bearing capacity.
5.21
This
The small Civil Engineering Unit, set up in late 1972 with engineers seconded from other P.W.D. Offices, deals with soil problems and hillside instability associated with existing or proposed private development. It requires the checking of all new proposals to ensure that they do not create geo-technical problems for existing or future development and that dangerous situations are avoided during construction. It is also required to examine and advise action when potential or existing dangerous situations come to light.
5.22
To assist the Unit in specialist work, Consultants of international reputation were appointed by Government and have completed a feasibility study by selecting areas of the Colony for a more detailed geo-technical investigation.
Two circular letters were sent to Authorised Architects explaining the soil problem likely to be encountered and the general approach to their solution.
5.23
The heavy rains in 1972 made it necessary for Authorised Architects and Owners to carry out substantial formation repairs which continued into 1973. In general their co-operation was good but in one case the Buildings Ordinance Office had to carry out extensive work at the owners' cost.
5.24
With the high level of building activity and with limited staff, little progress was made in dealing with illegal building works during the period under review. Action was limited to cases which constituted an unacceptable 'life hazard'. An exercise on control and enforcement action in conjunction with the Fire Services Department was carried out on three inter-related multi-storey blocks at Quarry Bay and a total of 2,010 statutory orders was issued requiring remedial action to illegal building works by the owners. The majority of notices relating to internal illegalities were eventually complied with whilst most illegal external additions were demolished after scaffolding had been erected by the Government Contractor.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION
Chief Building Surveyor:
G.F. HOGG, F.R.I.C.S., C.Eng., M.I.Struct.E.
E.T. KENNARD, A.R.I.C.S.
C.H. RILEY, A.R.I.C.S. (Acting)
5.25
The primary objective of the Division, to seek out dangerous buildings and deal with them in an appropriate manner under the Buildings Ordinance, was again actively pursued throughout the year.
5.26
In the first months of the year there was little interference with the routine work of the Division, caused by collapses or major fires.
However, with the advent of the June to August rainstorms, which resulted, inter alia, in the closure of four post-war reinforced concrete buildings at Monmouth Terrace as well as the temporary closure of portions of a large multi-storey apartment complex at Grenville House following landslides, the reduced staff resources of the Division were stretched to capacity with large numbers of Statutory Notices having to be dealt with each month and a considerable number of additional inspections being required because of potential danger resulting from weather conditions. In the latter half of the year, due to additions in
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