Geology of Hong Kong

Abstract

This review of the Geology of Hong Kong embraces all geotechnical and many engineering aspects involved in the development of Hong Kong. This is the first comprehensive study of these combined topics and whilst existing literature has provided valuable background data on particular aspects, much original research has been carried out and is presented here. The development of modern Hong Kong since the Second World War is akin to that of man fighting against a “hostile geological environment.” In this period the population has tripled to about 5.5 million persons in an area topographically unsuitable for habitation by a large population and without any significant natural resources. This paper describes how these and other geological constraints have been mastered by cut-and-fill methods on a massive scale to provide a narrow platform of intense high-rise development around the steep and rugged coastline, and a series of New Towns in the Territory9s hinterland. The geology of Hong Kong, associated constraints, foundation conditions, construction materials, engineering structures, environmental concerns and the use of underground space in these urban areas, and in the Territory as a whole, are discussed. Perhaps illustrative of the dynamism of Hong Kong is the fact that in the few years taken to write this review the Territory has undergone a further major boom in the building of high-rise developments and has seen the construction of a second harbour crossing and reclamation of another 26 ha of land for expansion of its port facilities. This will soon be followed by a major construction boom involving extension of all infrastructure including large highway tunnels, power lines, a territory-wide sewage disposal system and possibly a second airport to be built on reclaimed land. As a result of the constant, rapid development of Hong Kong any review of this nature embracing civil engineering works will soon become outdated, although geological and geotechnical constraints will remain the same.