In this episode, we’ll cover global project highlights, new tools and research, a deep-dive topic on Underground Hydrogen Storage, a brief look back at geotechnicalhistory, and finally, we’ll share some upcoming courses and seminars from around the globe.

Segment 1: Global Project Highlights:

Construction begins on Frankfurt’s €1.5 billion Riederwald Tunnel

https://www.globalhighways.com/news/frankfurts-eu15-billion-tunnel-project

Italy declares emergency after expanding landslide forces evacuations in Niscemi

https://www.geoengineer.org/news/italy-declares-emergency-after-expanding-landslide-forces-1500-evacuations-in-niscemi

Federal funding pause threatens halt to $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/white-house-blames-imminent-construction-halt-at-nyc-16bn-hudson-tunnel-on-illegal-aliens-29-01-2026/

Dozens missing after deadly landslide strikes West Bandung, Indonesia

https://www.geoengineer.org/news/dozens-missing-following-deadly-landslide-in-west-bandung

Segment 2: Research and Tech Tools

Groundwater levels continue to decline in Denver Basin aquifers, new USGS study finds

https://www.usgs.gov/publications/groundwater-level-elevations-bedrock-aquifers-denver-basin-aquifer-system-elbert

DEM study reveals role of intermediate principal stress in tailings strength

https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cgj-2025-0197

Study identifies optimal arch height for roadway stability in underground excavations

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10706-026-03636-2

Segment 3: Deep Dive Topic

Giant Underground Hydrogen Storage and the Role of Geotechnics in the Energy Transition

https://www.ngi.no/aktuelt/gigantiske-hydrogenlagre-under-bakken/

Segment 4: This Week in Geotechnical History

Eiffel Tower construction begins

https://www.geoengineer.org/on-this-day/01/28

Segment 5: Upcoming Courses & Seminars

Event links:

· https://www.ita-aites.org

· https://www.iplhq.org

· https://www.dfi.org

· https://www.isrm.net

For suggestions and feedback: thisweekingeotechnics@gmail.com