Hong Kong’s construction industry is facing various challenges, including high costs, aging workforce and labour shortages. To overcome these issues, a swift transition to advanced technologies, such as modular construction and lightweight design, is essential for improving efficiency and safety, ultimately fostering the construction sector’s international competitiveness.
Hong Kong's various infrastructure projects, including the Double Arch Steel Bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O and the Fanling North New Development Area – Fanling Bypass Eastern Section, have successfully utilised high-strength steel. These projects serve as compelling global cases that demonstrate the practical potential and considerable value of high-strength steel in large-scale engineering applications. Prof. Chung Kwok-fai, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (CNERC) (Hong Kong Branch) at PolyU, shared in a media interview how research into steel materials and structural steelwork helps bring the city’s construction industry to the next level.
PolyU's CNERC focuses on high-performance steel and composite structures, advocating the use of high-strength steel in construction. Prof. Chung highlighted that the lightweight design of high-strength steel enhances load-bearing capacity while reducing material consumption. Although S690 steel is more expensive, its lightweight design offsets the cost by significantly reducing material consumption, resulting in substantial long-term economic savings.
In partnership with local design and construction companies, CNERC is working to acquire expertise in advanced technologies and drive innovation. Prof. Chung aims to expand the application of high-strength steel to a broader range of infrastructure projects and international markets. PolyU is committed to promoting the transformation of construction technology by incorporating nanotechnology to enhance strength and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, this initiative will extend to global markets in marine projects, such as deep-sea drilling platforms, creating new opportunities for Hong Kong's infrastructure ventures.
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