| Abstract: |
Highways Department reported 52 cases of road subsidence occurring between 2021 and 2023 in Hong Kong, raising social concerns about underground voids and their impact on infrastructure. Most of the voids are caused by leaks in the underground high-pressure water pipe network. So, the Water Supplies Department is implementing a risk-based asset management strategy for replacement and rehabilitation. Both departments are taking the increasing need for advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies seriously. Supported by both departments and industry sponsors, this project aims to develop imaging techniques for the early detection, severity classification and diagnosis of underground voids. We will employ multi-channel ground-penetrating radar arrays and advanced signal processing techniques to create sensitive and specific detection methods tailored to various void sizes. Testing will take place at a 25,000 square foot Q-Leak center (designed by PC in 2020 and operational since 2021) and will be validated in two key older districts. The developed technology is expected to be applied throughout Hong Kong and commercialized in other regions facing similar challenges. |
