TUCSS Monthly Seminar No. 273

Event details

TUCSS Monthly Seminar No. 273– Thursday, 20^th August 2026

From Geotechnics to Structures: Managing Underpinning and Impact in Airport Tunnel Works

by Gloria Wong and Tay Joo King, Arup Singapore Pte Ltd

Abstract

The tunneling of a major transportation link beneath an operational airport building presented unique geotechnical and structural challenges, requiring the underpinning of existing pile foundations to safeguard the structure and operations during excavation. This talk highlights the integrated design and construction strategies adopted to disconnect affected piles and transfer loads to newly installed micropiles under severe headroom and operational constraints.

Key innovations of the project included the use of wide transfer beams supported on micropiles, soil improvement through jet grouting to enable steep open-cut slopes, and rigorous impact assessments using advanced soil–structure interaction models. Continuous monitoring of settlements and ground movements validated design predictions and ensured serviceability throughout demolition, excavation, tunneling, and reinstatement phases. The project demonstrates how meticulous planning, soil improvement techniques, and stakeholder collaboration can deliver safe and efficient underpinning solutions in complex urban environments. Lessons learned provide valuable insights for future tunneling projects beneath critical infrastructure, particularly where operational continuity and geotechnical risk management are paramount.

Speaker

Gloria Wong, Female, Senior Engineer, with Arup Singapore Pte Ltd.

Gloria Wong is a chartered structural engineer with over 11 years of experience in the design and coordination of underground structures. Her work spans infrastructure projects of different scales, including underground rail and temporary works, bridges and maritime infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary design and collaboration. Since joining Arup as a graduate, she has contributed to complex underground infrastructure projects across Singapore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Tay Joo King, Male, Associate, with Arup Singapore Pte Ltd.

Joo King Tay has experience in both structural and geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on delivering practical and innovative solutions to meet client needs. He joined Arup as a Geotechnical Engineer and has worked on infrastructure projects in Singapore and Malaysia. Since beginning his career in Malaysia, he has gained experience in both geotechnical and structural design, including permanent and temporary works. Since joining Arup in 2011, he has also contributed to underground rail projects in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Time and Place

The presentation will take place electronically on Thursday, 20^th August 2026 at 18:30 hrs. The presentation will take approximately 45 minutes, follow by 15 minutes of questions/discussion.

Invitation

This is the 273rd in a series of presentations by TUCSS and is open to current TUCSS Members only. Seats are on first-come-first-served basis and limited to 500 persons.

Registration

Individual Members and Corporate Members (limited to 5 registrations only) are to sign up for the seminar via the registration link. A confirmation email with seminar details and how to access the seminar will be sent to the members who has successfully signed up for the seminar. The deadline for registration is on Monday, 17 August 2026 or when total registered participants reach 500 whichever comes earlier.

Attendance Policy

Please note that we will only issue the Certificate of Attendance to TUCSS Member who qualified the policy below:

• Valid TUCSS Member
• Join the seminar using registered email only
• Login at the beginning of the seminar (link will be assessable at 18:15 hours)
• Evidence of participation by video switched on throughout the seminar
• Complete the quiz at the end of the seminar before logging out. The duration for the quiz is 15mins.

Certificate of Attendance will be uploaded to the member’s account after the compliance to the Attendance Policy is verified.

PDU/STU

Points have been applied and pending approval.

Speaker

Gloria Wong

Arup Singapore Pte Ltd

Tay Joo King

Arup Singapore Pte Ltd