Chek Lap Kok, one of the major international airports in the region, is hitting its limits of passenger and freight capacity. To execute the vision of the HK government to develop the HK International Airport into an engine of growth for the territory, a major extension of the airport is now underway. The contract includes the construction of nine aircraft parking stands and seven maintenance stands, realignment of Taxiway N, commissioning of the existing Western Vehicular Tunnel to provide access to the new Western Apron and extension of the existing aviation fuel system from the Fuel Tank Farm to the Western Apron. The works will comprise airfield/apron pavements and systems, tunnel E&M services, access ramps, road works, drainage, utilities and aviation fuel system.
 
Fujita – Sun Fook Kong Joint Venture was awarded contract P546 for the Western Apron Expansion Works by the Airport Authority Hong Kong and subcontracted part of the foundation work to Falcon Engineering. Since September 2012 Falcon has six ICE hammers working on the Western Apron Expansion Midfield Concourse, making this project a key success story for ICE in the territory. Falcon purchased two 416L units, leases another three 416L units from ICE dealer Face Machinery as well as renting one 815C to assists with heavy driving applications.
 
Chap Lek Kok was built on land reclaimed from the sea. This means that the top soil layers are sandy, with underlying clay layers. High frequency hydraulic vibratory hammer are well suited to these conditions. The job requires 24m sheet piles to be driven into the soil. This task is easily handled by the 416L, but in places where the driving is more difficult Falcon has used the 815C as a power tool.
 
The 416L weighs in at a mere 4390 Kg which means that it offers a working range of 20 meters when lifted by a 50t crane. The wide operating range reduces the need for repositioning of the crane along the jobsite and means Falcon can reach higher efficiency. The 416L’s narrow throat width allows for agile maneuvering in between sheet piles, while the 400PP C9 Caterpillar engine is equipped with the latest fuel saving technology.
 
The hammers have worked continuously through all kinds of weather conditions, with only routine maintenance such as exchanging filters and seal kits performed. Clamps are carefully monitored for wear on the jaw plates to ensure maximum grip and transfer of centrifugal force to the pile. With strict project time tables imposed for the job, zero equipment down time has helped Falcon reach its objectives.

Falcon was established in 1995 and has extensive experience in foundation engineering. The P546 contract is carried out by the Fujita - Sun Fook Kong Joint venture.  Fujita was founded in Hiroshima Japan in 1910 and has extensive experience in construction and urban renewal. Fujita has office across Asia. SFK was founded in 1948 and is engaged in building construction, civil engineering, maintenance and propery management. SFK Group's extensive portfolio boasts an impressive range of major developments and demonstrates our long-standing relationship with major clients in Hong Kong and Macau.