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This paper examines a cross-disciplinary approach to a high-rise façade design proposal for Hong Kong where the initial architectural design concept provides a negotiable boundary for an architectural engineering design process. A crucial aspect of this process is the consideration of high wind loads on the façade, as they frequently occur in Hong Kong due to regularly occurring typhoons. Design for wind performance is typically outside of the expertise of architectural designers and thus requires close collaboration between architects and structural engineers. Conventionally trained structural engineers may however not be accustomed to work with unusual building form or to consider architectural design ideas as part of engineering proposals. In the context of this paper, building information modeling (BIM) is used to facilitate cross-disciplinary dialogue as well as interdisciplinary workflows during the early design stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) in building projects has sprawled, but the uptake of BIM in building services engineering (BSE) remains sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to achieve wider adoption of BIM in BSE. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature review, the benefits of, barriers to and measures conducive to, using BIM for BSE were identified and classified. Built upon the review and a focus group meeting, a questionnaire was devised for an industry-wide survey in Hong Kong and the survey data were processed by statistical analyses. Findings: On the ranking of the benefits, strong agreements existed between the BSE and non-BSE respondent groups; yet no significant agreement was found between the two groups on the rankings of the barriers or the conducive measures. The top conducive measure, according to the BSE group, is "Allow enough time in project programme for BIM model development". Research limitations/implications: The data collection and analysis methods of this study may be used for similar BIM studies in other places. Practical implications: The priority of the conducive measures, which aid policy or decision makers in formulating how to get BIM effectively implemented in BSE, are useful information in the pursuit of a more productive and sustainable built environment. Originality/value: This BIM study is specifically on BSE rather than the other disciplines (e.g. architecture, structural engineering) that have been widely studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the durability design of concrete structures in the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau (HZM) sea link project for a design service life of 120 years. Among all the durability issues, this paper focuses on the model-based durability design of concrete structures in the project subject to the action of marine chlorides. The mechanism and modeling of chloride penetration into concrete are reviewed in depth and the applicability of models for durability design is evaluated. On the basis of long-term exposure tests and in-place structural investigations during the past 30 years in South-eastern China, the design model for concrete structures in the HZM project is established. The statistical properties of model parameters are analyzed in details and compared to other chloride ingress models. Using the established HZM model for chloride ingress and specified durability limit state (DLS), the design parameters are first evaluated through a fully probabilistic analysis in terms of service lives (50 years, 120 years) and target reliability levels ( β = 1.3, 1.5, 1.8). The partial factor format for durability design is then established and the partial factors are calibrated from the first order reliability method (FORM) from specified service life and specified reliability level. The design results from the partial factor design equation are given for different exposure zones, and the achieved reliability index is verified for each design through the full probabilistic method. Finally remarks are given on the HZM model and its application in durability design of RC elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY A super-tall building with height of 420 m and 88 floors is located in central Hong Kong. Field monitoring of wind effects on the high-rise structure was conducted during the passage of several typhoons on the basis of a wind and movement monitoring system installed in the building. Field data such as wind speed, wind direction, pressures on cladding, acceleration and displacement responses were simultaneously recorded during the typhoons and then analyzed. Typhoon wind parameters including turbulence intensity, gust factor, peak factor, turbulence integral length scale and power spectral density were presented and discussed. The dynamic properties of the high-rise structure were determined from the field measurements and compared with those calculated at the design stage. The damping ratios of the super-tall building were evaluated by a random decrement technique, which demonstrates amplitude-dependent characteristics. The relationships between the structural dynamic responses and the approaching wind speed were analyzed. Wind tunnel tests were conducted to investigate the wind effects on the super-tall building. The field-measured acceleration responses were found to be consistent with the model test results. Finally, the serviceability performance of the super-tall building during the typhoons was assessed on the basis of the field measurement results. The findings of the paper are expected to be of considerable interest and practical use to professionals and researchers involved in wind-resistant designs of super-tall buildings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a simplified analytical method that considers postinstallation normal stress, normal stress due to soil dilation, and grouting pressure when calculating the maximum shear stress of the nail-soil interface. Systematic test results from two previous publications were used to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. The Hong Kong design method was also used to determine the maximum shear stress of the nail-soil interface. These analyses confirmed that the experimental data were more accurately predicted by the proposed analytical method. An extensive parametric study was conducted to examine the effects of several key parameters on the maximum shear stress. It was observed that when there was no grouting pressure, maximum shear stress increased with increasing overburden pressure, failure surface distance, dilation angle, or decreased drill hole radius. Analysis using the proposed model also demonstrates that grouting and overburden pressures share an interactional effect. The larger the grouting pressure, the greater the influence of the overburden pressure; and, consequently, the larger the maximum shear stress at the nail-soil interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of structural steelwork (SS) for buildings continues to grow worldwide owing to its sustainability benefits. However, the market share of SS in the building sector of Hong Kong greatly lags behind other markets. This paper focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues that greatly drive or inhibit SS adoption in Hong Kong from a project lifecycle perspective. The methodology encompasses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 professionals from developer, structural engineering consultant, main contractor, steel