Unlocking the Challenges of Deep Underground Construction

Dino Sarac

Please join us to hear Dino Sarac present insights from his recent paper published in Australian Geomechanics, showcasing a case study on the excavation of a deep underground station built alongside an existing 26‑metre‑deep basement.

This presentation will dive into the challenge of supporting a high and narrow sand backfill previously placed by others, using a complex retaining system featuring a rock pillar and props.

If you’re interested in geotechnical design, deep excavations, or the practical integration of monitoring into construction engineering, this session will offer valuable lessons from first principle concepts through to construction and decommissioning.

Dino Sarac Senior Principal Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineer at Bechtel

Dino Sarac has 40 years of industry experience in geotechnical engineering including management roles on multi-billion-dollar projects. This includes serving as Geotechnical Manager for Trojena and Chief Geotechnical Engineer for Lines 1 and 2 of the Riyadh Metro projects in Saudi Arabia, and Chief Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineering Services Engineer for Bechtel’s Mining and Metals Global Business Unit. Some projects overseen in his Chief role include Caval Ridge and Daunia metallurgical coal mines, Port Waratah Stage 3D, Las Bambas copper mine (Peru), Quebrada Blanca copper concentrators (Chile), Comalco Alumina Refinery (QLD) and Al Taweelah Alumina Refinery (UAE).

Dino has authored several award-winning technical papers and received multiple Bechtel honours and awards. Dino is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland, and a Consultant with the Saudi Institution of Engineers.

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.