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A new multi-award-winning development of high-rise living quarters for firefighters in Hong Kong, China has been successfully delivered using modular construction. Created from 3726 factory-made concrete modules, it is the first high-rise concrete building development in the region to adopt the 'modular integrated construction' method. This paper describes the modular construction process, the NEC-based procurement approach and the innovative technologies used in the development's design and construction, all of which contributed to a highly efficient and sustainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Kai Tak cruise terminal building in Hong Kong is sited on the picturesque reclaimed site of the city's former airport runway. Completed in 2013, the three-storey structure is made of a series of long- span bridge-like post-tensioned main box beams, which in turn support precast post-tensioned secondary beams. As described in this paper, the extensive use of precast and bridge erection methods enabled fast-track construction, such that the whole project was designed and built in 36 months. The multiple- use building design also adopted a '3S' concept of standardisation, simplification and single integrated elements. The landscaped roof deck contributes to the ecology of the area, and a 25% energy reduction was achieved by allowing natural daylight and natural ventilation into the interior, using a photovoltaic system to generate power and installing a solar hot-water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public engagement is becoming increasingly important in the delivery of infrastructure projects. Based on a study conducted in Hong Kong, this paper identifies key challenges in public engagement for infrastructure projects in a region of fast-paced project environments. It proposes a series of recommendations for improving existing practices and presents a roadmap for implementing them. The study involves the review of existing practices and project cases in Hong Kong as well as other countries, and a series of interviews with industry experts who have significant experience in public engagement for infrastructure projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2002 Sars outbreak in China focused global attention on the issue of poor air quality in major cities. The Hong Kong government responded by developing a mandatory air ventilation assessment framework for new master plans. The aim is to ensure that massing of new developments is specifically designed to enhance air ventilation at street level and avoid stagnant pockets of contaminated air. With 60% of China's population likely to be living in cities by 2020, the framework could have wide application beyond Hong Kong. This paper introduces the framework and looks at outdoor airflow in cities from a building aerodynamics standpoint. A number of measures are provided that can be adopted to improve and enhance air ventilation at pedestrian level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dense urban development on a hilly terrain, together with intense seasonal rainfall, gives rise to acute slope safety problems in Hong Kong. This is reflected by a death toll of over 470 fatalities due to landslides since the 1940s. Site formation works form an integral part of infrastructure and building development in a steeply sloping terrain. In the mid-1970s, the Hong Kong government embarked on a slope retrofitting programme, known as the landslip preventive measures programme, systematically to reduce landslide risk by upgrading substandard man-made slopes to modern safety standards. By 2010, some 4500 high-risk government man-made slopes had been upgraded through the implementation of engineering works. In 2010, the government launched the landslip prevention and mitigation programme to dovetail with the completion of the previous programme. The new rolling programme aims to contain the overall landslide risk to an 'as low as reasonably practicable' level by upgrading the remaining substandard man-made slopes and systematically mitigating the landslide risk posed by vulnerable natural terrain catchments. In this paper, the advances and innovations arising from this unique systematic slope safety programme are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hong Kong Cross Harbour tunnel was opened in 1972, breaking the barrier of highway transport between the busiest urban areas of the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Island. With the rapid economic and population growth of Hong Kong between 1970 and 1997, four more subsea tunnels were constructed under Victoria Harbour. The MTR Shatin to Central link will be the sixth such tunnel across Victoria Harbour. Immersed tunnels of different form and structure were adopted for all of these tunnels. To the west of the harbour, two more subsea tunnels are currently being constructed. As a part of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge project, the world's longest immersed tunnel is under construction to connect Hong Kong to mainland China. Within the Hong Kong boundary, a subsea tunnel connecting Tuen Mun and Chek Lap Kok will be constructed using a large diameter tunnel boring machine. This paper provides an overview of all the subsea tunnels already built or currently under construction for road and rail transport in Hong Kong. Considerations for selecting the most appropriate method for subsea tunnelling for each location are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Construction Industry Council in Hong Kong provides a platform for the many different stakeholders in the region's construction industry to express their views on the sustainable and long-term development of the industry. The council also works for the betterment of the society as a whole by working towards improvements in construction skills, the safety and welfare of practitioners and workers, environmental awareness, professionalism, efficiency and competitiveness. This paper examines the work undertaken by the council to achieve its vision of driving for unity and excellence in the construction industry of Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious landslides have occurred in Hong Kong from time to time with loss of life and significant socio-economic impact on the community. The systematic landslide investigation programme implemented by the Hong Kong government's geotechnical engineering office has proved to be an important asset-management tool in contributing to enhanced landslide-risk management and professional practice. This paper reviews the evolution of forensic landslide investigations in Hong Kong and presents the framework of the systematic landslide investigation programme, together with the key lessons learnt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious landslides have occurred in Hong Kong from time to time with loss of life and significant socio-economic impact on the community. The systematic landslide investigation programme implemented by the Hong Kong government's geotechnical engineering office has proved to be an important asset-management tool in contributing to enhanced landslide-risk management and professional practice. This paper reviews the evolution of forensic landslide investigations in Hong Kong and presents the framework of the systematic landslide investigation programme, together with the key lessons learnt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]