Innovation and Technology in Engineering Geology

Raymond Cheung
HK Geotechnical Engineering Office

Abstract A key role of geoscientists is to establish reliable ground models which form a fundamental basis for all civil engineering projects. A ground model provides an interactive platform to support the life cycle process of an engineering project ranging from planning, investigation, design and construction to asset management. It also provides a convenient means to incorporate potential temporal and spatial variations in the geomorphological and ground conditions. Given the knowledge-driven characteristics of ground models, the reliability and effectiveness of the model building process hinges on the quality of engineering geological input such as the calibre and experience of geoscientists, in particular in appreciating the 4-D geological progress and acquiring the essential ground information. Recently, geoscientists have been proactively embracing innovation and technology in the ground data acquisition. These include various kind of digital technologies, remote sensing techniques, artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT). The Geotechnical Engineering Office in Hong Kong has been exploring and engaging these novel technologies in building quality ground model for landslide risk management. Our recent work in this area will be presented.

Bio: Ir Dr Raymond Cheung has more than thirty years’ experience in civil and geotechnical engineering. He has been involved in a number of mega civil engineering projects in Hong Kong under the Airport Core Programme, including the Airport Railway, Chek Lap Kok International Airport reclamation and Western Harbour Crossing, before joining the Hong Kong SAR Government in the late 1990s. He is currently Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department overseeing control of geotechnical works, setting geotechnical standards, mining operation and quarrying, tunneling and underground space development, the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation Programme, and the landslide emergency services.