Geotechnical Planning Review Report

for Section 16 Application for

CONTENTS
1) Introduction

2) Description of Site

3) Site Geology

4) Proposed Development

5) Geotechnical Considerations

6) Interpretation of Bulk Excavation Limit

7) Monitoring Scheme

8) Conclusion

FIGURES
Figure 1 Schedule Area No.1
Figure 2 Site Location Plan
Figure 3a Slope Maintenance Responsibility Plan
Figure 3b Feature Location Plan
Figure 4a-d Hong Kong Geological Map Sheet 11 (Part Plan of 1:20000)
Figure 5 Determined Bulk Excavation Limit Contour
Figure 6a-c Extract of Mid-Levels Study
Figure 7 Building Plan with Feature Location
Figure 8 Schematic Site Formation Plan with Proposed Retaining Wall
Figure 9 Site Topography

APPENDICES
Appendix A Slope Information System (SIS) and Slope Maintenance Responsibility
Information System
Appendix B Foundation records of the existing building
Appendix B1 Existing Utilities Record
Appendix C Previous Ground Investigation Record
Appendix D Approved Ground Investigation works Plan
Appendix E Site-Specific Ground Investigation Record
Appendix F General Building Plans
Appendix G Proposed demolition Works
Appendix H Preliminary Excavation and Lateral Support Works
Appendix I Preliminary Regional Stability Analysis
1) INTRODUCTION

According to “GEO Advice Note for Planning Applications”, a geotechnical

planning review report will be required if any of the following criteria apply: -
(i) where the maximum gradient across a site from boundary to boundary, or
for a large site across any 50m long strip, is greater than 15°,

(ii) where a slope steeper than 30°, or retaining wall, or combination of the
two with a eight greater than 6m exists on the site or within 6m of the site, or

(iii) where there is ground outside the site but in the same catchment that is
at an angular elevation of more than 20° from the site and there is ground
sloping at more than 5° within 50m upslope of the site.

This geotechnical planning review report is in support of a Section 16

application under the Town Planning Ordinance for a site located at No. 105
Robinson Road. The application is submitted on behalf of the applicant, who
currently owns and occupies the site.

This report provides a review of how the geotechnical features in the vicinity,
such as retaining walls and/or slopes, shown on the plan may affect, or be
affected by, the proposed development and presents an assessment of the
geotechnical feasibility of the proposed development as reflected in the
Master Layout Plans submitted together with this report (copies of the
submitted Master Layout Plans are attached in Appendix A).

The proposed development scheme contains 1 no. of blocks with a maximum

building height to be +215mPD.

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2) DESCRIPTION OF SITE

The Application Site, covering a total site area of about 2,557m², is located at
west of Robinson Road and to the east of Conduit Road, and within the Mid-
levels Area (Scheduled Area No.1) as shown in Figure 1 The site is irregular
in shape. It is surrounded by natural vegetated slopes and positioned at the
crest of slope. The Section 16 application comprises a proposed residential
development. The application site is zoned "Residential (Group C)5" ("R(C)5")
on the Approved Mid-Levels West Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H11/15. In
accordance with the Notes of the "R(C)5" zone. This application is for the
submission of a layout plan for the proposed residential development in
addition to the submission of a layout plan, a minor relaxation of the building
height restriction ("BHR") from 161mPD to 215mPD is also requested under
this S16 application.

2.1 Site Topography

The Site is located in between Robinson Road and Conduit Road where
generally consists of one platform, which supported by several existing
registered retaining structures, at +120.0mPD as shown on Figure 9.

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2.2 Existing Registered Feature

There are 10 numbers of registered man-made features in the vicinity of the

proposed development. The locations of those features are shown in Figure
3. Records of those registered features are retrieved from the Slope
Information System (SIS) and Slope Maintenance Responsibility Information
System (SMRIS) and attached in Appendix A.

Maintenance Responsibility of Features

Sub- Maintenan
Feature division ce Facilities at Facilities at
Location C-T-L
No. No. Responsib Crest Toe
ility

(1) I.L. 942 TO THE WEST Road/footpath

11SW- OF ROBINSON
A/CR386 Indoor car park with low traffic 1
(2) ROAD
HyD density

- ADJOINING Road/footpath
11SW-
HyD ROBINSON Residential with moderate 1
A/C61
ROAD traffic density

- Within Lot Road/footpath

11SW-
I.L. 942 Boundary Residential with heavy traffic 1
A/R382
density

- ROBINSON
ROAD, TO Road/footpath
11SW-
HyD THE NORTH Residential with heavy traffic 2
A/R384
OF JADE density
GARDEN

- ROBINSON
ROAD, TO
Road/footpath
11SW- THE NORTH
HyD Residential with moderate 2
A/R385 OF
traffic density
PANORAMA
GARDEN

(1) Within Lot

I.L. 2611 Boundary & ON
GOVERNMEN Road/footpath
11SW- T LAND Residential with heavy traffic 1
A/CR62 (2) ADJACENT TO density
HyD ROBINSON
ROAD

(1) I.L. 942 PARTLY

11SW- WITHIN IL942
Residential Residential 1
A/R380 AND PARTLY
(2) I.L. 949 RP WITHIN IL949

11SW- - Within Lot

I.L. 942 Boundary Residential Residential 1
A/CR60

(1) PARTLY
I.L. 942 WITHIN IL942 Remote area or Lightly-used
11SW-
AND PARTLY abandoned open 3
A/R842
(2) WITHIN facilities area/facilities
NHX457
NHX457

