Trailblazing leads to improvement and success. Adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has become a trend in the industry with the active promotion by the government and the CIC. Public facilities, including housing and community isolation facilities, are utilising this advanced construction technology to boost construction speed and efficiency. The Chinese Medicine Hospital (CMH) has become the first multi-storey hospital in Hong Kong to employ MiC. During a site visit to the construction sites of Chinese Medicine Hospital (CMH) and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI), Ir HO On-sing, Thomas, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, joined by Mr. TSE Cheong-wo, Edward, Director of Architectural Services; Sr Eddie LAM and Ir Conrad FUNG, President and Vice-President of Hong Kong Construction Association; Ir Edwin CHUNG Kwok-fai, President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; Ir Rocky POON, President of The Hong Kong Federation of Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Limited; Ir Andy KWOK, Vice Chairman of The Association of Consulting Engineers of Hong Kong; Mr. CHAN Kim-kwong, Chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Sub-Contractors Association; Mr. CHAN Lok-chai, President of the Registered Specialist Trade Contractors Federation and Mr. WONG Ping, Chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, witnessed the on-site application of “construction 2.0” and show care towards workers.
Dare to Turn Possibilities into Reality
The project of CMH and GCMTI comprised of two building, located next to another MiC pilot project, Fire Services Department Pak Shing Kok Married Quarters. The total gross floor area of the construction project measures about 190,000 square meters, it is expected to complete by 2025. The wards and its partial facilities are built adopting the method of MiC.
The Smart Site Management Hub of the project has adopted Common Data Environment (CDE), while Building Information Model (BIM) is applied in the building life cycle management. This allows full digitalisation of design, construction and management to improve construction efficiency and quality.
Ms. CHEUNG Sui-lun, Project Director of Architectural Services Department opined that the advancement in construction technology relies on cross-team collaboration, including the promotion of measures and guidelines on innovative technologies by the government and the CIC, as well as the support from contractors. She looked forward to industry stakeholders to achieving smart construction sites and excellence.
Technologies Propels Construction Safety
“Not only does utilising innovative technology allows construction site to catch on, it also enhances safety management.” Ms. Helen LI, Senior Safety Officer of China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited said that the risk of accidents has been minimized by deploying smart technology, instilling active monitoring and passive safety training to reinforce site safety.
The project has applied smart monitoring system comprehensively in construction workers and machines management, including the use of an AR live view map and tracking device “SmarTag” installed on safety helmet, as well as to remote patrol and monitor site by Eagle Eye. It is always a race against time during emergencies, with the smart monitoring system and its features, the real-time location of staff can be retrieved on the system and notify frontline management staff immediately. A safety experience zone is set up for training staff to familiarise themselves with accidents management while enhancing safety awareness in a virtual environment. To boost the genuineness, virtual reality (VR) technology and props are applied in safety training on handling electronic appliances and fire, strengthening the emergency management skills of workers.
Applying Geographical Advantages to Promote Carbon Neutrality
The project draws reference from the concept of sustainable development and carbon neutrality. Apart from applying low carbon construction materials, its site command post has also installed a 75 square meter AIPV and Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solution, generating enough electricity for its own operation by the roof and wall-mounted solar panels to achieve self-sustainability. Construction workers can browse the data management platform any time to learn about the electricity generation and consumption level, this would promote low-carbon construction and set up an example for future projects.
Pursuing People-oriented Approach Whole-heartedly Appreciating Extensive Effort of Workers
The construction and design of the project has adopted a people-oriented approach, while the project itself is also considerate towards construction team. The weather was boiling hot during the visit day, a well-being station was set up at site for workers to take rest and carry out safety activities. Apart from organising activities to beat the heat twice a week, there are also various facilities such as coolers, electrolytes replenishment drink station and sun-shading facilities to create an ideal and comfortable resting environment.
Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC reminds workers to not overstretch and shall act according to one’s ability. Together with Director of Architectural Services and industry leaders, refreshing watermelon, drinks and heat protection products are handed to workers, spreading the caring culture of the construction industry to everyone.
