MiC Boosts Efficiency in Public Housing Construction for the Community

Hong Kong's construction industry is rapidly adopting Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology, driven by continuous innovation in building technologies. MiC offers numerous advantages, including faster construction times without compromising quality, parallel production of numerous components, and reduced susceptibility to weather delays. Currently, over 80 construction projects in Hong Kong utilise MiC, achieving an average 30% reduction in overall construction time. Moreover, MiC enhances worksite safety by minimizing the need for work-at-height, significantly reducing the risk of falls and slips for construction workers.

First Subsidised Housing Project to Implement MiC Technology

The Anderson Road Quarry Site R2-7 in Kwun Tong marks a significant milestone for the Housing Authority (HA), representing the first-ever subsidised sale flat project to utilise MiC technology. Scheduled for completion in Q4 of this year, the project has been closely examined by Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), who recently visited the site to assess the benefits of MiC implementation.

Construction of the Anderson Road Quarry Site R2-7 project commenced in Q3 2022 and is set to comprise 17 stories with 420 subsidised sale flats. The project employs the latest MiC 1.5 technology, which offers a 33% increase in load-bearing capacity compared to the earlier MiC 1.0 version, resulting in a more structurally robust building. MiC 1.5 is ideally suited for the spatial constraints of confined construction sites, such as the Anderson Road Quarry Site, where limited component storage capacity requires a 'just-in-time' installation approach.

The project also leverages 4D Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, enabling precise data tracking at each construction stage. This allows project managers to simulate the construction process in a virtual environment, proactively identifying and rectifying potential issues to prevent rework and delays commonly encountered in traditional construction methods.

CPIMS Drives Smart Construction Management with Clarity and Precision

Beyond the application of MiC technology, the project integrates a vital management tool—the Centralised Project Information Management System (CPIMS)—to enhance efficiency and quality. CPIMS enables real-time monitoring of various construction data, including safety conditions, logistics tracking, and progress updates, providing centralised control and oversight across multiple projects. This integrated data empowers management to make informed decisions, ensuring projects remain on schedule while allowing for timely adjustments to construction strategies based on data analysis, thereby guaranteeing on-time and high-quality project completion. This approach facilitates the digital transformation of construction project management.

The idea of Smart Site Safety System (4S) is widely implemented on-site. The idea encompasses key management elements like safety, productivity, quality, and energy efficiency. The 4S system not only boosts efficiency but also strengthens safety monitoring to ensure workers’ well-being. Implemented via a smart construction site management platform, it integrates advanced technologies—including over 30 AI-powered surveillance cameras—to monitor construction activities in real-time and provide early warnings of potential hazards. This proactive approach ensures workers’ well-being and creates a safer, more productive work environment.

Robotics to Improve Construction Work Safety and Efficiency

The project also utilises advanced robotics, increasing efficiency and reducing reliance on manual labour, particularly in high-risk environments.

For instance, traditionally labor-intensive tasks like plastering and spraying expose workers to chemical hazards. Robots now perform these tasks with precision, ensuring both quality and speed while mitigating these risks. Their reliable operation in complex environments, coupled with intelligent algorithms that continuously optimise workflows, automates and streamlines construction processes. This technological advancement directly addresses the challenges of an aging workforce and labor shortages in the construction industry.

The Future of Construction Powered by Intelligent Data Management

During his visit, Ir Prof. HO emphasised that the application of MiC technology and Smart Site Safety System represent a significant step forward in the digital and intelligent transformation of Hong Kong's construction industry. This not only enhances efficiency and quality but also significantly improves safety and reduces construction waste, aligning with the government's environmental policies and sustainable development goals.

In conclusion, The Anderson Road Quarry Site R2-7 project showcases the successful implementation of MiC technology, marking a pivotal step towards a more intelligent and digital construction industry. The continued integration of MiC, CPIMS, 4S management, and robotics promises a future of greater efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability for Hong Kong's construction sector, ultimately delivering superior living environments for its citizens.