(1) PARTLY
HyD WITHIN IL942
AND PARTLY Road/footpath
11SW- Undeveloped
ON with low traffic 3
A/FR200 green belt
(2) GOVERNMEN density
I.L. 942 T LAND

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 Features Location Plan

The descriptions of the registered features are demonstrated as follows:

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR386 (Partially within lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR386 is man-made slope that located at the west of
the site. The 11SW-A/CR386 (1) is the platform which is bounded by indoor
car park and the 11SW-A/CR386 (2) is bounded by road/footpath with low
traffic density. The cut slope is about 1.8m in height and 35m in length with
slope gradient of about 20°. The surface of the slope is mainly covered with
shotcrete. It consists of 70mm diameter weepholes at 0.8m spacing and a
sewer is located on the slope. Part (1) of the retaining wall is 2m in height
and 35m in length with face angle of about 80° and the part (2) is 4.3m in
height and 20m in in length with face angle of about 80°. The wall is made up
of masonry (Part (1)) and concrete (Part (2)) with 90mm diameter of
weepholes at 1.7m spacing. The maintenance responsibilities of feature
belong to IL942 and HyD. Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1991, the study
report concluded that the feature is up to standard.

Feature No. 11SW-A/C61 (Outside lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/C61 is a man-made slope that located at the north of
the site. The crest of the feature is residential area and 11SW-A/R382 and
the toe is bounded by road/footpath with moderate traffic density. The cut
slope is about 4.5m in height and 21m in length with slope gradient of about
60°. The surface of the slope is mainly covered with shotcrete. It consists of
50mm diameter weepholes at 0.9m spacing and a sewer is located on the
slope. The maintenance responsibilities of this government feature belong to
HyD. Stage 3 Study was carried out in 1989, upgrading works were carried
out by LPM/EM and the feature is up to standard.

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Feature No. 11SW-A/R382 (Within lot boundary)
Feature No. 11SW-A/R382 is a retaining wall that located at the north of the
site. The crest of the feature is residential area and the toe is bounded by
11SW-A/C61 and road/footpath with heavy traffic density. The retaining wall
is about 7.1m in height and 85m in length with face angle of about 88°. The
wall is made up of masonry with 80mm diameter of weepholes at 2.2m
spacing. The maintenance responsibilities of this private feature belong to
IL942. Two Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1994 and 2010 respectively, the
study report concluded that the DH Order shall be served to the owners. The
DH order (DH0051/HK/15/C) is issued in 2015 by the Buildings Department
(BD). As of today, the DH order of the feature is not discharged.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R384 (Outside lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/R384 is a retaining wall located at the north of the site.
The crest of the feature is residential area and 11SW-A/R382 and the toe is
bounded by road/footpath with heavy traffic density. Part of the wall is 10m in
height and 40m in length with face angle of about 80° and another part of the
wall is 8m in height and 49m in length with face angle of about 80°. The wall
is made up of concrete with 30mm diameter of weepholes at 1.3m spacing.
The maintenance responsibilities of this government feature belong to HyD.
Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1989 and the feature is upgraded by
LPM/EM.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R385 (Outside lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/R385 is a retaining wall located at the east of the site.
The crest of the feature is residential area and the toe is bounded by
road/footpath with moderate traffic density. The wall is 6m in height and 20m
in length with face angle of about 80°. The wall is made up of concrete with
50mm diameter of weepholes at 1.3m spacing. The maintenance
responsibilities of this government feature belong to HyD. Stage 2 Study was
carried out in 1989 and the feature is upgraded by LPM/EM.

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR62 (Outside lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR62 is man-made slope that located at the east of the
site. The crest of the feature is bounded by residential area and the toe is
bounded by road/footpath with heavy traffic density. The cut slope is
maximum 16.3m in height and 27m in length with average slope angle of 50°.
The surface of the slope is mainly bare. It consists of 70mm diameter
weepholes at 1.2m spacing and a sewer is located on the slope. The wall is
1.2m in height and 11.7m in length with face angle of about 90°. The wall is
made up of concrete with 30mm diameter of weepholes at 1.5m spacing. The
maintenance responsibilities of feature belong to IL2611 and HyD. Stage 2
Study was carried out and finalized in 2013 and a type 3 advisory letter was
issued to the owners in 2013 with respect to Sub-division No.1 of the feature.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R380 (Partially within lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/R380 is a retaining wall located at the south of the site.
The crest and toe of the feature is bounded by residential area and Feature
11SW-A/CR60 respectively. The wall is 6.8m in height and 57m in length with
face angle of about 85°. The wall is made up of other material with 65mm
diameter of weepholes at 1.2m spacing. Drainage is located at the toe. The
maintenance responsibilities of this feature belong to IL942 and IL949RP.
Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1991 and an advisory letter was issued to
the owners in 1991. The DH order (DH58/HK/96/C) is issued in 1996 by BD

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for 11SW-A/R380 (sub-division 1) and (sub-division 2). The feature was
strengthened by soil nails and up to current standard. BD has acknowledged
on the completion of the remedial works in 2001.

