Implementing Construction Noise Mitigation Management Framework to Achieve Quiet Building Demolition in Urban Environment of Hong Kong: A Case Study on Demolition of a Multi-storey Carpark Building

Abstract

Hong Kong is a compact city. Construction noise impact from noisy construction activities such as building demolition work in urban areas, if not properly handled, could easily arouse concern from neighbouring residents. Tremendous efforts in planning and implementation of noise mitigation measures are usually required for developing infrastructure projects in Hong Kong. The Central Kowloon Route project was one of the mega projects to construct a 4.7 km long trunk road across urban districts in Hong Kong. Under this project, a Multi-storey Carpark Building, which was built atop an existing heavily trafficked flyover and situated in a densely populated area with less than 20 m away from the nearest high-rise residential building, was required to be demolished atop the existing flyover without interfering its operation or causing unacceptable noise impact to the nearby residents. This paper presents the successful implementation of the construction noise mitigation management framework of the Central Kowloon Route project to achieve quiet demolition of the Multi-storey Carpark Building, including the relevant Construction Noise Mitigation Measure Plan, Contract Specifications on adopting quieter measures and Community Engagement Plan. The paper also analyzes the actual noise performance of the quieter measures adopted and nearby public responses when the demolition of the carpark building is actively pursuing.