The main theme for ACUUS 2012 Singapore is "Underground Space Development – Opportunities and Challenges." This theme was chosen to emphasize the unprecedented opportunities for simultaneously improving urban infrastructure and urban livability while at the same time recognizing the special challenges faced in creating underground spaces – both from a human design perspective and in terms of technical and cost challenges. Equally important is the need to move from the creation of underground facilities as a haphazard, first-come first served network of structures to a well-planned use of underground space that can serve the needs of urban areas for future generations as well as our own.

The intent is to focus on the new opportunities amid a re-focus on developing the urban underground space as part of sustainable development, and the many challenges and issues that planners, developers, and engineers face.

The conference will cover the following main topics:

• Master planning
• Architectural design for liveable underground space
• Safety, health, and the environment
• Legal framework and government policies
• Reasons for going underground
• Cost-benefit-analysis
• Socio-economic issues
• Site investigation and geo-planning
• Geotechnical and rock engineering
• Innovations and technology advancement
• Research and support
• Underground transport systems
• Deep caverns and mined space
• Earth-sheltered buildings and pedestrian networks
• Industrial and commercial applications
• Underground space as a strategic resource
• Utilisation of underground space and case studies
• Special projects

www.acuus2012.com