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR60 (Within lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR60 is man-made slope that located along southern
site boundary. The crest of the feature is 11SW-A/R380 and toe of the
feature is bounded by residential area. The cut slope is maximum 9m in
height and 70m in length with slope gradient of about 65°. The surface of the
slope is mainly covered with shotcrete. It consists of 65mm diameter
weepholes at 1.2m spacing. The wall is 4m in height and 25m in length with
face angle of about 90°. The wall is made up of masonry with 65mm diameter
of weepholes at 1.2m spacing. The maintenance responsibilities of this
private feature belong to IL942. Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1991 and
the study report concluded that the feature has adequate factors of safety
and it is considered to be in good condition, no further action is
recommended. The DH order (DH58/HK/96/C) is issued in 1996 by BD. The
feature was strengthened by soil nails and up to current standard. BD has
acknowledged on the completion of the remedial works in 1999.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R842 (Partially within lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/R842 is a retaining wall located at southwest of the site.
The crest of the feature is bounded by remote area or abandoned facilities
and the toe is bounded by lightly-used open area/facilities. The wall is 3m in
height and 17m in length with face angle of about 90°. The maintenance
responsibilities of this private feature belong to IL942 and NHX457. Stage 3
Study was carried out. The DH order (DH011/HK/91P) is issued in 1991 by
BD and upgrading works was carried out for 11SW-A/R842 (sub-division 1)
by LPM/EM.

Feature No. 11SW-A/FR200 (Partially within lot boundary)

Feature No. 11SW-A/FR200 is man-made slope that located at the west of
the site. The crest of the feature is bounded by undeveloped green belt and
the toe is bounded by road/footpath with low traffic density. The fill slope is
1m in height and 30m in length with slope gradient of about 20°. The surface
of the slope is partially vegetated and chunam. It consists of 85mm diameter
weepholes at 1m spacing. 20m of the wall is 3m in height and 30m of the wall
is 1.5m in height. Its face angle is about 90°. The wall is made up of masonry
with 70mm diameter of weepholes at 2m spacing. The maintenance
responsibilities of this feature belong to HyD and IL942.

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2.3 Surrounding Buildings

As shown in Figure 2, the Site is mainly surrounded by the Robinson Road,

and several existing residential buildings. The foundation record plans of
those surrounding buildings are retrieved from the BD and are summarized
as follows:-

Approximate
Name of Building Location Type of Foundation
Founding Level
Panorama Gardens –
Southeast of the site Caisson Foundation +70.0 mPD
No. 103 Robinson Road
Woodland Gardens –
South of the site Footing Foundation +132.32 mPD
No. 107 Robinson Road
The foundation records for the abovementioned buildings are enclosed in
Appendix B.

2.4 Surrounding Utilities

Based on the existing utilities record retrieved from utilities companies and
relevant government departments, the following utilities are found in the
vicinity of the site:-

a. A 375mm dia stormwater drainage pipe run along Robinson Road

b. A 150mm dia sewer pipe run along Robinson Road
c. A 250mm dia and a 200mm dia freshwater main run along Robinson
Road
d. A 300mm dia and a 200mm dia saltwater main run along Robinson Road
e. A Towngas pipeline run along Robinson Road

The correspondences with utilities company and utilities record plans are
attached in Appendix B1.

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3) SITE GEOLOGY
With reference to the 1:20,000 geological map published by the Geotechnical
Control Office, Hong Kong Geological Survey Sheet 11, it is indicated that the
area of site is underlain by Jurassic to Cretaceous medium grained GRANITE
covered by Quaternary DEBRIS FLOW DEPOSITS. This is also confirmed by
findings of the previous ground investigation results in the vicinity of the site.
A part plan extracted from the 1:20,000 geological map is shown in Figures
4a-4d.

With reference to the GEO Technical Guidance Notes No. 50, the site is
partially located at Zone II of Schedule Area No. 1, an extracted plan is
attached below.

Site Location Plan overlaid with Schedule Area No.1 Zoning Extent

Under Zone II of Schedule Area No. 1, bulk excavation up to a maximum of

7.5m below the pre-development topography may be carried out where this
improves the local slope stability.

With reference to the Mid-Level Study Drawing No. G14, G20 and G23, it is
found that the surface of in-situ material lied within the site varies from
+100mPD to +120 mPD, with a 5m to 10m thick of colluvium overlaying on it.

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Part Plan Extract from Drawing No. G23 “Surface of in-situ Material”

Part Section Extract from Drawing No. G14 “Geological Section 36K”\

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3.1 Existing Site Investigation

Previous Ground investigation records at the nearby area are retrieved from
the Geotechnical Information Unit of GEO and are summarized as follows-

GIU Report Location GI Investigation Site Investigation works

No. Contractor Period
11368 SLOPES No.11SW- Bachy 1988 4 vertical boreholes
A/R384 & R385 AT Soletanche 1 chunam strip
105A-B ROBINSON Group 6 trial pit
ROAD Groundwater monitoring
37767 105 ROBINSON ROAD HK M.D. & 1975 7 vertical boreholes
E. LTD

The previous GI records as shown in GIU report No. 11368 and 37767 were
carried out at the location next to the Site, while the boreholes covered the
platforms varying from +104.75mPD to +120.13mPD as well as the platforms
of the Site. Those previous GI records are therefore considered appropriate
for using to infer the geology and groundwater condition of the Site,

The previous GI records as shown in GIU report No. 11368 was carried out at
the location of the Site. This previous GI records is therefore considered
appropriate for using to infer the geology and groundwater condition of the
Site.

The extract of ground investigation records retrieved from GIU and a

summary of records are attached in Appendix C.

