Flexible application of architectural technologies in the spirit of Collaboration

The construction industry must keep track on designs, construction formats and property management and fully apply innovative technologies. The Tseung Kwan O Immigration Headquarters project, led by the Architectural Services Department, is a good example. This project adopts the "design and build” model, workers’ wellbeing is well taken care of from project design to equipment usage. Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), Ms. Clarice YU, Director of the Buildings Department and CIC Member, and Mr. Edward TSE, Director of Architectural Services, visited the construction site. They witnessed the team’s utilisation of new technologies to further enhance productivity and safety.

Smart usage of RMD Truss Box to connect the north and south buildings

One remarkable feature of this 17,200 square-metre construction site is the wide footbridges connecting the north and the south buildings on its 8th and 14th floors. The project team used RMD Truss Box skillfully to build the permanent structure of this part. In similar projects, the floors are constructed by “trussing". The technology of RMD Truss Box is applied in the construction of flyovers for the first time in a building construction project, which reduced tasks that require work at height and safety is guaranteed. RMD Truss Box accelerated the work on the upper floors as the construction underneath, like the installation the LED wall could be done simultaneously.19 27-metre RMD Truss Boxes were installed in these two buildings. Their different lengths could be employed in each module according to actual needs for better flexibility and construction safety. The trusses can also be reused in other suitable projects, which brings value to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Less Work at Height Safer Building Design

A 34-metre 240-ton bridge connects the first and the second tower of the Immigration Headquarter in Tseung Kwan O. To reduce potential risk of working at height, the project team assembled the entire bridge on the ground and lift it up by the Stand-Jacking method. Transportation of heavy objects by mobile cranes and related work at height procedures are reduced, promoting construction safety.

Scaffoldless Lift Installation shows the True Colours of MiMEP

The CIC is pleased to see more projects are adopting scaffoldless lift installation that temporary working platforms were built to install elevator tracks and other equipment in the lift shaft while false cars are set up on the ground. The time required for concrete solidification and 10% of manpower were saved, the duration of the entire project could be shorten for three to four weeks. More than 20 elevators are installed on the entire construction site, therefore the team decided to install temporary doors and a centralised system in the elevator shaft to monitor the opening and closing of all temporary doors real time. Also, 25% of the procedures of the project of the entire building adopts MultiTrade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MiMEP). Take the lobby of the building as an example, air-conditioners, hoses and electrical parts are all pre-assembled in the factory and transported to the construction site for more effective process. The racks for transporting components are on wheels to avoid potential injuries or danger caused by carrying heavy objects. Ir Thomas HO acknowledged the thoughtfulness of the team, which fully integrated Design for Manufacture and Assembly with Design for Safety. The project was done efficiently, whilst safety of construction worker was guaranteed.

BIM brings JAIBOT the drilling robot to the construction site

The cooperation of multiple stakeholders, like the owners, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors are essential to fully implement all technologies. Ir Thomas HO appreciated the strong collaboration of the leaders of the ArchSD and the contractors. As the owner supports a JAIBOT drilling robot was used in the project of Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O to convert various engineering tasks of all MEP trades into digital instructions, and to execute the robot drilling at the construction site through BIM. The Hilti's JAIBOT navigates flexibly from a minimal 2.54-metre to a maximal 5-metre drilling height. There is also a dust cover and a vacuum cleaner with the robot, which vacuums away 99.95% of dust. Apart from the eco- and environmental-friendly perspectives, it improves the safety of the workers by reducing work-at-height drilling. A 3D camera is installed to detect the distance between the robotic arm and the ceiling so that the arm can be adjusted automatically. It can complete drilling up to 110 holes per day, which is 200% faster than the traditional way. There are different requirements of drilling for Mechanical & Electrical services –ventilation, fire, plumbing & drainage, electrical services. To identify the trade of each hole, the JAIBOT makes markings for each hole after drilling for subsequent installation process.

Usage of Award-winning innovative materials

The comprehensive application of innovative technology throughout the design and construction process in the construction project. To look deeper, materials is another key issue. The contractor, Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd., produced high-performance lightweight porous concrete by the innovative capsule technology with scientific research companies. It won the 1st runner-up in the sustainable construction category of the CIC Innovation Award 2017. The fine pores are evenly distributed in this porous closed-pore structure, therefore it is light, fire-resistant, sound-proof and heat-proof. The aforementioned concrete had been used to build the stairs and the toilets of the basement in this project, which is a good reference for future public construction projects. Let’s implement scientific researches in real life.

Pandemic and Heatstroke Prevention to Protect Workers

Working on a construction site in a 30°C hot summer is harsh and may cause heat stroke. The project team offered cooling drinks and snacks for construction workers. During the pandemic, a 5G remote-controlled disinfecting spray robot has been added to the construction site, which is equipped with a 360-degree camera and radar allowing project officers to control it from the office.

The success of a construction project lies in the health and safety of staff, as well as the application of technology. Mr. Edward TSE, Director of Architectural Services, mentioned particularly the application of robotics, Internet of Things and visualised management etc., safety and efficiency of the construction site have been improved. He hoped that young colleagues could think out of the box and walk the talk. A creative mind is needed to keep abreast of Construction 2.0 and industry 4.0. The CIC will definitely work closely with the industry to write the next chapter of Hong Kong and enhance the professional quality of the construction industry.