Organisers of the 2014 WTC Congress in Igassu Falls, Brazil, report a rush of submissions of technical paper abstracts for consideration by the event's Scientific Committee.
According to Arsenio Negro, the committee Chairman, a total of 553 papers have been submitted, a number which he said, "exceeded expectations." Negro added: "The interest from all continents shows that the technical community from all over the world recognises the importance of Brazil and of WTC. I am glad we have received a substantial number of abstracts and I am sure this shall reflect in a successful Congress."
The main themes chosen by the authors were "Planning and Design of Underground Structures", "Tunnel Operation, Safety, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, Renovation and Repair" and "Learning from Case Histories."
The continent that has made the most contributions is Europe, with 219 abstracts, followed by South America, with 144. Asia was the third, submitting 132 abstracts. North America has submitted 35 abstracts, Oceania 17 and Africa, six.
WTC2014 will take place in Iguassu Falls, Brazil, between May 9-15 next year. Brazil and its South American neighbours currently offer several business and technical exchange opportunities, and a number of the currently ongoing projects in the region are unique from a global perspective by virtue of their characteristics and the immense challenges they present to the technical community.
Mega-projects currently in the design or planning stage include a 52.5km TBM-bored baseline freight rail tunnel under the Andes that will connect Argentina and Chile, an immersed tube crossing in Brazil, the first of its type in that country, that will link the deep port of Santos with Guaruja, and a 511km-long high speed rail connection between Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Campinas for which a bidding auction is currently being held.
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