3.2 Site-specific Ground Investigation Works

Site specific Ground investigation work that attached in Appendix C was
carried out by Inter Pacific Limited. In the period for Ground Investigation
work from 4 May 2021 to 20 July 2021.
The GI included: -
- 17 nos. of vertical drillholes
- 6 nos. of horizontal/ inclined drillholes
- 4 nos. trial pits
- Groundwater monitoring; and
- Laboratory testing

The following sampling / tests / instrumentation was also carried out:

- Sampling in boreholes (small disturbed samples, SPT liner samples,
mazier samples and rock samples of T2-101);
- Installation of 6 nos. of standpipes and 6 nos. of piezometers;
- In-situ testing (standard penetration tests);
- Laboratory testing

FGI Ground Level Thickness of Material (m)

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 No. (mPD) Fill Colluvium CDG
DH1 119.89 2.00 14.00 54.60
DH2 120.00 5.00 15.00 51.35
DH3 120.09 7.80 14.30 48.70
DH4 120.04 8.90 10.60 47.85
DH5 120.02 4.00 22.00 39.63
DH6 120.16 0.50 17.20 47.93
DH7 120.22 2.00 9.00 52.50
DH8 120.16 7.00 6.60 48.47
DH9 120.12 2.00 8.00 47.08
DH10 120.07 9.50 - 44.34
DH11 120.14 4.00 8.60 47.98
DH12 120.14 2.00 6.00 53.42
DH13 120.13 2.00 1.40 57.80
DH14 120.17 2.00 3.10 66.25
DH15 120.12 2.00 4.00 48.50
DH16 120.06 3.00 12.00 53.52
DH17 120.01 2.00 13.50 51.60
Max. 9.50 22.00 66.25
Min. 0.50 1.40 39.63

3.3 Soil and Rock

In view of in close proximity of existing previous GI, it supposed that the

inferred geological profile based on previous GI is consistence with the Site.
The general description of each geological stratum based on previous GI
record is outlined as below:

• Fill – with thickness varying between 1m and 2m. Brown speckled white,
brown and yellowish brown silty fine to coarse SAND with gravels and
cobbles.

• Colluvium – with thickness varying between 8m to 35.5m. Brown

speckled white, grey mottled pinkish, brown and yellowish brown clayey
silty fine to coarse SAND with grade III/IV gravels & cobble of tuff.

• Completely decomposed granite – pink, pinkish brown, mottled white &

dark yellowish brown and speckled reddish brown and pink clayey silty
fine to coarse SAND.

3.4 Geotechnical Parameters

Typical generalized soil parameters of Fill, Colluvium, and CDG are proposed
for design based on the typical ranges of geotechnical parameters of Hong
Kong soils as recommended in Geoguide 1 and the shear strength
parameters discussed in Soil Properties Report of Mid-Levels Study. The soil
parameters are summarized as follows:-
Adopted Soil Parameters for Design Purposes
Soil Type Bulk Effective Effective Stiffness (E)

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 Density cohesion Friction Angle (kPa)
(kN/m3) c’ (kPa) ϕ’ (0)
Fill 19 0 35 12000
Colluvium 12000 (linearly increase
(Above +120mPD 1857kPa per m depth
19 5 33
Near Woodland from +127mPD to
Gradens) +120mPD)
Colluvium 11000 (linearly increase
(Below +120mPD) 19 5 33 1227kPa per m depth
from +112mPD)
Completely 37500 (linearly increase
Decomposed 19 5 36 4350kPa per m depth
Granite (CDG) from +95mPD)

3.5 Groundwater

Groundwater measurement is carried by Bachy Soletanche Group for the site

in 1988. The monitoring records are extracted from the GIU report and are
summarized in the following table:

Ground Measured Highest Groundwater

GIU Report Borehole
Level Level
No. Mark
(mPD) Depth (m) Level (mPD)
RH-3 +106.36 15.32 +91.04
RH-4 +120.13 19.75 +100.38
11368
RH-5 +114.96 20.20 +94.76
RH-6 +116.49 21.97 +94.52

The groundwater monitoring records extracted from GIU report No. 11368 is
attached in Appendix E.

Groundwater measurement is carried by Inter Pacific Limited. for the site in

2021. The monitoring records are extracted from the GIU report and are
summarized in the following table:

Borehole Ground Measured Highest Groundwater Level Measured Lowest Groundwater Level
Mark Level
(mPD) Standpipe Piezometer Standpipe Piezometer

Depth Level Depth Level Depth Level Depth Level

(m) (mPD) (m) (mPD) (m) (mPD) (m) (mPD)

DH1 +119.89 11.46 +108.43 22.65 +97.24 13.08 +106.81 22.67 +97.22

DH3 +120.09 8.57 +111.52 21.36 +98.73 11.27 +108.82 26.57 +93.52

DH8 +120.16 14.13 +106.03 22.30 +97.86 14.95 +105.21 22.60 +97.56

DH10 +120.07 25.20 +94.87 26.40 +93.67 26.45 +93.62 28.27 +91.8

DH11 +120.14 12.58 +107.56 15.82 +104.32 12.75 +107.39 15.94 +104.2

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 DH14 +120.17 14.89 +105.28 25.22 +94.95 17.86 +102.31 25.44 +94.73

Measured highest GEL 8.57 +111.52 15.82 +104.32 - - - -

Measured lowest GEL - - - - 26.45 +93.62 28.27 +91.8

The groundwater monitoring records extracted from GIU report No. 11368 is
attached in Appendix D.

