The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) has been awarded the Local Grand Prize at the Construction Industry Council (CIC) Construction Innovation Award 2025 for its project titled “Groundbreaking Application of Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel in Civil Infrastructure: Paving the Way for Hong Kong's Green Construction”. This accolade recognises the project’s pioneering use of ultra‑high‑strength steel in civil infrastructure and its significant contribution to promoting sustainable construction in Hong Kong.
In their award citation, the judging panel highlighted that the project marks the world's first application of S960 steel to two pedestrian bridges in the Northern Metropolitan area. By significantly reducing the structural self‑weight and the number of piles required, the project effectively decreases the use of concrete and steel, thereby lowering carbon emissions while showcasing both technological innovation and environmental benefits. The panel also commended the project team for their significant contributions to local infrastructure innovation, improved engineering efficiency, and progress towards carbon reduction goals.
The award presentation ceremony was held at Zero Carbon Park on 21 January, bringing together around 150 professionals from the construction and engineering industries. The event was officiated by Ir Prof. Thomas HO On-sing, Chairman of the CIC, who delivered the welcoming address. This was followed by an opening address from Ir LAU Chun-kit, Ricky, Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) of the HKSAR Government, who encouraged the industry to continue embracing innovation and technology to promote high‑quality and sustainable development in the construction sector.
Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the CNERC, attended the ceremony and received the prize together with Ir FONG Hok Shing, Michael, Director of Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government. The project client is CEDD, with the project team comprising AECOM Asia Co. Ltd. and Joint Venture of Daewoo E&C, Chun Wo C&E and Kwan Lee Holding (DCK JV). The project is expected to be completed in the summer this year.
The CNERC’s success is built on a long‑term collaboration with CEDD. In 2023, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore innovative applications of ultra-high-strength S960 steel in infrastructure projects. Over the past three years, Prof. Chung and his team have provided comprehensive technical support for the first adoption of ultra-high-strength S960 steel with a stiffened box girder design in the F4 and F6 pedestrian bridges in the Northern Metropolis. This approach replaces the traditional cast-in-situ reinforced concrete box girder method, resulting in substantial savings in materials and construction costs, while effectively shortening the construction cycle. The project sets an important benchmark for future green infrastructure development in Hong Kong.
