XN000022-1995-10-19 — Page 31

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Physical tidal model upgraded

The Civil Engineering Department (CED) today (Thursday) signed a $2.2. million consultancy agreement to upgrade its physical tidal model of the Victoria Harbour at the Harbour Hydraulics Laboratory in Tuen Mun.

The consultancy agreement was signed by the Principal Government Civil Engineer, Dr Choi Yu-leuk, Professor Ko Jan-ming of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a representative of Delft Hydraulics, Mr Rashed Thabet.

The consultancy will primarily comprise the installation of the latest instruments, implementation of new technology and permanent modifications to the model. Managed by the Civil Engineering Office of CED, it will be completed by August next year.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Choi said it was essential to increase the effectiveness of the hydraulic modelling studies in view of the increasing importance of harbour engineering projects to the territory.

"By adopting an advanced technology called 'Particle Image Velocimetry', the float track images will be automatically analysed to provide information on current speed and direction over the entire water surface of the tidal model," he said.

"This will greatly reduce the time and manpower required for flow measurements and analysis.

"More powerful microcomputers and electromagnetic current meters will be installed for control, data analysis and acquisition.

"At the same time, the physical tidal model will be modified to reflect the latest developments of Hong Kong including the harbour engineering projects completed since 1989."

The physical tidal model of the Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour is housed inside the Harbour Hydraulics Laboratory which was built in 1989 to investigate and assess the effects on the tidal regime of the harbour of various coastal development proposals, such as reclamations, piers and breakwaters.

Dr Choi pointed out that detailed hydraulic studies had been conducted to ensure that the hydraulic conditions, both during and after the construction of major port developments and large-scale reclamations would suit waterborne activities.