Hong Kong University Construction Site Reveals Faulty Concrete Columns and Beams

Contractor Aggressive Construction involved in three recent safety incidents

In addition to the main columns, similar conditions are observed in the beams, with one image showing a suspected hollow space. Courtesy of Jason Poon Chuk-Hung

Following a recent crane tipping incident at a Hong Kong University construction site, the Student and Staff Residence Building under construction is found to have honeycomb voids and exposed reinforcing steel on columns and beams. This is the latest of a series of problems encountered by the contractor, Aggressive Construction Company Limited.

On social media, Jason Poon Chuk-Hung, Chairman of the China Monitor and Chief Researcher of Hong Kong Strategy Solutions, shared photos showing voids and exposed reinforcement steels in multiple structural columns and some beams at the HKU construction project. Some engineers believe it was caused by insufficient vibration during the pouring of the concrete, and if the situation is serious, it may need to be demolished and rebuilt.

Poor Construction Management at HKU Criticized

Poon’s post openly criticized the poor construction management of HKU’s campus development project, not only referring to the recent crane incident but also describing the concrete construction quality of the project as outrageous.