East Asian Countries Can do Much More to Reduce Project Times and Maximise Profits

HONG KONG - Foundation Specialists Must Work Together With Authorities to Optimise Designs

Optimisation of foundation designs is the surest way to dramatically reduce material usage and guarantee that new developments are delivered in a shorter timeframe at minimal cost.

But it can be difficult to employ innovative foundation designs or alternatives to standard piling techniques. Striking the right balance between safety and efficiency is of paramount importance.

In Hong Kong, some contractors and consultants believe the requirements for foundation designs are too stringent and stifle innovation. Coupled with this is the lengthy approval process for designs which they feel adds unnecessary time to any project, especially if redesign is required.

However, government engineers state that requirements and the approval process are imposed for good reason. Hong Kong has witnessed fewer failures than most other countries in East Asia. In addition, countries like Singapore are considering changes to their approval process to bring it in line with Hong Kong’s.

So who is right? In reality, it is up to contractors, consultants and authorities to present research and case studies of tried and tested solutions, and agree upon the basic requirements and optimum approval process.

The above is one item to be examined at IQPC’s Piling & Deep Foundations Asia conference and exhibition on 13-16 July 2009 in Hong Kong.

The conference will include contributions from over 30 foundation experts. Highlights include keynote presentations from regional luminary Za-Chieh Moh, Moh and Associates, and Prof. Harry Poulos, Coffey Geotechnics.

Piling & Deep Foundations Asia will bring over 80 geotechnical and structural engineers together to debate the latest foundation solutions implemented in East Asia and across the world.

Prof. Poulos describes IQPC’s worldwide series of Piling & Deep Foundations conferences as ‘excellent events, well organised, with good speakers on relevant topics’.

About IQPC Middle East:

For over thirty years, IQPC has helped the world’s leading corporations solve their business challenges through the sharing of practical industry solutions and global best practice. In the process, the company has built a formidable reputation for quality and value. The world’s most progressive companies have benefited from IQPC’s unrivalled global reach, which has connected international expertise with regional and local leaders.

For more information, please contact: Chris Corander Senior Conference Manager IQPC Middle East +971-4-364-2975 Chris.corander@iqpc.ae

Source: IQPC Middle East

For more information, please contact: Chris Corander, Senior Conference Manager, IQPC Middle East, +971-4-364-2975, Chris.corander at iqpc.ae