1000 abstracts is an important result, if compared with the previous editions. The figure is a good indicator of the high expectations for the next WTC 2019 in Naples.
The Organizing Secretariat received 1000 abstracts from over 50 countries. "It is an extraordinary achievement - explains Professor Daniele Peila, coordinator of the scientific advisory board -, a number of applications much higher than what was collected in the last conferences. This points out on the one hand how the underground works and tunnelling are themes with considerable appeal, on the other how the WTC2019 in Naples has been capable of capitalizing this interest. Everyone likes the Italian style and the conference will be a great opportunity not only from the technical point of view, but also in terms of network and technical and scientific exchange. Elements, these, underlined by our motto "Profitable for the mind and joyful for the spirit!".
In general, people take for granted the existence of infrastructures, as if the subways were able to expand 'naturally'. "It is not like that indeed. There is someone - continues Professor Daniele Peila - who designs and builds them, often challenging geological and technical problems to the limit of feasibility and assuming the relative risks. Too often professionals of this sector have an undesignated approach. Instead, they must be proud of what they do and strongly claim it. The Congress will also serve this purpose".
A large quantity of abstracts are dedicated to technological innovations. "Over 250 abstracts are linked to technological improvements related to the tunnelling sector. An example? The growing use of Information Technology applied to constructions. It is also for this reason that one of our courses planned for young people will focus on this specific topic".
There are a lot of abstracts dedicated to relevant case histories. From the Brennero base railway tunnel, the longest in the world with its 64 km, to the Moncenisio tunnel, which will connect France and Italy, to the Santa Lucia tunnel on the Bologna-Florence A1 motorway, where the biggest EPB shield in Europe is working with its 16 meters diameter. "We consider these case studies of a great importance to share information about the state of the art best practices in our sector at global level. Then, it is right to communicate positive experiences, but also negative ones, because from mistakes we can learn a lot and we must have the courage to discuss about them".
Great participation has also come from the academic world, with a large input not only from the traditional university institutions that have always played an important role in the world of tunnelling. “It’s essential the development of specific dedicated research by new players who are approaching the world of tunnelling. This is the sign of a changing perception. The academic world feels also the growth of the sector linked to underground works as its responsibility".
Also significant is the presence of themes related to the uniqueness of the Naples edition, the AAA sessions (Art, Architecture and Archaeology). Not just from Italy, where we have in this case a thousand-years old history, but from all over the world. This confirms as suitable, the choice to focus on the involvement of other sectors that are not too far removed from the tunnelling realm.
"A great conference awaits us. As a member of the scientific committee - Professor Daniele Peila concludes -, I feel a great responsibility in choosing the best presentations. At the same time, I urge the authors to do all their best to write papers that will help making the WTC2019 a very special event in Naples ". for further information please visit the website http://www.wtc2019.com/
