(香港，二零一九年一月十八日) 香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 留意到專家證 人已向沙田至中環線項目紅磡站擴建部分的連續牆及月台層板建造工程調查委 員會 (下稱「委員會」) 作供，並對相關的內容有以下意見。
經參考專家所提交的證供及已公開的資料後，學會認為港鐵在項目管理、溝通 (包括港鐵內部及港鐵與政府和總承建商方面) 和檔案紀錄的表現應須加強。根據目前所得的證據，學會認同專家的評估，東西走廊月台層板、連續牆和南北走廊底部的建築結構符合安全，雖然當中的施工質素存有疑問。爲此，於策略評估建議中的第三階段，或需考慮月台層板增設加強措施。
學會的意見是建基於專家指出的幾項主要工程項目特點，包括就車站設計的預留安全幅度，螺絲帽及鋼筋的接合程度及目前的調查工作。
根據專家證人提供的資料，紅磡站東西走廊月台層板與東面連續牆存在顯著的預留安全幅度。學會留意到該幅度足以緩衝現有施工質素存有疑問的情況。我們亦認同委員會專家證人供詞所指，東西走廊月台層板與連續牆已預留充分的安全幅度。
學會認同專家所指出的東西走廊月台層板和連續牆的接駁位在其永久運作的情 況下，層板底部處於受壓狀態 (即連接位呈扣緊趨勢) ，而頂部處於受拉狀態 (即 連接位呈拉開趨勢) 。就專家證人報告指出，位處於東西走廊月台層板與連續牆接駁位底部的螺絲帽並不會受拉，學會表示認同。即使鋼筋並未完全扭入螺絲帽，東西走廊月台層板將合符安全。
因是項重大的新鐵路工程項目將為數百萬人服務，我們明白公眾非常重視其安全 性。目前而言，學會經檢視委員會 (或專家報告) 所披露的資料後，認同專家證人供詞內容所指，東西走廊月台層板可合符安全。學會希望此聲明有助釋除公眾疑慮，並期望港鐵繼續落實相關程序，完成紅磡站擴建工程全面評估策略建議中提出的評估工作，以進行第三階段的設計分析，制定修復措施，並向公眾就事件作進一步解釋。
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(18 January 2019, Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) notes various expert witnesses presented to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Diaphragm Wall (D-wall) and Platform Slab Construction Works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project (SCL), we would like to express our views on various expert witnesses’ assessments.
With reference to the testimonies and information provided by various expert witnesses, we concur that MTRC’s project supervision, communication within MTRC and between MTRC and the Government and its main contractor, as well as documentation should be strengthened. Based on the evidence presented to date, we agree with the assessment carried out by the experts that the structures of the East West Line (EWL) slab, D-walls and lower North South Line (NSL) are safe despite the standard in question. To account for the question in standard, some strengthening measures might be required in some areas of the slab to be determined in Stage 3 of the Holistic Proposal.
Our view has been formed based on a few key features of the engineering works addressed by the experts. They include the levels of reserve capacity provided in the station design, the extent of the engagement of couplers, and the investigation works carried out at this stage.
On reserve capacity, according to information provided by the experts, there is presence of significant reserve capacity in EWL platform slab at east D-wall connection. We note the reserve capacity provides the margin that can mitigate the question in the standard and we agree with the experts’ testimony that there is adequate reserve capacity in the EWL slab and D-wall connections.
As pointed out by the experts and as we concur, the interface between the EWL slab and D-wall, the bottom of the slab is always in compression (joint trying to close) and the top is always in tension (joint trying to open) in the permanent operation state. We concur with the expert witnesses’ reports that the couplers in the bottom mat of rebar at the EWL slab and D-wall interface would not be in tension. The EWL slab would be safe despite the question in standard with respect to full engagement of the couplers.
The HKIE understands that for a major project that is to serve millions of people in the future, it is natural that the public attaches great importance to the new rail link’s safety. After review of the information disclosed at the COI (or in the Expert Reports), we concur at this stage with the expert testimonies that the EWL platform slab is safe. By way of this statement, the HKIE hopes that this statement helps alleviate public concern while MTRC is continuing with the verification necessary for completion of the assessment and identification of strengthening measures in Stage 3 of the Holistic Proposal for the Verification and Assurance of As-constructed Conditions and Workmanship Quality of the Hung Hom Station Extension. Further clarifications could then be provided to the public over this Incident after completion of Stage 3 of the Holistic Proposal.
