Environment We respect the environment and strive to design projects that are more harmonious with their natural surroundings. Environmental concerns are viewed as an opportunity rather than an obstacle Read about - Trenchless technology for KCRC DB320 - Trenchless technology for CLP tunnels at Tsz Wan Shan - Reduction of impacts for CLP tunnel at Pui O - TBM for KCRC at Long Valley We are keenly aware of our responsibility to our neighbours and the community and strive to minimise the impact of our construction activities. As well as careful control of construction waste we try to use construction techniques that are more environmentally sensitive. Read about - Use of EMIS - Giken ‘silent’ piling method - Use of environmentally friendly chemicals - Use of system formwork - Use of special equipment for diaphragm walls Trenchless technology for KCRC DB320 The clients tender design envisaged construction of two railway tunnels using conventional cut and cover and drill and blast tunnels. Dragages introduced the Earth Pressure Balance tunnel boring machine into Hong Kong, reducing construction impacts on the surface and reducing construction waste.   Trenchless technology for CLP tunnels at Tsz Wan Shan CLP needed to lay new cables along Tsz Wan Shan Road. Originally intended to be built using cut and cover techniques, Dragages were able to demonstrate that a tunnel could be constructed using a rock tunnel boring machine avoiding impacts to the busy traffic using the roadway. Reduction of impacts for CLP tunnel at Pui O By revising the direction of construction of the CLP tunnel in Chi Ma Wan construction impacts on local residents have been considerably reduced. In addition, the redesign has resulted in a much smaller temporary works are, reducing impacts on the environment.   TBM for KCRC at Long Valley The successful use of Earth Pressure Balance tunnel boring machine technology at Kwai Ching enabled KCRC to consider the TBM option for the construction of the tunnels underneath the environmentally sensitive area of Long Valley.   Use of EMIS Each construction project reviews all environmental risks systematically using our Environmental Mitigation and Implementation Schedule (EMIS). This process is used to identify all potential environmental impacts and to develop an effective set of mitigation measures to ensure that our high standards are maintained.   Giken ‘silent’ piling method Used extensively on the Long Valley tunnel Project for KCRC, the Giken piling system has been deployed where ever possible because it installs traditional sheet piles by pushing them into the ground. This piling system is effectively silent and avoids completely the need to obtain noise permits that are required for percussive driving methods. Use of environmentally friendly chemicals For the construction of tunnels using an Earth Pressure Balance tunnel boring machine special chemicals must be used to mobilize the excavated soil. In the environmentally sensitive works under Long Valley we have taken special care to ensure that the chemicals to be used are biodegradable and non-toxic. Use of system formwork To minimise the use of timber formwork we try wherever possible to use metal formwork systems. This reduces the use of timber and helps to minimise waste. At the same time the system formwork is designed to provide a safety system of work and access and also produces a higher standard of workmanship.   Use of special equipment for diaphragm walls One of the companies in the group has introduced the revolutionary cutter head system to excavate diaphragm walls. As well as providing a higher standard of work this technology results in a much tidier site, reducing the amount of dirty water that might be produced and also reduces the amount of accidental over digging, reducing construction waste.   Close