Back
The HKSAR Government is committed to a number of environmental initiatives in order to reach its carbon neutrality goal by 2050. One of them is using green construction materials, and there exists a strategic plan to enforce the use of GGBS in all public works sectors.
To discuss this, the MT Division organised the captioned seminar, jointly with the YMC, at the Institution’s Headquarters on 14 October 2024.
The speaker, Mr Billy Huang, Senior Assistant Manager of the TCC Group Holdings’ Low-Carbon Research and Development (R&D) Centre, has over 20 years of experience in manufacturing construction materials (including cement, concrete and GGBS) and innovative low-carbon solutions.
During the seminar, Mr Huang first introduced the production of blast furnace slag in making iron which was said to have the best chemical reactivity for pozzolanic reaction when ground into different finenesses for various applications.
He gave an overview of projects in Japan and Taiwan that were using GGBS for various structures, and compared the performance of GGBS concrete in terms of compressive strength and durability by means of its fineness, activity index and chemical composition.
Mr Huang concluded the seminar by elaborating on the specified requirements of GGBS concrete used in Taiwan and Hong Kong in accordance with their regulations and specifications. In particular, he emphasised the requirements for safety and public health as stipulated in the Taiwan regulation no. 1090012064 and the standard BS 6920 adopted in Hong Kong, and on the suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of water.
The seminar provided participants with valuable insights into the application of GGBS in various construction works, its durability and contribution to environmental issues. The seminar ended with an interactive question-and-answer session. On behalf of the MT Division, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to TCC Group Holdings and Mr Huang for making this seminar such a success.
The growing popularity of innovative, green engineering materials in construction reflects a significant trend in the industry. This shift has been bolstered by initiatives from the HKSAR Government and various industry stakeholders, along with a keen interest from universities and research institutions exploring practical applications in this area. The Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) plays a crucial role in this landscape as it specialises in materials science and the development and implementation of advanced materials. On 13 November 2024, the MT Division successfully hosted a presentation on the topic at the Institution’s Headquarters.
Dr Yanmin Wu, the speaker for the event, holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Tsinghua University and has over nine years of experience at AECOM (Hong Kong), where he focuses on tall buildings and complex steel structures. Dr Wu brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. He is a Chartered Structural Engineer in China and also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, underscoring his expertise and commitment to advancing construction practices.
During the session, Dr Wu provided participants with critical insights into the latest developments in advanced materials such as the biochar materials being used in concrete production. This innovative approach significantly contributes to low carbon emissions and resource conservation, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. Dr Wu’s presentation also covered practical applications, including lightweight concrete and 3D printing technologies and their potential to revolutionise construction methods.
The event concluded with an engaging discussion between Dr Wu and the attendees, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants posed insightful questions, further enriching the learning experience.
On behalf of the MT Division, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Wu for delivering such an informative and impactful presentation. His expertise and enthusiasm have inspired attendees to explore these advanced materials in their future projects, fostering a collaborative spirit in the ongoing pursuit of innovation in the construction industry.