Gall Zeidler Consultants (GZ) is pleased to participate in the 19th Annual Breakthroughs in Tunneling Short Course, taking place September 22–24, 2026, at the ASU SkySong Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. GZ is also proud to support the event as a Course Sponsor.

The three-day Short Course brings together professionals from across the tunneling industry to share practical knowledge and lessons learned from tunneling projects. The program covers key topics including geotechnical risk, project planning and execution, tunnel construction, TBM selection and applications, and complex underground projects.

GZ will contribute to this year’s program through presentations by Thomas Martin, Senior Tunnel Engineer, and Louis Falco, Senior Project Manager, Senior Tunnel Engineer, who will share their expertise on two important aspects of tunnel planning, design, and construction.

Thomas Martin: Planning and Difficulties of Urban Tunneling

On Tuesday, September 22, from 4:15 to 5:00 p.m., Thomas Martin will present “Planning and Difficulties of Urban Tunneling.” Urban tunneling projects often require careful planning and coordination due to the complexity of working beneath densely developed areas and alongside existing infrastructure. Thomas’s presentation will address the planning considerations and challenges that can arise when delivering tunnels in urban environments.

Louis Falco: NATM/SEM Design and Construction

On Wednesday, September 23, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., Louis Falco will present “NATM/SEM Design and Construction.” His presentation will focus on the design and construction considerations associated with the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and Sequential Excavation Method (SEM), sharing practical insight into these approaches to underground construction.

Through its presentations and sponsorship of the Breakthroughs in Tunneling Short Course, GZ is proud to contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experience within the tunneling community. We look forward to connecting with colleagues and industry professionals in Scottsdale and sharing our experience from complex underground projects around the world.

For more information about the Breakthroughs in Tunneling Short Course, including the full agenda and event details, please visit the official Short Course website.