NO.7 â¢ DECEMBER 2008 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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Technology Transfer and Research Developments 技術轉移與科技發展 PolyU Spearheads Construction Virtual Technology Development 理大建築虛擬模型技術創業界先河 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)s Department of Building and Real Estate (BRE) has made great strides in tailoring construction virtual technology to facilitate scenario planning for mammoth projects, thus enabling property developers and project managers to achieve better costsaving and avoid unnecessary delays. In developing this technology, Prof. Li Heng and his 12 member team have not only published many research papers in international journals, but also turned theory into practice through working closely with industrial partners. They are now able to turn two dimensional technical drawings into vivid 3D images of skyscrapers and other complex building structures with details of nuts and bolts. More importantly, they can mimic every step of the actual construction process through visualizing the workflow as well as the logistics arrangement. Construction planning is a complicated process that involves optimal use of resources in a changing site environment. Owing to the limited functions of traditional planning tools, there is strong need for new technology which can visualize the construction process and enable contractors to try different methods, so that they can produce a feasible plan with optimal use of resources and within the shortest time,said Prof. Li. This advanced virtual technology, which is now being adopted by major construction contractors such as Gammon Construction Ltd and China Overseas Holdings Ltd, has been put to good use in the planning process of many complex construction projects during the past few years. These include the Island East Commercial Building in Quarry Bay, Tseung Kwan O Sports Stadium (venue for the East Asian Games), Tuen Mun Police Quarters and the Venetian Hotel in Macau, to name but a few. To support the further advancement of this technology, PolyU has established a Construction Virtual Prototyping (CVP) Laboratory. This initiative is also backed by strong industrial support, as China Overseas Holdings Ltd and Gammon Construction Ltd have each donated over $1 million for the establishment of this Laboratory. Earlier this year, the Central Governments Ministry of Construction has given research funding amounting to RMB500,000 to support PolyUs CVP Laboratory. This was also the first time that a local tertiary institution received funding from the Ministry. The use of this new technology is spreading across the border. Two major mainland developers, namely the Vanke Group and China State Construction International Holdings Ltd, have also employed this technology in their projects. Prof. Li Heng 李恆教授 Email bshengli@polyu.edu.hk Department of Building and Real Estate The CVP Laboratory is now offering i n d u s t r y p e r s o n n e l t w o t y p e s o f professional services: (1) rapid prototyping of projects at the tender stage for contractors to vividly and dynamically present the feasibility of construction methods; (2) visual prototyping of projects at the construction stage to develop a detailed and improved construction programme with minimum time and optimal use of resources. ( ) () () 10
Technology Transfer and Research Developments 技術轉移與科技發展 Environmental Improvement Project Receives Support of HSBC 環保教育項目獲匯豐保險支持 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has recently received a generous donation of HK$2 million from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation ( H S B C ) I n s u r a n c e t o k i c k o f f a n environmental education and improvement project. The plan is that the premises of 10 non-profit making schools will be paved with eco-block, a new environmentally friendly construction material which can remove air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides. The projects first beneficiary organization is the Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children, which will use the eco-blocks in its Mongkok headquarters and Ma Tau Chung Service Building. The twoyear project is expected to benefit 3,000 students and 200 teachers in Hong Kong. Prof. Teng Jin-Guang, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Land Use, thanked HSBC Insurance for its generous support. PolyU is excited to work with HSBC Insurance on this project that brings multiple environmental benefits. HSBC Insurance and its customers are making a relevant and lasting impact on the environment by supporting this project,he said. The eco-block was developed by a team of PolyU researchers under the leadership of Prof. Poon Chi-sun of the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering (CSE) in 2002. The eco-blocks make use of recycled waste glass derived from beverage containers plus construction and demolition waste to replace sand and stone, which not only alleviates the waste disposal pressure in Hong Kong but also minimises the environmental degradation due to the extraction of natural materials. We have tested these eco-blocks and proven that they can convert air pollutants into non-hazardous materials,explained Prof. Poon, who is also the Director of the Research Centre for Environmental Technology and Management at PolyU. The use of recycled waste glass in the blocks has aided the air pollutant removal effect. Experiment results show that at least 20% of nitrogen oxides can be effectively removed under laboratory conditions. According to Prof. Poon, the new material also meets the Hong Kong Governments civil engineering work standard. Compared with conventional blocks, the eco-blocks not only have similar life-span but also better performance in terms of water absorption, hardness and aesthetic values. Used as a paving and partitioning material for buildings, streets and pavements, the eco-block contributes to improved air quality by removing air pollutants emitted by buses, cars and other vehicles,added Prof. Poon. Furthermore, it not only reduces the disposal of waste glass but also conserves the use of natural materials such as river sand. This makes the ecoblock a truly environmentally friendly product. 200 (From left, back row) Mr. Jason Sadler, Managing Director of HSBC Insurance in Hong Kong, Prof. Poon and Mr. David Fired, Group General Manager and Regional Director of Insurance for HSBC Asia-Pacific making eco-blocks with kids from Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children () 2002 Prof. C.S. Poon 潘智生教授 Email cecspoon@polyu.edu.hk Department of Civil and Structural Engineering 11
Page 1 and 2: NO.7 • DECEMBER 2008
Page 3 and 4: Special Feature 專題介紹 The
Page 5 and 6: Special Feature 專題介紹 Now
Page 7 and 8: Special Feature 專題介紹 2)
Page 9 and 10: Technology Transfer and Research De
Page 11: Technology Transfer and Research De
Page 15 and 16: Awards and Achievements 學者學
Page 17 and 18: Awards and Achievements 學者學
Page 19 and 20: Recent Events 活動剪影 Recen
Page 21 and 22: Recent Events 活動剪影 BRE S
Page 23 and 24: Recent Events 活動剪影 34th
Page 25 and 26: Recent Events 活動剪影 BRE S
Page 27 and 28: New Academic Staff 學院新教

NO.7 â¢ DECEMBER 2008 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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NO.7 â¢ DECEMBER 2008 - The Hong Kong Polytechnic University