Based on the above existing groundwater monitoring record, it noted that the
measured highest groundwater level in the vicinity of the Site is found to be
well below the existing ground level.

Refer to the previous GI record, the ground water monitoring works

conducted on January 1988 to March 1988, June 1991 to July 1991, August
2017 to September 2017 and July 2021 to August 2021.

Refer to the GI record for DH1, DH3, DH8, DH10, DH11 & DH14, heavy
rainfall occurred on 19/07/2021, amber rainstorm signal with rainfall intensity
117.20mm. The measured groundwater level rised about 2m in average. The
highest measured water level of each piezometer in wet season are selected
to plot the water contour line.

3.5.1 Seasonal Rise of Water Table

For seasonal rise of water table, since the water contour is plotted from
highest measured water level at wet season, seasonal rise for water table is
considered in the water contour map, no additional seasonal rise is added to
the design ground water level.

3.5.2 Storm Water Rise of Water Table

For storm water rise, although plotted water contour had covered measured
ground water level during amber rainstorm signal on 2021, additional 1m
storm water rise is considered for heavy rainfall for design purpose.

3.5.3 Perched Water Rise of Water Table

For perched water rise, perched water rise only occurred at colluvium zone.
Refer to the GI record and measured ground water record, the measured
ground water level lies at colluvium zone. Hence, perched water rise has
covered at the measured ground water record. No additional perched water
rise is added to the design ground water level.

3.5.4 Water Rise of Water Table due to Damming Effect (Site Formation)
Damming effect due to pipe pile and soldier pile is considered in this design
(site formation work). Refer to Appendix F, the rise of ground water level is
0.13 m.

3.5.5 Water Rise of Water Table due to Damming Effect (Foundation)

For damming effect due to foundation works, 2m centre to centre pile spacing
covering a 32.5m influence zone is adopted for the calculation, the water

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 damming due to foundation is 1.5m which is the same of the foundation
submssion. The calculation is attached in Appendix F

Therefore, addition groundwater table for 1m storm rise and 1.7 m for
damming effect above the plotted water contour shall be considered in the
site formation works. However, the additional groundwater level to the highest
water contour at upslope, i.e. +111.5 mPD + 2.7 = 114.2 mPD, is still lower
the 1/3 x retaining height. The adopted design ground water level is
summarized as follow:-

Design Checking Adopted Design Groundwater Level

Regional Stability Highest measured groundwater level +2.7m
Access the Effect due to Highest measured groundwater level +2.7m
Excavation
Local Stability Checking 1/3 x retaining height
(Pipe pile/ Soldier Pile)
Structural Checking 1/3 x retaining height

4) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The proposed development is described in the Building Plans submitted by

the Architect (A copy of the General Building Plans are enclosed in Appendix
F).

The proposed development comprises the construction of one 28-p

residential towers. It is proposed to rest on the existing platform. A vehicular
access connecting between the development and Robinson Road is located
at the west of the site.

The construction work involves demolition of the existing building within the
Site, construction of foundation and pile cap, excavation and lateral support
works and superstructure construction. To suit the proposed development,
Feature Nos. 11SW-A/FR200(2), 11SW-A/R842(1), 11SW-C/R60, 11SW-
A/R382, 11SW-A/CR386(1) would be removed, other existing features would
be remained. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

5) GEOTECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

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 The following section gives an assessment on the geotechnical aspects of the
proposed redevelopment:-

5.1 Demolition

The existing building structure forms an intricate frame with retaining walls that
retain up to about 10m of level difference between the interior of the site and
Robinson Road. The building to be demolished consists of 3 nos of 10-storey
high building at No 105 Robinson Road, Mid- Levels West (Lot NO. I.L 942
Block A-B, Block C-D and Block E-F.) The building demolition plan was
approved by BD on 4 May 2021.

5.2 Proposed Foundation

The proposed development comprises the construction of one 28-storey

residential towers. In order to resist the loading from the building, it is
proposed to transfer the loading to the deeper sound rock strata using pile
foundation.

Bored Pile foundation / Socketed H-pile foundation

In view of the large loading of the multi-storey residential towers, it is
proposed to transfer the loading to the deeper soil strata. As such, bored
piles or pre-bored H-piles socketed into bedrock are also considered to be
feasible for supporting the proposed residential tower and local podium
structure respectively. The bottom level of proposed pile caps will be above
the TBEL. All bored piles/socketed pre-bored H-piles would be embedded
into the Grade III or better rock with total core recovery greater than 85%. In
accordance with the Code of Practice for Foundations (BD, 2004), the
allowable vertical bearing capacity and bond friction of the founding rock and
socket rock are taken as below:

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 Presumed
Presumed Allowable
Allowable
Bond Friction between
Bearing
Rock and Concrete (kPa)
Pressure (kPa)

Category Under
Description of Rock
of rock compression Under
and permanent
w/o with
transient tension
wind wind
tension
w/o with w/o with
wind wind wind wind
Fresh to slightly
decomposed strong rock of
material weathering grade II
or better, with a total core
recovery of more than 95%
of the grade and minimum
1(b) 7500 9375 700 875 350 437.5
uniaxial compressive
strength of rock material
(UCS) not less than 50MPa
(equivalent point load index
strength PLI50 not less than
2MPa)
Slightly to moderately
decomposed moderately
strong rock of material
weathering grade III or
better, with a total core
recovery of more than 85%
1(c) of the grade and minimum 5000 6250 700 875 350 437.5
uniaxial compressive
strength of rock material
(UCS) not less than 25MPa
(equivalent point load index
strength PLI50 not less than
1MPa)

The effect of the proposed foundation on adjacent buildings, structures and

features shall be investigated during detailed design stage. In order to
prevent the transmission of lateral loads onto the adjacent slopes/retaining
walls from proposed pile foundation, pile caps and basement walls, mitigation
measures such as pile sleeving and installation of joint fillers will be adopted,
if necessary.

