of underground infrastructure, with its technical expertise being demonstrated through its participation in this conference.
