A review of precast construction development in Hong Kong building projects

In Hong Kong, precast concrete construction has been used for over two decades in high-rise residential building development. Since the 1980’s, prefabrication techniques together with standard modular design have been introduced in the Housing Authority’s public housing projects. Over the years, the prefabrication techniques have evolved and the percentage of precast concrete by volume used in a building project has increased progressively from 17% to 30% (and to 65% for pilot projects). Major precast elements employed in these projects are precast facades, semi-precast slabs, staircases, parapets, partition walls, and recently volumetric precast bathrooms and kitchens. However, the use of precast elements has only recently been adopted in the private sector. In 2001 and 2002, the Hong Kong SAR Government issued two incentive schemes to promote green and innovative building technologies. Under the schemes Gross Floor Area exemption is granted for building projects that uses green features such as non structural prefabricated external facades. Since then, a wider adoption of prefabrication and precast elements is noted in the private sector.
This paper attempts to review the use of precast concrete technology in high-rise buildings in both the public and private sector in Hong Kong. The review will include historical development and the change in construction techniques and building designs with the use of prefabrication. Case studies of existing high-rise residential buildings will be presented showing the major benefits and limitations of using the prefabrication technology.