QUATERNARY GEOLOGY OF HONG KONG: AN ENGINEERING AND GEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED OFFSHORE AREAS
Seminars
Semester 2
Marine deposits—and possibly the underlying alluvium—in Hong Kong are known for their low undrained shear strength and high compressibility (Fyfe, Kirk, Lai & Campbell, 2000). Furthermore, studies have shown that Quaternary marine deposits and alluvium exhibit markedly different coefficients of consolidation, reflecting their unique stress histories (Yeung & So, 2001). These geotechnical characteristics make civil engineering works in such areas particularly vulnerable to settlement-related deformation and bearing capacity failures (Yin, 1999).
In recent years, a number of studies have assessed these deposits to evaluate the feasibility of marine reclamation at several key sites, including Tuen Mun West, Ma Liu Shui, and the Central Waters (e.g. the proposed Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands). While site-specific ground investigations can provide precise insights into local subsurface conditions, such efforts are often resource-intensive, involving high costs, complex logistics, and significant time commitments. This research aims to consolidate and analyze existing geotechnical data across these selected areas, with a focus on understanding Quaternary geological formations. The goal is to develop a comprehensive ground model—encompassing bathymetry, deposit thickness, engineering property profiles, and stratigraphic interpretations—and to construct a 3D engineering geology model tailored to Hong Kong’s Quaternary geology.
Additional information: Mr. CHOW, Timothy Dylan, thydchow@connect.hku.hk