specialist contractor, and steel stockholder companies. The results identified 12 driving factors and 25 barriers affecting SS adoption in Hong Kong. A questionnaire survey with 118 practitioners was carried out to identify the most important driving factors and barriers. The results revealed that "increased speed of construction" and "must-have requirements" were the two most important driving factors; while "shortage of skilled labor", "shortage of supervisors working directly under main contractors", "high construction costs", "shortage of experienced designers and draughtsmen", and "lack of education, training, and design experience on structural steelwork" were the five most critical barriers. This may imply that education and training are needed to improve knowledge and skills of professionals and workers, and thus to ensure an adequate supply of manpower. The findings of this study not only contribute to the existing body of knowledge on SS practices but also provide valuable references for helping practitioners and policymakers to promote sustainable construction methods within the building sector. • Increased speed of construction and must-have requirements are important drivers. • Manpower shortages in the design and construction phases are critical barriers. • High construction cost also inhibits the use of structural steelwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular building is an innovative construction method and imposes unique assembly requirements. Modular structures may exhibit different global responses and unexpected resisting mechanisms under loading scenarios. However, there is limited research dealing with collapse behavior of steel-framed modular structures exposed to fire. This paper studies numerically the fire-induced collapse behavior of the modular framed steel structures. A six-story modular structure is designed. Finite element analysis is conducted to investigate global deformation, load transfer pattern, structural resisting mechanisms and collapse process of the structures exposed to fire. A series of parametric analysis is conducted to study influences of load ratio, cross-sectional dimensions of columns and fire locations. Results show that the modular structure designed based on Hong Kong building code survives against single module fire, but collapses during traveling fire. The overturning action, bracing effect and double-beam system are developed under fire scenarios. A geometrically unstable system is developed against traveling fire. Moreover, damage spreads from the columns close to the fire compartment to those far away. The robustness of modular structures is greatly influenced by its load ratios and cross-sectional dimensions of the columns. The findings can be adopted as valuable tools for recognizing the vulnerable structural components and critical loading mechanisms of modular structure exposed to fire. A practical design method is proposed to evaluate the final collapse state of the modular structures exposed to fire with good accuracy and efficiency and this provides a practical solution for the structural engineers to process the collapse state of modular structures. • Study fire-induced collapse behaviors of steel-framed modular structures. • Recognize vulnerable frame members of modular structures against fire. • Identify critical loading mechanisms of modular structures against fire. • Investigate influences of load ratios, column sections and fire locations. • Develop a design method to assess collapse state of modular structures against fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic procedure for developing speed correction factor to adjust measured tyre/road noise is proposed in this paper. The draft ISO/CD 11819-2 on the Close-Proximity method to measure tyre/road noise stipulates that speed correction is needed to convert the tyre/road noise level at the sampling speeds to that at the reference speeds. However, the ISO standard does not mention the exact methodology for developing the speed correction factor development, although it recommends local authorities to develop their own. In this study, the tyre/road noise and speed data over 59 runs on a high speed porous asphalt surface is recorded by our CPX trailer in Hong Kong. The instantaneous noise and speed data are then analysed using this proposed procedure and the set of speed correction factor developed is found to be more stable and repeatable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the most challenging aspects in the construction of Stonecutters Bridge, Hong Kong, was the erection of the concrete backspan structures. At a height of about 70 m a geometrically complex grillage deck was to be constructed. The superstructure cannot support its own weight before the stay cables are installed; it was thus constructed on a unique falsework system required until stressing of the stays. The paper describes the development of the construction procedures, the construction engineering and the design of the temporary works. The work involved the accurate stage-by-stage modelling of the entire construction process to assess the structural adequacy throughout and to facilitate geometry control. The different strands of work were highly interactive and optimised erection methodologies, developed together with the contractor, led to a successful implementation of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study which determines the impact of deep building foundations and ground engineering works on the groundwater system in Hong Kong, China. It uses the hypothetical flow and transport models to investigate the changes of groundwater flow system as a result of distributed foundation blocks in urban areas. It shows that deep building foundations and ground engineering works unintentionally modify the coastal groundwater system because the construction materials of foundations are usually of low hydraulic conductivity.

Focuses on construction site layout planning in Hong Kong, China. Optimization of the tower crane and supply locations; Concentration on the structural concrete-frame construction stage of public housing projects; Development of a site layout genetic algorithm model.

IN HONG KONG, MAIN CONTRACTORS OF BUILDING PROJECTS TEND TO SUBCONTRACT MOST OF THEIR WORK. HOWEVER, MANY OF THE SUBCONTRACTORS COMPLAIN THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM TO THEIR FULL CAPACITY DUE MAIN CONTRACTORS' POOR SITE COORDINATION OF TEMPORARY WORKS AND INTERFACING WORKS AND PLANT SUPPORTS ETC. Six critical site coordination problems caused by main contractors that had adversely influence to the performance of subcontractors were identified in previous study. Twelve essential causes to the problems were identified from literatures and previous studies. A questionnaire survey was conducted to establish a model that explain how the essential causes contributed to the occurrence of the critical site coordination problems which subsequently affected the performance of subcontractors. The survey results were validated by neural network analysis. Backward elimination method was adopted to identify the 'most essential' causes that enable main contractors to formulate measures to eliminate the critical site coordination problems. The survey findings show that 'design of the temporary work provided by main contractor cannot meet the requirements requested by the subcontractors' is the 'most essential' causes of four out of the six critical site coordination problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]