The “Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns” is the largest cavern sewage treatment works project in Asia. Construction of the caverns involves complicated underground works in a confined space that poses challenges in applying innovations and technologies to the project. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) makes use of innovations and technologies and advanced construction methods for improving the progress and quality of work as well as reducing material wastage.

IMPROVING QUALITY BY PEOPLE-ORIENTED APPROACH

DSD adopts new construction technologies such as Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) for the construction of a community liaison centre (CLC) and a temporary vehicular bridge for the project. These technologies not only reduce nuisance to the public but also promote green construction and wider use of innovative technologies in the construction industry. Besides, the department has also set up a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) in the CLC. Combining the use of Building Information Model (BIM) and 3D printing, the CLC enables the public to understand more about the project and the benefits it brings to the community.

SMART CAVERNS IT DRIVEN

DSD applies innovative ideas in traditional drill-and-blast construction. To bridge the data transmission inside the cavern, the department pioneered to set up a dedicated 5G system that is the backbone of all innovations and technologies used in the project. A Mix-reality Hololens is used before the blasting works to check the location of drill holes on the blasting face to reduce working time. Besides, an automatic drilling jumbo with a real-time monitoring device is used to feed ground condition data back to the project team for enhancing the blasting design and the quality of works. The Resident Supervising Robotic System (Tam Gor), a robotic car invented by the project team, is equipped with real-time monitoring devices and is used to detect the air quality and cavern condition after blasting, thereby enhancing site safety for entering the cavern. The department also adopts other innovations and technologies such as AI cameras, motion detection and man positioning devices to safeguard workers inside the cavern.

PROMOTING INNOVATION

To promote innovations and technologies, DSD works closely with the local industry and overseas practitioners in exchanging experience to explore the use of more innovations and technologies. The department will continue its pursuit of innovations and technologies for developing a “Smart Cavern”.