A bridge to a solid career in testing

Construction-materials testing is a lesser-known but critical component in the process of taking a structure off the blueprint and turning it into bricks-and-mortar reality.

Mega-projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) involve different kinds of engineering works, including reclamation, bridge building and tunnelling. But in all of these, testing plays an essential role in safeguarding the standard of construction materials, the quality of work and - ultimately - human lives.

Because of this, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), which is responsible for testing construction materials for the HZMB project, is now in the process of setting up a public works regional laboratory in Siu Ho Wan on the north shore of Lantau Island, near the Discovery Bay Tunnel Administration Building.

'The construction works for the laboratory buildings are now underway and are scheduled to be completed in April,' says Tony Ho, a senior engineer with the standards and testing division at CEDD's Geotechnical Engineering Office.

'We will engage an engineering consultant to manage and operate the laboratory to deliver testing services,' he adds.

At least 50 laboratory employees will be hired, including four senior site laboratory technicians, 28 site laboratory technicians, 14 laboratory assistants and three laboratory clerks. According to Ho, the CEDD will roll out a recruitment campaign between June and August to fill the vacancies.