About
Visit Fee
Free
Highlights
In September 2023, a record-breaking rainstorm triggered a massive-scale landslide on the natural hillside above Yiu Hing Road, Shau Kei Wan. This incident, investigated by the Geotechnical Engineering Office, was notable for its extraordinary scale, with a total source volume of approximately 4,000 m3, nearly an order of magnitude larger than other incidents reported during the same storm.
The event involved two distinct types of failures: a shallow open hillslope translational debris avalanche and a massive, structurally controlled translational rockslide. The rockslide occurred along a basal failure plane formed by a persistent sheeting joint, highlighting the structural complexity of the event. The debris from the landslides caused varying degrees of damage to nearby facilities and completely blocked Yiu Hing Road for several months. This disruption highlighted the challenges posed by extreme weather events and the importance of a robust slope safety system.
This site visit will explore key findings and lessons learnt from the landslide investigation, offering insights into the causes and mechanism behind this unprecedented event. Participants will gain a better understanding of the geotechnical challenges and mitigation strategies necessary to effectively manage future massive-scale landslides.
This visit offers participants a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the ongoing works and observe the techniques and processes up close.
Safety Requirements
Personal protection equipment is no required for this visit.
Registration
The number of participants is strictly limited. Priority will be given to members of the AGS (HK). The number of attendees will be limited to 25 and the applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Successful applicants will be informed about 1 week before the event. CPD certificates will be provided. If you have any queries, please call Martin Yip at 6012 0019.
Book Prize
Professionals under 35 years of age are encouraged to submit a Book Prize Report (max. 500 words) on webinars and site visits arranged by AGS (HK).
Contributors to successful Book Prize Reports will be awarded a Book Prize that comprises of a book "Geology of Site Investigation Boreholes in Hong Kong" written by Chris Fletcher, and a coupon of HK$500 for Eslite Spectrum (誠品生活). The successful Book Prize Report will also be published on the AGS (HK) website to showcase your accomplishment.
Prior to report submission, please refer to the “The AGS Book Prize Reports – Assessment Framework”* on the AGS (HK) website. You may submit your Book Prize Report to our assessors by uploading the report file through the AGS (HK) website at https://www.ags-hk.org/book-prize. Should you have any questions, please contact us at agshk@meinhardt.com.hk.
*Link to the AGS Book Prize Reports – Assessment Framework:
https://www.ags-hk.org/_files/ugd/521a4c_b94496034732484687441cf4ed4d0bf9.pdf Event Flyer
Keywords: Natural Terrain Hazard
RECAP OF THE DAY
On 6 September 2025, the Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) undertook a technical site visit to the Yiu Hing Road landslide location — the scene of a major slope failure triggered by the record-breaking rainstorm of September 2023. The visit was facilitated by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), whose comprehensive investigation has yielded valuable insights into this significant event.
During the visit, CEDD presented their findings on the causes, failure mechanisms, and the impacts of the landslide on adjacent areas. They shared detailed rainfall analyses, boulder survey results, and an overview of the site’s geological conditions. CCTV footage recorded during the event provided a vivid visualization of the failure sequence, while LS-DYNA numerical simulations demonstrated the application of advanced modelling techniques in their study. CEDD also outlined the emergency repair works undertaken to protect public safety at the time of the incident.
This visit offered an excellent opportunity to enhance our understanding of real-world landslide investigations, gain exposure to state-of-the-art analytical methods, and appreciate the swift engineering response required in extreme weather events. AGS extends sincere thanks to CEDD for their comprehensive presentation and for generously sharing their expertise.
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Reference materials
Download the presentation slides and other reference materials below.
