Evaluation of physical, chemical and geological properties of dimension stones for suitability to be used as facade, pavement, or claddings. Among the tested attributes are petrography, bulk density, water absorption, elemental chemistry, stains and water repellence, slip resistance.
Selected former clientsSwire Property Management, Inhibit Hong Kong, HongKong Land, Gammon Construction Ltd.
Pricing
A. Geological assessment of stone samplesGeneral inspection and assessment of slab samples or stone cladding on-site for rock type, minerals, texture, and geological structures or features that may adversely affect strength.Sample: slab ≥ 300×300×15 mm · Deliverable: report in 2 weeks
HK$10,000per stone — free with petrographic study on same stone
B. Physical parameters determinationDetermination of density, water absorption, and porosity according to ASTM C97.Sample: 2 blocks, 50×50×30 mm per stone · Deliverable: report in 2 weeks
HK$8,000per stone
C. Petrographic study of the stone samplesPetrographic determination of stone according to ASTM-1721, including microscopic analysis. At least two thin sections are made from each stone in orthogonal directions.Sample: 2 blocks, 50×50×30 mm per stone · Deliverable: report in 6 weeks
HK$15,000per stone — HK$10,000 per additional stone
D. Geochemical determinationDetermination of elemental abundances for identification of rock type and estimate of iron oxide composition, using powder X-ray fluorescence method.Deliverable: report in 4–6 weeks
HK$15,000per stone — HK$10,000 per additional stone
E. Stain and water repellenceAssessment of the stone's ability to resist against common staining agents and water.Sample: 300×300×15 mm slab · Deliverable: report in 2 weeks
HK$10,000per stone — HK$5,000 per additional stone
F. Slip resistance testOn-site measurement of slip resistance according to ANSI B101.3 — normally 5 readings per measurement, 4 measurements per stone in different directions.On-site measurement
HK$10,000per stone — HK$2,000 per additional stone, same venue
Services A and F can be performed on installed stone on-site. An additional HK$800/hour is charged for on-site assessment — normally about 2 hours per visit.
Contents development for museums
Advise on contents and curation of geological and fossil museums. Previous projects include consulting services to Nina Park (wood fossil museum), Tram Museum (display on K-Pg boundary and rock samples), and Stephen Hui Geological Museum (Minerals), as well as docent and curation training.
Geological training and reports
Organize and plan excursion itinerary, field stops and academic contents for local and overseas trips. Previous excursions have been organized to localities across Asia, including China, Tibet, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, North America, Cyprus, Italy, Iceland, Greenland, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.
Geophysical and geological consultation
Provision of specialized services to procure geological and geophysical projects. Examples include the production of 2 volumes on Hong Kong's natural and ecological environments for Hong Kong Chronicles Center, commissioned study on quarrying history, survey of radon levels in households, and field trials of applications of geophysics techniques to ground investigation and environmental assessments. Techniques trialed include seismic (surface wave, HVSR etc.), electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, infrared thermography, and ground radar.
Selected case studies
Fossil Park revitalization consultancy — Chinachem Group, 2018
Geophysical techniques for detection of voids — Drainage Services Department
Geological study of archaeological artefacts — Antiquities and Monuments Office, LCSD, HKSAR
Feasibility study of geophysical void detection near water mains under highways — Water Services Department, HKSAR
Shatin to Central Link (South) — ground investigation, geophysical survey & in-situ testing — KCRC
Downhole radiometric survey — Kwai Chung
Geophysical study at Penny's Bay, Lantau Island — Vibro (HK) Ltd.
GPR survey of airport runway — Hong Kong Airport Authority
Natural terrain risk area study, Tung Chung East–Mount Johnson North — Geotechnical Engineering Office, HKSAR
Geophysical study of pavement condition — Scott Wilson (Malaysia)
