Prospects for no-dig technology in Hong Kong construction industry

The no-dig technique has been proven in Europe and Japan as a successful means of constructing underground utilities and drainage works through densely populated areas without causing unacceptable disturbances, by eliminating the conventional open-cut method. Although this conventional method causes detrimental impacts on traffic flow, pedestrians and motorists, as well as on the environment, it is commonly employed in Hong Kong for various utility activities. Despite this, the advanced no-dig technique, which can tackle the problem, remains unpopular. Past records reveal that in Hong Kong the technique had only been applied to the construction and maintenance of utilities to a very limited extent. It is useful to identify the factors impeding its widespread application. This paper reviews the causes that preclude the extensive applications of no-dig technique to utility works in Hong Kong. The prospect of promoting such a technique in the territory in the future is also investigated.