Introduction
Led by Prof. LIEW Kim Meow (Leader) and Prof. LAM Heung Fai (Deputy Leader), the Advanced Civil Engineering Materials and Mechanics Cluster at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering is a global hub for pioneering research. We develop next-generation materials and construction technologies to build a more sustainable, resilient, and intelligent world.
Highlights in Research
Rheology-Driven Concrete Design and Smart 3D Printing
The team is revolutionizing how concrete is designed and placed. Our research moves beyond traditional methods to actively control the flow and deformation of cementitious materials.
Innovations:
-Predictive Rheological Models: The team develops practical models that predict how concrete will behave, enabling high-performance, low-carbon mix designs that enhance quality and reduce environmental impact.
-Active Magneto-Rheology Control: The team uses magnetic fields to actively control the rheology of concrete in real-time. This unique capability makes processes like pumping, casting, and 3D printing more reliable, adaptable, and efficient.
-Smart 3D Printing Construction: The team is facilitating the future of construction with smart, automated 3D printing practices that are eco-friendly and highly efficient.
High-Performance Composites from Electronic Waste
The research team transforms environmental challenges into engineering solutions by converting waste into high-strength construction materials.
Innovations:
-Mechanical Interlocking Mechanism: The team discovered that recycled non-metallic fractions from waste printed circuit boards (NMF-WPCBs) create a powerful interlocking effect with the cement matrix, significantly enhancing strength and crack resistance.
-Multiscale Analysis: The research links microscopic behavior to macroscopic performance using advanced characterization tools.
-Proven Sustainability: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) confirms such composites have a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete, while leaching tests prove they are entirely safe.
Representative Projects
Project Title: Tomorrow is Now: Eco-friendly Autonomous Construction through Sustainable 3D Concrete Printing
Project Coordinator: Prof. LIEW Kim Meow
Funding Support: Research Grant Council of Hong Kong, Strategic Topics Grant (STG)
Funding Amount: HKD 30M
Project Abstract: The overall objective of this proposed project was to furnish the construction sector in Hong Kong with a complete system of automated, robust, and cost-effective 3DCP technology that uses sustainable building materials and produces minimal waste to reduce the environmental impacts.
Project Title: A Low-carbon Manufacturing Technology to Turn Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Ash into Artificial Aggregates
Project Coordinator: Prof. DAI Jianguo
Funding Support: Green Technology Fund
Funding Amount: HKD 5.4M
Project Abstract: This project utilizes innovative low-carbon geopolymer cement technology to process municipal solid waste incineration ash (MSWIA) in conjunction with mechanical crushing to produce irregularly shaped artificial aggregates, referred to as “Geo-Aggregates”. These Geo-Aggregates exhibit exceptional engineering strength and environmental safety performance. They can be used to partially or fully replace coarse aggregates in concrete for civil engineering applications. This initiative aims to enhance the value-added utilization of MSWIA and minimize reliance on landfills and the importation of construction materials from overseas while also reducing the industrial carbon footprint. Essentially, it achieves multiple goals at once. The project aligns with Hong Kong’s initiatives for waste reduction, promoting a circular economy, and pursuing carbon neutrality.
Research Facilities
1. Advanced Construction Materials Lab
Major Equipment List
-NELD-HPTC073 Multi-functional Carbonation Testing Machine
-Bettersize 2600 Laser Particle Size Analyzer
-YZF-2S Autoclave
-MIC-90 Multi-channel Isothermal Microcalorimeter
-Rigaku Thermo Plus EVO2
-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer
-Fully Automatic Focusing Laser Microscopic Raman Spectrometer
-Chloride Ion Penetration Resistance Tester (Three-in-one System)
-Sulfate Wet-dry Cycle Testing Machine
-Alkali Aggregate Reaction Test Chamber
-Non-contact shrinkage and swelling deformeter
2. Structure and Mechanics Lab
Major facilities include:
-Universal Testing Machines for tension, compression, and flexural tests
-Dynamic Testing System for fatigue and impact resistance evaluation
-Concrete and Steel Frame Loading Systems for large-scale structural testing
Major Equipment List
-Large-Scale Hydraulic Loading Frame
-GANS Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
-MTS Rock Mechanics Test System
-ELE International Compression Testing Machine
-High-Temperature Muffle Furnace
-Pundit Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester
-V-Tech TRIPLEX II Universal Testing Machine (40 kN)
-Rheometer and Temperature-Controlled Bath System
3. Construction 3D Printing Lab
A range of state-of-the-art equipment includes:
-NELD Desk Paste and Mortar 3D Printer
-Zhichuangchi Mortar/Concrete 3D Printer
-NELD Large-scale Concrete 3D Printer
-NELD-3DMA-K2101 Intelligent Mortar Spray Platform
4. Nondestructive Testing and Inspection Lab
Major Equipment List
-Optical shear speckle interferometer
-ZT802 Ultrasonic Testing Analyzer
Research Cluster Member List
| Faculty Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Prof. LIEW Kim Meow (Cluster Leader) |
Yeung Kin Man Chair Professor of Sustainable Engineering; Chair Professor of Civil Engineering |
| Prof. LAM Heung Fai (Deputy Cluster Leader) |
Associate Professor |
| Prof. DAI Jianguo | Head of ACE & Chair Professor of Structural Engineering |
| Prof. LAU Denvid |
Professor |
| Prof. LEE Yiu Yin Raymond | Associate Professor |
| Prof. JIAO Dengwu | Assistant Professor |
| Prof. LU Guoyang | Assistant Professor |
| Prof. XIAN Xiangping | Assistant Professor |