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(香港，二零一九年一月十七日) 香港工程師學會 (下稱「學會」) 於一月十五日假香港理工大學舉辦「香港工程師學會論壇—明日大嶼願景」。是次論壇目的讓會員對政府提出的明日大嶼願景加深了解，及提供平台就相關工程議題作意見交流。
學會會長余錫萬工程師致辭時，強調多年來香港的發展均有賴填海，工程界對填海有豐富的經驗，並鼓勵工程師應更積極參與建設香港的未來，利用專業知識及先進工程技術幫助開發新土地，造福市民。余會長表示：「學會一直倡議香港的發展應以提升市民生活質素及促進經濟和社會的可持續發展為目標。」
論壇邀得香港特別行政區政府發展局局長黃偉綸先生及香港特別行政區政府土木工程拓展署可持續大嶼辦事處副處長(工務)汪志成工程師介紹明日大嶼願景。
論壇的問答環節由學會副會長鍾國輝工程師主持，參加者踴躍討論這項擬議的大型項目在選址研究、工程、人才培育及填海物料資源等方面的各種機遇和挑戰。討論中特別提到現時工程界的人力供求差距已逐漸收窄，但仍鼓勵年青人投身業界，參與香港的發展。
論壇吸引了約二百名學會會員參加，反應熱烈。會長認為透過是次論壇，有助促進專業見解和知識的交流，亦加深了會員對明日大嶼願景的認識，及工程師在此擔當的角色及可作出的貢獻。
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香港特別行政區政府發展局局長黃偉綸先生(右三)、香港特別行政區政府土木工程拓展署可持續大嶼辦事處副處長(工務)汪志成工程師(右一)與香港工程師學會會長余錫萬工程師(左三)、上任會長陳國璋工程師(左二)、副會長源栢樑博士、工程師(左一)及副會長鍾國輝工程師(右二)合照
(17 January 2019, Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) organised The HKIE Forum on Lantau Tomorrow Vision at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on 15 January 2019. The Forum aimed at facilitating an in-depth understanding of the Lantau Tomorrow Vision promulgated by the Administration among members, and to provide a platform for exchange views on various issues/concern related to the engineering profession in Hong Kong.
The Forum commenced with an opening remarks given by Ir Ringo Yu Shek-man, President of the HKIE. In his speech, Ir Yu emphasised that reclamation has played a significant role in the development of Hong Kong, and that the engineering industry has substantial experience in reclamation projects. Ir Yu further encouraged engineers to be more proactively engaged in the planning of the future of Hong Kong, and exploit their expertise and employ modern engineering technology to tackle various challenges in creating new land for the benefit of the society of Hong Kong. “The Institution always advocates for developing Hong Kong under the overriding aims of enhancing the living quality and livelihood of the citizens as well as facilitating sustainable development for our economy and society,” Ir Yu added.
Mr Michael Wong Wai-lun, Secretary for Development of the HKSAR Government, and Ir Janson Wong Chi-sing, Deputy Head of the Sustainable Lantau Office (Works) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the HKSAR Government, gave presentations on Lantau Tomorrow Vision.
A question-and-answer session was moderated by Ir Edwin Chung Kwok-fai, Vice President of the HKIE, during which the participants discussed the various challenges and opportunities in different aspects such as the site selection study, engineering technology, talent development and sources of reclamation material of the proposed megaproject. It was highlighted that the manpower shortage of the engineering industry has been gradually alleviated; nevertheless, youngsters are encouraged to join the sector and take part in pathing the development of Hong Kong. Valuable exchange of ideas and knowledge was facilitated.
The Forum was well-attended by some 200 members of the Institution with overwhelming responses. Through the Forum, President Ir Yu considered it a valuable opportunity for members to exchange ideas and knowledge on the topic, and to gain more holistic understanding of the Vision as well as their roles and contributions as engineers in the project.