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5.3.1 Excavation and Lateral Support

In view of the final excavation levels for construction of pile cap & basement
structure, the maximum excavation involved is about 13m, pile walls would be
adopted to retain the level difference. Where underground obstruction is
encountered, preboring technique by ring bit method will be adopted as
necessary. In addition, open cut excavation would also be carried out.

In the design of ELS works, surcharge from the existing adjoining buildings
and traffic load would be taken into account. ELS design shall be in
accordance with GCO Publication No. 1/90.

The ELS works should be designed in a manner that the effect of the
proposed works should be minimal and does not cause adverse effects on
adjacent grounds, features and structures. The ground movement due to the
deflection of the pile wall should be determined. The differential settlements
of adjoining structures and surrounding utilities caused by the proposed ELS
works should also be considered in detailed design.

In addition, the anticipated excavation for the pile cap construction is limited
to a maximum of about 13m. Therefore, bulk excavation works will not be
extensive. Based on the Tentative Bulk Excavation Limits (TBEL) as shown
in Figure 5, it is anticipated that no excavation for the construction of pile cap
or other structural elements will be carried out below the TBEL.

After issuance of Determined Bulk Excavation Limit (DBEL) for the site, the
excavation and lateral support works shall be reviewed based on the DBEL to
ensure that no excavation is proposed to be below DBEL.

Schematic sections showing the excavation and lateral support works are
given in Appendix H. The level difference will be retained by cantilever pile
wall or by pile wall with shoring system. The alternative schematic layout plan
for pile wall with system are also shown in Appendix H.

5.3.2 Site Formation Work

For the proposed development works, some registered features would be
removed or modified to facilitate the building and site formation works. To
cater for the level difference between the existing slope profile and the final
formation levels, a portion of the pile wall installed for ELS will also act as
permanent retaining wall. The stability of the registered feature and effect
from the proposed work will be assessed in the detailed design stage.

A schematic plan showing proposed permanent wall is given in Figure 8.

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5.4 Master Construction Sequence

The proposed master construction sequence is summarized as follows:-

1. Install proposed permanent pile wall (Type B)

2. Carry out open-cut excavation for formation of platform
3. Entirely remove registered feature 11SW-A/R 382, 11SW-A/ CR
386(1).and 11SW-A/CR 60
4. Carry out foundation work
5. Install proposed permanent pile wall (Type A) and temporary pile wall
(Type C)
6. Remove registered features 11SW-A/R 842(1) and 11SW-A/FR 200(2).
7. Carry out bulk excavation to proposed final excavation level
8. Construct proposed pile cap, basement structure and superstructure.

*Item 3 and Item 4 could be carried out independently or concurrently.

Pile Wall Layout Plan for ELS and Site Formation Works (Open Cut Excavation)

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 Pile Wall Layout Plan for ELS and Site Formation Works (Final Excavation)

5.5 Regional Stability

The removal of existing buildings and soil during demolition and excavation
stage will reduce the toe weight, and hence the reginal stability of the
concerned area would be affected. In this regard, the effect on regional
stability due to the proposed construction works in the Site will be analysed
based on all available information in detailed design stage and the proposed
works shall be designed in a manner that the effect on regional stability shall
be minimized. A preliminary regional stability analysis enclosed in Appendix I.
5.6 Existing Feature

As discussed in the previous section, 10 numbers of register features are

located within, partially within or outside the Site. For those portions of
features located within the Site, the features would be removed to suit the
proposed development.

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR386 (Partially within lot boundary)

This feature is a concrete retaining wall which located at the east of the Site
facing the Robinson Road. Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1991, the study
report concluded that the feature is up to standard. The portion of features
(sub-division 1) within the Site would be entirely removed to suit the proposed
development. For the portion of feature outside the Site (sub-division 2), the
stability of the modified feature would be checked in complying with the
current standard or guidance in detailed design stage. The effect on the
feature due to proposed temporary and permanent works would be assessed
in detailed design stage. Location of proposed pile wall would be further
studied in detailed design stage in order to avoid collision between existing

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soil nails of the feature and proposed pile wall. Precautionary measures will
be proposed if required.

