Technology tackles problems, at the same time opens new possibilities. The Hong Kong University Student Residence Project timespan has been shortened for more than one year with the adoption of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). To better monitor manufacturing and cross-border delivery of modules, a team from HKU’s Faculty of Architecture developed a new block-chain e-inspection 2.0 system. Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, visited the on-site module fabrication process and he was pleased to see how innovation contribute to safety and efficiency.
Construction Period Shortened By More Than One Year
The Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence site will be built into two blocks, providing 1,224 hostel places. Although the sloppy terrain increased the complexity of site formation works, the adoption of MiC provided the best solution. Approximately 1,000 modular units were manufactured and prefabricated by the factory in Guangdong Province. The inspected and qualified modular units were then transported to Hong Kong via ships and trucks, and assembled at the site in Wong Chuk Hang.
There are 28 modules on each MiC floor. With the effort of 6 to 8 workers, each module can be lifted and installed within 10 minutes. If two tower cranes are available, it only takes a day to complete installing one floor and two more days to finish water and fireproof procedures. Moreover, the design of shear wall on site avoids delay caused by windy condition. Every module is well equipped with air-conditioner, desk, wardrobe, bed and mattress. According to Ir K.L. TAM, Director of HKU Estates Office, MiC will ultimately help speed up construction for more than one year.
Develops Blockchain-enabled ‘e-Inspection 2.0’
Proper planning is always the key to success. At the early stage of the project, a team from HKU’s Faculty of Architecture developed an e-inspection 2.0 system to monitor manufacture and cross-border delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new system has adopted blockchain, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoTs), and Geographical Information System (GIS). Their ‘e-inStar’ APP also enables real-time monitoring and inspection by mobile phones or tablets. All procedures and detail stored in a blockchain environment network which is traceable. The data retrieved from the e-inspection 2.0 system enables the team to analysis and identify any problems during production and make improvement to enhance efficiency.
To further enhance logistic, there are two entrances at Wong Chuk Hang Site. By applying BIM and GIS functions in e-Inspection 2.0, the project team can better arrange the delivery of the next module to be installed. After lifting the MiC module, workers can easily connect the steel plate of the Candle-Loc System to finish another top-down. As quality control was done thoroughly in factory, the accuracy of module dimension paves the road to a smooth installation process.
Scaffoldless Installation And Multi Safety Measures
The combination of MiC, e-Inspection 2.0 and other innovative technologies contribute hugely to efficiency, quantity, quality, safety and sustainability. The site in Wong Chuk Hang is adjacent to an international school. ‘At the very beginning, the school was worried that they will be affected by noise and dust. Fortunately, with the help of MiC, there have been no related feedback in the past two years.’ Ir K.L. TAM said. Furthermore, construction safety is enhanced as prefabrication in factory reduced on-site construction processes and the need for scaffolding.
Early at design stage, the team put high priority on workers’ safety and tried their best to develop respective measures. Dr. Louis CHU, Associate Director of HKU Estates Office, said that work-at-height is inevitable while installing modules on site. However, their design included mounts on modules for screwing guardrails on-site. Workers can also easily connect to the protection system on tower crane with their safety belts.
The completion of HKU Wong Chuk Hang Student Residence Project is targeted to be in June 2023, providing hostel places for the next academic year. Instead of enjoying success, the project team is still exploring possibilities of e-Inspection 2.0. Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC, thanked the team for their efforts in raising efficiency and hope they will continuously join hand in hand with stakeholders to promote Design for Safety.
