PSCTM Fall 2026 Dinner

The design and construction of all tunnels are intimately linked to mathematics.

Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data plotting and statistics are used for determining tunnel routes, assessing soil or rock conditions (along the length of the tunnel alignment), determining the most appropriate tunneling methods, and monitoring and assessing likely and actual impacts of tunneling on nearby surface structures.

For the construction of tunnels, a preliminary assessment of ground conditions (soil and/or rock properties, groundwater levels, water chemistry, and likely obstructions) is developed from a combination of drilled borings, laboratory testing and historic research.

Interpretation of these conditions and properties influences the tunneling methods for each project. World class tunnels constructed in Seattle in the last 150 years will be shared and discussed.

Robert “Red” Robinson is a Sr. Vice President Director of Underground Services for Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Red has a B.S. in Geology from UCLA and an M.S. in Engineering Geology from Univ. of Illinois. During his 50 year career, Red has worked on and led geotechnical investigations and designs for over 500 utility and transportation tunnels throughout the U.S. He has provided geotechnical input for design and construction reviews for transit tunnel projects in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Washington D.C. He has also worked on two of the largest diameter tunnels in soil in the world, here in Seattle; the 85-foot-outside diameter tunnel on I-90 and the 58-foot diameter tunnel on SR-99. He has published over 50 professional articles and book chapters on exploration, design, and construction of tunnels, primarily in post-glacial/glacially overridden soils.

Schedule:

• 5 pm social
• 5:30 pm dinner
• 6:15 pm: announcements
• 6:30 – 7:30 pm presentation

You may register on this site and pay for dinner or dinner and membership online. $15 for Members, $20 if not. Annual membership costs $8 for elementary teachers, $15 for all others. Members are eligible for the Royal Pennewell door prize drawing.

Free clock hours are provided by Puget Sound Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Please register for them at the door.