Building Technology Research Institute is spearheading construction industry to strengthen innovative applications (with photo)

The following is issued on behalf of the Building Technology Research Institute:
 
     The Chairperson of the Board of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), Mr Hon Chi-keung, today (November 15) attended the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce the three major development directions of the BTRi, namely driving applied research and development, reviewing and uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing. He also shared the initial work plans of the BTRi.
      
     The BTRi was established in August this year as a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated to spearhead the construction industry in strengthening innovative applications to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance in response to Hong Kong's future infrastructure development.
 
Driving applied research and development
 
     The BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and works departments to implement and establish innovative construction materials, technologies and machineries through pilot projects in public works projects. The BTRi is collaborating with works departments such as the Architectural Services Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department to promote the application of high-strength steel and ultra-high performance concrete by piloting in public works projects. The BTRi will assist the project team in solving technical issues, collect data and monitor the performance, so as to facilitate the approval of relevant departments, and formulate relevant standards and guidelines for wider adoption by the industry. These construction materials are two to three times stronger than traditional materials, which can reduce the amount of material, structural weight and even the scale of the foundation, and also facilitate the prefabrication of related structural components in the factory, so as to achieve the effect of speed, quantity, efficiency and quality.
 
Uplifting standards
 
     The BTRi will collaborate with local universities to make reference to overseas building standards and Guobiao (GB). It is expected to effectively improve the efficiency of the project and reduce the construction cost by reviewing and optimising the building standards that have been used in Hong Kong for many years, starting from the design loading requirements of buildings and the design values of the bearing capacity of the foundation, etc. The BTRi will also facilitate the local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas by comparing and complementing the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions. In addition, the BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and closely liaise with counterparts in the Guangdong Province to take forward the formulation of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Construction Standards.
 
Providing accreditation, certification and testing
 
     The BTRi today launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to ensure that accredited MiC manufacturers adhere to strict standards in management, production, transportation and other processes, and strengthen quality control. The details and application method of the Scheme is available on the BTRi's website (btri.hk). The Scheme will play a key role in further promoting the local application of MiC and the development of MiC technology, which will help consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international leader in MiC. The BTRi will also review the existing testing needs for various construction materials and products in Hong Kong, and strengthen the relevant building testing capabilities of the construction industry.
 
Collaboration and development
 
     Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Mr Hon signed Memoranda of Understanding today with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to collaborate and promote innovative applications to address the pressing challenges of the construction industry.
      
     In terms of future development, the BTRi will develop its business in areas such as driving applied research and development, uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing, etc., and will gradually build a professional team to promote innovation in the construction industry. On the other hand, the BTRi will strengthen co-operation with relevant local and overseas institutions to enhance the applied research capabilities of the BTRi and establish its leading position in the GBA and even internationally.