The Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) (CNERC) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a significant research breakthrough by developing an effective use of ultra-high-strength S960 steel stiffened box section. The solution has been successfully adopted for the design of two major pedestrian bridges, Footbridge F4 and F6 in the Northern Metropolis, replacing the originally proposed in‑site reinforced concrete box girders. This achievement provides a complete engineering pathway for the application of ultra-high-strength S960 steel in civil infrastructure and marks a major milestone in supporting greener and more efficient infrastructure development in Hong Kong.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between CNERC and Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the HKSAR Government in 2023, Prof. Kwok-fai CHUNG, Professor of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Director of the CNERC, led a research team conducting extensive experimental studies and numerical analyses to investigate the structural behaviour of stiffened box sections of S960 steel. They also prepared test and design reports, developed automated welding systems, robotic site welding, and key techniques for controlling distortion in welded sections and inspecting welding defects. These technological advancements significantly reduce structural self‑weight, pile foundation requirements, and material use, resulting in improved structural performance and significant reductions in embodied carbon.
The project has received recognition across government and industry. At the Outstanding New Engineering Contracts (NEC) Team Performance Awards, the project titled “The World’s First Ultra-high Strength S960 Steel Footbridges in the Northern Metropolis” was honoured with the Excellence in Innovation and Technology Adoption Award among a total of about 60 shortlisted public projects. The project client was Civil Engineering and Development Department, together with the team comprising AECOM Asia Co. Ltd., and the Joint Venture of Daewoo E&C, Chun Wo C&E and Kwan Lee Holding.
The Outstanding NEC Team Performance Awards were organised by the Development Bureau to recognise project teams that have excelled in project delivery practices by successfully adopting innovative and technological solutions under a collaborative partnering approach.
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