Sydney Tunnelling, Geology and Sustainable Data for the Future

Dr David J. Och

The talk will cover the geological conditions, geotechnical data and tunnelling solutions adopted on major tunnelling projects such as Sydney Metro City and Southwest and Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link and present findings from his research on how other countries are collecting, implementing, and benefitting from national geotechnical databases.

About the speaker

Dr David J. Och Technical Director –  Tunnels  (Geology) WSP Australia Pty Ltd

David has a PhD in Geology with over 25 years’ experience and is the Technical Director – Geology  (NSW Tunnels Team Lead) for WSP Australia and is Associate Professor at UNSW. 

His expertise in tunnelling and engineering geology has led to key lead and advisory roles on major transportation projects. His recent roles include Geotechnical Lead for the  Sydney Metro City & SW and Sydney Metro West Projects and the Geological Lead on the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link project. He has also worked as CPS manager on the Coopernook to Herons Ck Pacific Hwy Upgrade, and as the Chief Geologist for Design and CPS on the Hunter Expressway Alliance Project.

David has just completed his overseas journey as part of his Winston Churchill Fellowship studying geotechnical databases at geological surveys including the BGS (UK), TNO (Netherlands), Swisstopo and GEUS (Denmark).

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.