Feature No. 11SW-A/C61 (Outside lot boundary)

This feature is a man-made slope that located at the north of the site. Stage
3 Study was carried out in 1989, upgrading works were carried out by
LPM/EM and the feature is up to standard. The feature will be retained by
temporary pile wall and basement wall during construction stage and
permanent stage respectively. In order to prevent the transmission of lateral
loads onto the adjacent slopes/retaining walls from proposed pile foundation
pile caps and basement walls, mitigation measures such as pile sleeving and
installation of joint fillers will be adopted, if necessary. The stability of the
modified feature would be checked in complying with the current standard or
guidance in detailed design stage to ensure that both proposed temporary
and permanent works will not result in adverse effect to the feature.
Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

To minimize the effect to the feature due to proposed pile installation for ELS
work, precautionary measures such as limiting the number of operating piling
rig and limiting compressed air pressure during pre-boring operation would be
considered in detailed design stage. Concentric drilling system would also be
adopted for the piling operation to minimize the risk of overbreaking.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R382 (Within lot boundary)

This feature is a retaining wall that located at the north of the site. Two Stage
2 Study was carried out in 1994 and 2010 respectively, the study report
concluded that the DH Order shall be served to the owners. The DH order
(DH0051/HK/15/C) is issued in 2015 by the Buildings Department (BD). As of
today, the DH order of the feature is not discharged. It would be entirely
removed to suit the proposed development. As the final formation level would
be lower than the ground level outside site boundary, the level difference
would be first retained by temporary pile wall and subsequently retained by
permanent basement wall.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R384 (Outside lot boundary)

This feature is a retaining wall located at the north of the site. Stage 2 Study
was carried out in 1989 and the feature is upgraded by LPM/EM. The stability
of the feature would be checked in complying with the current standard or
guidance in detailed design stage in order to ensure that both proposed
temporary and permanent works will not result in adverse effect to the feature.
Location of proposed pile wall would be further studied in detailed design
stage in order to avoid collision between existing soil nails of the feature and
proposed pile wall. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

In order to prevent the transmission of lateral loads onto the adjacent

slopes/retaining walls from proposed pile foundation, pile caps and basement
walls, mitigation measures such as pile sleeving and installation of joint fillers
will be adopted, if necessary.

To minimize the effect to the feature due to proposed pile installation for ELS
work, precautionary measures such as limiting the number of operating piling
rig and limiting compressed air pressure during pre-boring operation would be
considered in detailed design stage. Concentric drilling system would also be
adopted for the piling operation to minimize the risk of overbreaking.

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Feature No. 11SW-A/R385 (Outside lot boundary)
This feature is a retaining wall located at the east of the site. Stage 2 Study
was carried out in 1989 and the feature is upgraded by LPM/EM. The stability
of the modified feature would be checked in complying with the current
standard or guidance in detailed design stage in order to ensure that both
proposed temporary and permanent works will not result in adverse effect to
the feature. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR62 (Outside lot boundary)

This feature is man-made slope that located at the east of the site. Stage 2
Study was carried out and finalized in 2013 and a type 3 advisory letter was
issued to the owners in 2013 with respect to Sub-division No.1 of the feature.
The stability of the modified feature would be checked in complying with the
current standard or guidance in detailed design stage in order to ensure that
both proposed temporary and permanent works will not result in adverse
effect to the feature. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R380 (Partially within lot boundary)

This feature is a retaining wall located at the south of the site. Stage 2 Study
was carried out in 1991 and an advisory letter was issued to the owners in
1991. The DH order (DH58/HK/96/C) is issued in 1996 by BD and BD has
acknowledged on the completion of the remedial works in 2001. The feature
is up to standard to current standard. Permanent pile wall will be proposed in
front of the feature to retain the level difference between the final formation
level inside and outside the site boundary stabilizing the feature and ensuring
the feature have no adverse effect to the Site. The stability of the modified
feature would be checked in complying with the current standard or guidance
in detailed design stage in order to ensure that both proposed temporary and
permanent works will not result in adverse effect to the feature. Location of
proposed pile wall would be further studied in detailed design stage in order
to avoid collision between existing soil nails of the feature and proposed pile
wall. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

Feature No. 11SW-A/CR60 (Within lot boundary)

This feature is man-made slope that located along southern site boundary.
Stage 2 Study was carried out in 1991 and the study report concluded that
the feature has adequate factors of safety and it is considered to be in good
condition, no further action is recommended. The DH order (DH58/HK/96/C)
is issued in 1996 by BD. It would be entirely removed to suit the proposed
development.

Feature No. 11SW-A/R842 (Partially within lot boundary)

This feature is a retaining wall located at southwest of the site. Stage 3 Study
was carried out. The DH order (DH011/HK/91P) is issued in 1996 by BD and
upgrading works was carried out by LPM/EM. The portion of features (sub-
division 1) within the Site would be entirely removed to suit the proposed
development. For the portion of feature outside the Site (sub-division 2), the
stability of the modified feature would be checked in complying with the
current standard or guidance in detailed design stage to ensure that both
proposed temporary and permanent works will not result in adverse effect to
the feature. Precautionary measures will be proposed if required.

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 Feature No. 11SW-A/FR200 (Partially within lot boundary)
This feature is man-made slope that located at the west of the site. The
stability of the modified feature would be checked in complying with the
current standard or guidance in detailed design stage. The portion of features
(sub-division 2) within the Site would be entirely removed to suit the proposed
development. For the portion of feature outside the Site, the stability of the
modified feature would be checked in complying with the current standard or
guidance in detailed design stage. Precautionary measures will be proposed
if required.

5.7 Surrounding Building / Structure

According to the foundation record plans retrieved from the BD, The nearby
existing buildings, Panorama Gardens and Woodland Gardens in the vicinity
of the Site are supported by caisson pile and footing foundation respectively.

For Panorama Gardens, as the founding level of existing cassion pile

foundation is approximately +70 mPD which is significantly below the
proposed lowest final excavation level of +108.0 mPD. The effect on the
building due to proposed works is considered to be minimal.

