We are seeing more and more skyscrapers in Hong Kong as the demand for land grows. Elevators are the main axis of buildings. As our buildings grow taller, the importance of elevators to buildings also increases, so as the advancement in elevator installation technology. Ir Ho On-sing, Thomas, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and Mr. Chan Kim-kwong, Council Member visited the construction site of Two Taikoo Place, which was part of the "Taikoo Place Redevelopment Project". The visit showcased technologies adopted in the installation of elevators, the use of various robotics technologies in the construction site and discuss how to lead the industry to go forward and create a safer environment.
Scaffoldless Lift Installation Method Ensures Safety at Site
Jardine Schindler Group handles the installation of elevator in Two Taikoo Place and the Scaffoldless Lift Installation Method (SLIM) is used. SLIM technology allows engineers to install elevator rails in the lift well without the need for scaffolding. By building an extension platform in front of the elevator door on specific floors, hoisting ropes and hoisting beam can be installed directly. Together with the gondola that has been pre-installed at the lift pit, the guide rail, guide rail bracket and landing door are installed in sections until it reaches the motor room in the top storey.
Faster Installation with Multi-trade Integrated MEP
With the assistance of another contractor, Hip Hing, project team lifted the large pre-assembled motor section to the top floor for installation, which is faster and safer than traditional installation methods. A total of 11 high-speed elevators in the project adopted SLIM technology to save time for the installing and dismantling of scaffolding for such 200-meter-high building, which in turns improved productivity, efficiency and reduced risk. Jardine Schindler Group also adopted the Cast in Channel method which does not need to drill holes like the traditional installation method. Workers only need to pull off the rubber strip and then drill, which can greatly reduce the noise and dust during the installation of the shaft.
Mr Elton Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Jardine Schindler Group, believes that machinery and advanced construction technology can help us achieve zero accidents at site. During the visit, he introduced the Robotic Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E.) that will be used for the first time in another project in Hong Kong. The R.I.S.E. robot can move along the guide rail, and drill holes and install fixing bolts while scanning the wall. The use of robots in the elevator installation process can greatly improve productivity and shorten construction time, reduce risks and time needed for working in the lift well, so that project efficiency increases by at least 30%.
Safer Environment for the Benefit of Workers
Mr. Law Ho-kwan, Senior Project Manager of Hip Hing Construction Co., Ltd. pointed out that management should identify tasks with relatively high risk in the project, and find ways to adopt technology for such tasks so as to protect workers from potential hazards and enjoy a more accurate output.
Two Taikoo Place construction site adopts Multi-trade Integrated MEP (MiMEP), pre-assembled drive motor, beams and floor slabs are lifted to the roof for assembly with the main building, so that decoration can be completed before the completion of elevator motor room which simplifies the motor installation. About 70% MEP installation adopted MiMEP to avoid on-site installation and reduce construction site waste, and improves quality control, setting up a good reference for similar projects in the future.
In addition, in order to protect the safety of frontline workers, the contractor applied innovative technology and arranged smart safety helmets with headlights and temperature and heartbeat sensors for workers. The safety helmet is connected to the building information model to monitor the condition and location of workers from multiple angles real-time. The system sends out alert when abnormality is detected through the Internet of Things (IoT) network, which enhances the communication and emergency management in the construction site while ensuring workers’ safety.
Concerted Effort for Success
Ms. Eliza WONG, General Manager, Projects (Hong Kong & South East Asia) of Swire Properties Limited shared that all stakeholders in the industry including developers, contractors or service providers should work together to improve efficiency and site safety. Through enhanced communication, the entire construction process can be pre-planned before project commencement, and project team can explore the possibility of using innovative technologies with contractors and consultants. The Two Taikoo Place project showcased the importance of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) in engineering to improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain from design and construction to operation, strengthen communication and collaboration between different roles, and simplify construction processes. Efforts spent on design and construction will benefit the building’s operations for decades.
The project team collaborated with a number of local start-up companies in this project in the adoption of 3D scanning technology in the lift well to inspect construction quality of the lift well during construction and identify potential problems. Engineers can control the exterior wall cleaning robot remotely to test the facade like a pilot, avoiding the risk of working at height.
Putting Innovative Technology into Play
Self-cleaning and anti-virus coating newly developed by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University was also adopted in the project. The technology used three-dimensional scanning to customise the printing area, and prints the coating within two days. The coating was applied on frequently touched common surfaces such as drinking fountains, entrance gate etc., to support the construction site in fighting the epidemic.
Thanks to the efforts of the R&D team to bring advancement in construction technology. Through real-life application and overcoming challenges in the industry, it proves the possibility of innovative technology on construction safety and productivity.
CITF Brings Benefits to the Industry
CIC Council Member Mr. Chan Kim-kwong said that the industry’s support to the adoption of new technology safeguards the lives of workers. In order to promote and encourage the application of innovation and technology, the CIC established the Construction Industry Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF) in 2018, with the aim of promoting construction productivity, boosting construction quality, improving site safety and enhancing environmental protection. Applicants can apply for funding for construction technology application or technical personnel training. As of April 2022, the fund has approved subsidy of more than HK$600million for more than 2,400 applications.
Whether it is construction site safety or the application of construction technology, as long as everyone is willing to take the first step, infinite possibilities will follow, builds a brighter future for the construction industry.