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Mr Michael Wong, Secretary for Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (right 3rd); and Ir Janson Wong, Deputy Head of the Sustainable Lantau Office (Works) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (R) with Ir Ringo Yu, President of the HKIE (left 3rd); Ir Thomas Chan Kwok-cheung, Immediate Past President of the HKIE (left 2nd); Ir Dr Yuen Pak-leung (L) and Ir Edwin Chung (right 2nd), Vice Presidents of the HKIE
(香港，二零一八年十二月七日）港鐵提交的沙中綫紅磡站擴建工程全面評估策略建議，引來廣泛社會關注。香港工程師學會（下稱「學會」）表示認同建議之目的及檢查方式。
建議指出評估目的是確認已建成紅磡站擴建工程的結構完整，包括核實東西走廊月台層板連接連續牆的竣工狀況，及檢視連續牆、「東西走廊」及「南北走廊」月台層板與連續牆的接駁情況。學會認同有需要開展科學而合理的評估，從而決定是否需要展開下一步工作，包括復修和加固等。
建議所提出之檢查方式，是鑿開混凝土，檢驗鋼筋接駁情況。學會認為這是比較直接的方法去了解結構安全，但取樣方式有需要小心及充分地考慮開鑿的大小、數量及分佈，由於相關結構建築早已完成， 因此只可以通過專門科學化的統計學方法去計算取樣的數量。除了取樣方式要符合評估的要求外，整個開鑿過程亦不可令原本結構安全的部分受到過多影響。而根據建議所説明採用的取樣方式，當隨機取樣檢定全為合格時，評估結果是可以達到百分之九十五的信心程度，亦即是普遍國際上所認同及採納的標準。若果初步評估的信心程度未能達至滿意，建議將會隨之加大抽驗規模。
學會希望以上解說有助公眾理解港鐵建議的取樣方式，釋除公眾疑慮，並期待事件進一步明朗化。
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(7 December 2018, Hong Kong) Noting the public concern regarding the MTRCL’s Holistic Proposal for the Verification and Assurance of As-constructed Conditions and Workmanship Quality of the Hung Hom Station Extension (the Proposal), The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) would like to express our agreement to the purpose and approach.
It is noted from the Proposal that the purpose is to verify the structural integrity of the Hung Hom Station Extension’s “as-constructed” work, and to review the diaphragm wall (D-wall) as well as the condition of the slabs and their connection to D-wall of East West Line and North South Line platforms. The HKIE concurs with the need of carrying out a scientifically reasonable assessment study to facilitate subsequent decision as to whether remedial and reinforcement works would be required.
The suggested strategy of opening up the concerned concrete cover in the Proposal to inspect the condition of connection is a direct means to assess the overall structure safety. However, due to the fact that the construction of structures have already been completed, caution should be exercised when determining the sampling as well as the consideration of the size, number, and distribution of the sample locations for conducting the opening-up. In addition, the number of samples to be put for inspection would rely on a specialised and scientific statistical scheme, under the overriding concern of not affecting the safety of the original structures while fulfilling the criteria of assessment. Under the Proposal, if the inspection results from the random samples obtained are proved satisfactory, a 95% confidence level of the as-constructed conditions could then be established. The 95% confidence level is a standard generally accepted internationally. And if the initial inspection results could not reach that set confidence level, it is suggested that more samples should then be obtained for inspection.
The HKIE hopes that the aforementioned elaborations can address the public concern with regard to the approach of sampling as delineated in the Proposal, and expects that further clarifications could then be provided to the public over this Incident.
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(香港，二零一八年十一月七日）就社會上持續討論政府所宣佈的「明日大嶼」願景填海計劃，香港工程師學會 (下稱學會）希望就這個能為香港發展帶來重大影響的計劃，從工程的實行性角度去作出分析。
實行性關乎計劃的可實施程度，在技術層面上關於填海造人工島的工程技術已非常成熟，世界多個國家及城市過往已有不少成功造島項目的實踐案例，當中包括香港的赤臘角國際機場。事實上已見到這些造島工程項目可通過不同惡劣天氣、海浪高度及水淹的考驗，即使為迎接極端天氣的挑戰的承受能力或有需要加強，亦不難透過考慮興建稍高的海堤或放置弱波石等防禦措施而達到。
至於有關對使用填海填料供應的顧慮，其實可供選擇的填料包括有從開山得來的泥土、由海床得來的海砂、人造砂及城市產生的惰性拆建物料等。從工程角度而言，以十多年去計劃和完成千多公頃土地的填海工程，於能合乎環境保護及監管法例要求下，填料不應是解決不到的問題。只需及早規劃，相信可以使填海工程順利進行。聯同適切保護環境的舉措及加固工程設計去控制預計可能發生的填海沉降情況等，這些都不是新遇到的情況，亦非香港過往累積經驗內不可處理及解決的問題。
學會期望所作出的分析可以為社會帶來積極與理性的探討，盡快開啟空間，令政府能進一步把這具前瞻性的願景計劃展開更詳盡的可行性研究，包括如財務、城市規劃、環境、交通網絡等，並進行相關前期設計，向市民大眾闡述填海造島計劃較詳細的內容，及怎樣去達至強化香港可拓展的土地住屋及商用空間，改善市民生活質素，推動經濟的增長。因此，學會期望整個社會能夠攜手跨出一步，坐言起行，進取地去增加香港的固有優勢，重燃我們對未來香港的希望。
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(7 November 2018, Hong Kong) Noting the heated debate on the Administration's Lantau Tomorrow Vision reclamation initiative, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) would like to make a rational analysis of this important and impactful initiative.
