RTHK’s Interview: Developing Technical Guidelines to Promote the Wider Adoption of Innovative Materials

On 15 October, Radio Television Hong Kong’s《政正關你事》programme featured the successful application of locally developed “Low-density Engineered Cementitious Composite” (LD-ECC) in the slip road works at the Shap Pat Heung Interchange under the Yuen Long South First Phase Development. Commissioned by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) is developing LD-ECC technical guidelines tailored to Hong Kong based on the experience gained from this project – transforming an innovative technology proven through real-world engineering application into a practical reference standard for broader industry adoption. 

Combining light weight, high strength and high ductility, LD-ECC is particularly well suited to challenging engineering environments where working space is limited and where stringent structural safety requirements apply. The project demonstrated clear benefits: construction processes were streamlined, site safety was enhanced, the construction period was reduced by five months, and approximately HK$5 million was saved, representing around 20% of the direct construction cost. 

In developing the guidelines, BTRi has engaged extensively with experts and industry stakeholders. The guidelines will meet Hong Kong’s rigorous construction safety and quality control requirements while ensuring technical credibility and practical value. Scheduled for publication in the second quarter of 2027, the LD-ECC technical guidelines will provide an important reference for future civil engineering projects and support the wider application of innovative construction materials in Hong Kong. 

Watch the full interview:  

https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/governmentandyou/episode/1128225