Materials Testing Laboratory.
166. Of growing importance was the operation of the P.W.D. Laboratory. This was instituted by the Port Works Office in November 1949 largely for the control and improvement of concrete and had its small beginning with a 150 ton Avery compression testing machine and a few B.S.S. sieves in a temporary wooden building adjoining the old blockyard and depot at Arsenal Yard.
167. Over the last 3 years with small but regular additions in equipment and an increasingly wide appreciation of its value, progress has been steady and the scope of testing considerably widened. In June of this year the laboratory was transferred to its new up-to-date quarters mentioned in para. 154.
168. During the year 7,875 tests were carried out, 271 of these being for private interests.
169. For Government works foundation conditions were investigated by analyses of soil samples from trial pits or deep bores. Aggregates and bituminous products for road works from the P.W.D. quarries and pre-mix plants were regularly examined. Standard tests were carried out on all cements used. The concrete going into public works was constantly under examination for quality and strength. Direct and gratifying results have been evidenced in economy in materials and an all-round improvement in the standards of works in which it is pleasing to record the co-operation of the Public Works contractors.
170. During the year the laboratory staff comprised a superintendent, two assistants and an attendant.
171. Development of Kai Tak Airport. In order that an engineering investigation of the Broadbent proposals for the development of Kai Tak Airport could be carried out, Messrs. Scott & Wilson, Consulting Engineers, London, were appointed to undertake this work as the Public Works Department did not have staff available.
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Materials Testing Laboratory.
166. Of growing importance was the operation of the P.W.D. Laboratory. This was instituted by the Port Works Office in November 1949 largely for the control and improvement of concrete and had its small beginning with a 150 ton Avery compression testing machines and a few B.S.S. sieves in a temporary wooden building adjoining the old blockyard and depot at Arsenal Yard.
167. Over the last 3 years with small but regular additions in equipment and an increasingly wide appreciation of its value, progress has been steady and the scope of testing considerably widened. In June of this year the laboratory was transferred to its new up-to-date quarters mentioned in para. 154.
168. During the year 7,875 tests were carried out, 271 of these being for private interests.
169. For Government works foundation conditions were investigated by analyses of soil samples from trial pits or deep bores. Aggregates and bituminous products for road works from the P.W.D. quarries and pre-mix plants were regularly examined. Standard tests were carried out on all cements used. The concrete going into public works was constantly under examination for quality and strength. Direct and gratifying, results have been evidenced in economy in materials and an all round improvement in the standards of works in which it is pleasing to record the co-operation of the Public Works contractors.
170. During the year the laboratory staff comprised a superintendent, two assistants and an attendant.
171. Development of Kai Tak Airport. In order that an engineering investigation of the Broadbent proposals for the development of Kai Tak Airport could be carried out, Messrs. Scott & Wilson, Consulting Engineers, London, were appointed to undertake this work as the Public Works Department did not have staff available.
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