For Woodland Gardens, the founding level of existing footing is

approximately +132.32 mPD which is higher than the proposed final
excavation level. Therefore, additional loading from the existing footings to
the Site will be considered in detailed design stage. The effect on Woodland
Gardens due to proposed temporary and permanent construction works
would also be assessed in detailed design stage to ensure the effect on the
building is tolerable.

Furthermore, monitoring measures will also be proposed to be installed on

the buildings to safeguard their stability.

5.8 Effect on Groundwater Table

The groundwater level at the site is relatively well below the existing ground
level. As the proposed final excavation level is above the groundwater level,
dewatering work will not be required for ELS works. Hence the proposed
excavation works and foundation works are considered to have insignificant
effects on the groundwater table.

If groundwater table is observed close to the design groundwater table during

the course of construction period, design review on the respective affected
existing retaining wall shall be carried out to review the validity of the design
assumption, if found necessary, precautionary raking drain shall be installed
to the affected proposed retaining wall to avoid building up high groundwater
pressure behind the retaining wall.

5.9 Damming Effect of Groundwater Table

The proposed pile foundations (bored pile / socketed H-Pile) and temporary
pile wall for ELS work and permanent retaining wall for site formation work

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 will penetrate through the subsoil into the groundwater table. As such, they
will reduce the effective area through which the groundwater flows, and the
groundwater table may be dammed up as a result. Such damming effect
should be studied carefully and taken into account during the detailed
foundation and ELS design. The groundwater levels should be monitored
throughout the construction period and reviewed in the Performance Review
Report.

6) INTERPRETATION OF BULK EXCAVATION LIMIT

As mentioned before in Section 2, the site partially is located in Zone II of

Schedule Area No. 1, bulk excavation up to a maximum of 7.5m below the
pre-development topography may be carried out where this improves the
local slope stability.

The proposed development would be carried out with lowering the existing
platform and subsequent removal of entire 11SW-A/R 382 at the crest of
11SW-A/R384, a local stability analysis is carried out and the result shows
that the proposed development will further enhance the local stability of
nearby. Result is attached in Appendix I.

It is proposed to interpret the bulk excavation limit in the following method:

To determine the Pre-development topography of the site

Referring to Section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 of TGN 50, and together with the
proposed site specific GI, existing GI nearby and the interpreted geological
sections from Mid-Level Study (as references), the pre-development
topography of the site can be determined. The BEL can then determine up to
7.5m below the pre-development topography. Local slope stability of the
development can be also improved after excavation for the proposed
development.

Based on the aforementioned desk study, it is estimated that the bulk

excavation limit would be in a similar order to the tentative bulk excavation
limit. And it will be further reviewed once the site specific ground investigation
is completed and the topography survey data as per the technical
requirements given in Section 5.2 of TGN 50 was obtained.

By interpolating between DBEL from nearby developments

Also, determined bulk excavation limit from nearby developments are also
retrieved and we interpreted the site specific bulk limit by interpolation
between the nearby developments. Excavation for the proposed development
would not exceed the bulk excavation limit we interpreted.

Upon detail design stage with site specific GI data obtained and the site
topographic survey data as per the technical requirements given in Section
5.2 of TGN 50 was obtained, the determined bulk excavation limit would be
further reviewed.

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7) MONITORING SCHEME

A comprehensive monitoring programme shall be implemented on site in

order to safeguard the adjacent utilities, structures and/or slopes & retaining
walls. The locations and details of the monitoring works shall be addressed in
the detailed design stage.

The initial readings of all the monitoring checkpoints and

piezometers/standpipes shall be taken prior to the commencement of
construction works on site and these devices shall be monitored regularly
throughout the construction period.

In order to minimize the effects of the foundation works and excavation works
on the adjacent ground, building structures and retaining walls, the following
precautionary / monitoring works will be proposed in the detailed design:-

1. Prior to the commencement of foundation / excavation woks, settlement ,

tilting and vibration checkpoints and piezometers / standpipes shall be
installed at the adjacent ground, building structures and retaining walls in
accordance with the monitoring plan;

2. The vibration, settlement and tilting on the adjacent ground, building

structures and retaining wall and groundwater fluctuation shall be
monitored throughout the construction period;

3. During the course of the works, the monitoring readings shall be

reviewed by the TCP T5 under RGE’s Stream at regular interval and the
review result shall be included in the T5 supervision report;

4. If the ppv exceeds the limit, or undue movement and settlement, or

undue groundwater fluctuation are found, all construction works shall be
ceased immediately and the Engineer shall be informed. The
construction works shall not be recommenced until remedial works are
submitted to Building Authority and found satisfactory.

8) CONCLUSION

This report has provided a review of how the geotechnical features in the
vicinity, such as retaining walls and/or slopes shown on the plan may affect,
or be affected by the proposed development and has discussed all the
relevant issues regarding the geotechnical assessment of the proposed
development.

This report has discussed all the relevant issues regarding the geotechnical
assessment of the proposed residential development at No.105 Robinson
Road, Mid-level west, Hong Kong I.L. 942.

The proposed final excavation profile will not exceed the Determined Bulk
Excavation Limit of Schedule Area No.1, and all slopes and retaining walls
affecting or being affected by the proposed works will be assessed, if
necessary, upgrading works will be proposed in detailed design stage.

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With reference to the preceding discussions, it is considered that the
proposed development is geotechnically feasible.

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