Blocks E, F, G, H & I (Mr. W. SZETO)
103. These are the 16-storey point blocks on the mid-upper levels of the site, being constructed on raft foundations. The general contract, in the sum of $9,597,001.42, was awarded to Messrs, Wan Hin & Co. on 20th April, 1959, and work started soon after. Good progress was maintained throughout the period under review, although much obstruc- tion by rocks and boulders was encountered, which necessitated extensive blasting. No difficulties were experienced with Blocks E, G & H (which have now been completed to 7th, 4th and 12th floor levels respectively), but adverse soil conditions were found on the sites of Blocks F and I, after excavation to a considerable depth had been made without reaching a suitable bearing.
104. These difficulties continued into January 1960, when large boulders were encountered, embedded in soft silt. Borings and test pits showed that the strata was general in this area, with a considerable amount of boulders and loose rock existing, the geological formation indicating that Block I is at the junction of two 'gulfs,' which at some time in the remote past had been stream courses.
105. After investigations to determine whether piles should replace the strip footings, or if the loads should be reduced, it was decided to stabilize the sub-soil by grouting, using the Intrusion-Prepakt method. By this method cement grout is injected into the soil in order to give it added bearing strength. This extra work, on the sites of Blocks F and I, costing $158,000, has now been completed, and the R.C.C. founda- tions of the west wing of Block F, and the west and east wings of Block I have been finished. About 485 men are employed in this section daily.
A number of site instructions were authorized during the year, resulting in nett savings of $28,435.50.
Blocks P, Q & R (Mr. H. S. LUKE)
106. The general contract for $6,733,633.15, was awarded to the Cheong Lee Construction Co. in September 1959. Piling for this section made very slow progress, due principally to the large number of underground obstructions encountered by Messrs. Gammon & Co. (Hong Kong) Ltd., and excavation to remove obstructions was not completed until November 1959, when the remaining portion of the site was handed over to the general contractors.
107. At the end of the period under review the frames of Blocks P and Q had reached 6th floor level, and formwork for the walls and
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