Study on Standard Benchmarking for Construction Materials

Commissioned By:

Project Overview:

BTRi has launched a systematic review of construction material standards for public building works in Hong Kong. The study aims to compare the technical requirements, testing methods and standard frameworks between the General Specifications (GS) and corresponding Mainland standards, providing ArchSD with a systematic benchmarking analysis of construction material standards.

The study covers 26 types of materials that are commonly used, encompassing the performance requirements, testing methods and referenced standards for building and building services materials. The research team undertakes a comprehensive comparison between the existing technical requirements stipulated in the General Specifications (GS) and corresponding Mainland standards to identify similarities and differences, while compiling relevant technical information for research and reference purposes.

The study adopts a hybrid approach that combines AI driven engine with expert validation, integrating several advanced technologies including semantic chunking, vector embedding, semantic retrieval, large language models (LLM) and knowledge graph construction. The AI engine automates the extraction and mapping of clauses across multiple standards, builds cross standard semantic relationships, and identifies substantive differences and equivalencies between standards. All AI outputs are then reviewed by subject matter experts, who conduct technical assessments to ensure robustness and professional accuracy.

Key Achievement:

This initiative not only enhances the efficiency and precision of standards benchmarking, but also establishes a reusable and scalable analytical framework and standard research toolset. It marks an important step toward the continuous advancement of Hong Kong’s construction standards.