The Buildings Department has started investigating the concrete strength of some reinforced concrete structures in a private development project as they did not meet the requirements of the approved design.

The probe involves Tai Wai Station, Pavilia Farm Phase III, Tower 1 and Tower 8.

Notification was received on June 18 from the project’s registered structural engineer that according to the compressive strength test results of the core samples taken from the reinforced concrete columns between the seventh and eighth storeys of Tower 8, the strength of the concrete used was lower than the specified grade strength as shown on the plans approved by the department.

The relevant superstructure works had therefore been suspended and further testing would be conducted.

The department received another notification on July 6 stating that a similar situation was found in the reinforced concrete load-bearing walls of Tower 8 and some of the reinforced concrete columns and load-bearing walls of Tower 1.

The relevant superstructure works for Tower 1 had therefore also been suspended.

From the inspection carried out on July 7, the department confirmed that the entire structure of Tower 1 and Tower 8 did not pose any obvious danger.

The department has requested the authorised person, the registered structural engineer and the registered general building contractor responsible for the development project to submit a detailed report, and to conduct additional testing and submit a report regarding the remaining five residential towers of the same development where superstructure works were completed.

It noted that the developers have decided to demolish the affected floors of the two buildings.

The department will follow up with the relevant  authorised person and the registered structural engineer on the details of the demolition and remedial works to ensure the safety of such works and the buildings and that such works and the buildings are in compliance with the statutory requirements.

It has started an investigation to see if there is any contravention of the Buildings Ordinance and will take appropriate follow-up action depending on the investigation result.