The SAR's mammoth building programme could be helped by an advanced, cement-based material being developed at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Dr Li Zongjin, assistant professor of the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the university, said the multi-purpose material should be available for commercial use in Hong Kong within two years.
The material, said to be stronger, lighter and more durable than conventional cement, is based on Dr Li's research into the use of the extrusion technique to develop advanced cement-based materials.
According to Dr Li, the eventual product will be first used in construction before it is developed for wider applications in other industries such as aircraft building.
Dr Li said traditional building material tended to show crevices, cracks and faded colouring after a few years. The cement-based material, however, would be more durable and would increase the aesthetic value of buildings.
More flexibility and elasticity would enable the material to be moulded into various patterns with different colours.
'The short, fibre-reinforced cement-based composites manufactured by the extrusion method - a technique for applying pressure - show a great improvement in both strength and toughness compared with the traditional casting method.