“Practicality” concerns the suitability of the initiative. In terms of the technical aspects, the engineering technology of constructing artificial islands through reclamation is mature, and has been successfully adopted worldwide, one example of which is the Hong Kong International Airport located at Chek Lap Kok. It has been proven that the challenges of severe weather, height of waves, and flooding have been tackled well in these reclamation projects. To further enhance the resilience of the reclaimed land against future extreme weather scenarios, measures such as building higher sea walls and placement of wave breakers could be adopted.
Resource-wise, available materials for reclamation include excavated quarry, sea sand, artificial sand, or recycled urban construction wastes. With over a decade ahead to plan and complete the reclamation project for more than a thousand hectares of land, and with adherence to environmental protection and monitoring regulations, filling materials should not be an unsolvable problem. Amongst other things, appropriate environmental protection measures and reinforcement designs could also control potential ground settlement issues. These are all old usual issues that have been faced and well tackled in Hong Kong’s engineering projects.
The HKIE hopes the analysis could facilitate constructive and rational discussion, which in turn allows the Administration to take a step further in conducting detailed feasibility studies of the initiative, including its financing plan, urban planning, environment, transport network, to come up with the preliminary designs, which would help the public understand as to how the initiative would create land, housing and commercial spaces for improving the living standard of Hong Kong and boosting its economy. The HKIE also hopes the society could forge ahead hand in hand to add value to Hong Kong on top of its inherent strength, and bring hope again to future of Hong Kong.
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（香港，二零一八年十月二十三日）香港工程師學會（下稱「學會」）關注近日有關《二零一八年施政報告》明日大嶼願景計劃的連串討論，學會希望再次從工程及技術層面提供專業意見。
學會重申支持政府提出的明日大嶼願景計劃。根據過往經驗，填海對發展新市鎮肯定有重要功用，位處大嶼山及香港島之間的中部水域是適合發展人工島並可以支持東大嶼都會建設的。
學會從近日的媒體報導，留意到公眾關注海浪高度對擬填海土地的潛在影響。正如學會早前向媒體解釋，該願景計劃尚未進行前期設計及開展更詳盡的可行性研究，從初步工程設計考量而言，興建較高的海堤或放置弱波石等措施已可應對氣候變化和極端天氣帶來的挑戰，因此海浪高度並不會影響項目的可行性。
學會同時注意到有關明日大嶼願景項目的進度和預算彈性的一些看法。學會認為與所有大型土木工程項目一樣，規模龐大的明日大嶼願景計劃應能夠分階段進行，而項目所分開的階段數目則可取決於可行性研究或前期設計所得的數據，以符合項目本身的情況，最終的填海規模亦可按需求進行調整。
學會認為現階段不宜就項目作出過分猜測和憂慮，應留待有進一步研究後再作相關跟進討論。學會將密切留意有關議題的發展並繼續提出相應的工程專業意見。
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(23 October 2018, Hong Kong) In response to a series of recent debates on the Lantau Tomorrow Vision initiative of the 2018 Policy Address, The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) would like to restate our views with respect to the engineering and technical aspects of the project.
The HKIE reiterates our support for the Lantau Tomorrow Vision as proposed by the Administration. While previous experiences have demonstrated that reclamation has played an important role in new town development, the Central Waters between Lantau and Hong Kong Islands are considered suitable for developing artificial islands for the East Lantau Metropolis.
The Institution notes the public concerns as reported in the media lately on the potential impact of towering waves to the reclaimed land in the proposed project. As explained to the media in an interview earlier, there have yet to be any preliminary design, detailed feasibility studies and assessments conducted for the project. In the stage of preliminary design, engineering techniques such as building higher sea walls or placing wave breakers could be considered for tackling the challenges of climate change or extreme weather. Hence, height of waves should not be a deterring factor to the project.
The Institution also observed that there are views on the flexibility of the schedule and budget of the Lantau Tomorrow Vision project. The HKIE is of the view that a sizeable project as such could be carried out in phases, and the number of phasing could be a result of the feasibility study and the preliminary design with data that suit the project circumstances, as in the common practice for all major civil engineering projects. The final scope of reclamation is possible to be adjusted as required.
The HKIE considers it premature for any prediction at the current stage until further studies have been conducted. The HKIE will closely follow the development of the subject matter, and provide our professional advice when required.
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