HKU Showcases a New Direction for MiC with the Development of Dual Systems to Tackle Construction Challenges

Innovation strives through practice. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) advocates for collaboration between "Research, Academic and Industry Sector", aiming to share use cases with the industry. Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of CIC, recently led an industry delegation to visit the dormitory development project at the High West of the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Dr. Louis CHU, Associate Director of Estates of HKU, introduced the innovative technologies and research applications used in the project, and shared his experience on how innovative MiC approach can address industry pain points during the design stage.

Comprehensive Transport Data Mastery Accelerates Construction Efficiency in Design and Implementation

Logistics remain a significant challenge for MiC projects in Hong Kong, where hilly terrain and narrow roads often restrict the size of transportable modules. Early in the design stage, the team needs to master various road data to plan module sizes and calculate the required modules or assembly methods for the construction. In collaboration with Professor Wei PAN, Director of MiCLab at HKU, the MiCLab team utilised the Lands Department's Vehicle-based Mobile Mapping System (VMMS) to develop an AI-powered transport planning platform programme. This programme can calculate the shortest transport distance, time, and maximum loadable module size. Dr. CHU mentioned that by using this platform to forecast road conditions and apply for relevant transport procedures from the government, the HKU team gives Transport Department confidence that the impact of module transportation on the roads is under control.

To further demonstrate MiC efficiency, the HKU team implemented a four-day installation cycle, accurately calculating the time required for each process and dividing the work scope, including module installation, seal up, welding, grouting and testing. Once the first area completes module installation, the next process begins while module installation for another area commences, enabling simultaneous progress across sections. This approach saves time in transportation and module storage space requirement, realising a feasible solution for speeding up and enhancing efficiency.

Full Life Cycle Certification Ensures Maintenance Quality

HKU adopted the "e-birth cert" system, utilising blockchain technology as part of a collaboration with Professor Wilson LU, Director of iLab at HKU. This system provides full life cycle certification for buildings, enabling owners, users, and maintenance personnel to access relevant data, ensuring reliable quality control. The certification system not only ensures that overseas factories meet the design and quality requirements for manufacturing and transporting MiC building modules but also allows for customised design elements, such as wall colours or the installation of cabinets.

Moreover, the certification system and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are interconnected with the property management system, not only connecting to maintenance-related systems for future maintenance and management but also providing real-time alerts for emergencies, such as smoke alarms or unusual water usage, enhancing response speed of facility management.

The High West project strives for innovation and adopts viable solutions, showcasing an efficient and high-quality MiC construction method to the industry. It demonstrates how innovative technologies, such as the intelligent transport planning platform programme and the "e-birth cert" system, which addresses industry pain points effectively, allowing for broader use of MiC in private development projects.