Blending modern architectural technology with traditional bun tower designs, the new bun tower complies with international construction regulations and is safe from all adverse conditions including poor weather.

Perfect match: The design of the new bun tower blends traditional design with modern technology.

Structural expertise sought

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department's Structural Engineer Hedy Huang said the tower's concrete foundation was designed and built by the Architectural Services Department, while the steel frame was constructed by a contractor.

The design and construction of the steel frame have been certified by a registered structural engineer.

"We have consulted the Buildings Department and a number of professional bodies like the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers when setting out the specification of works and vetting the design and construction of the steel frame.

"The concerned professionals were satisfied with the construction after their site visit earlier."

Although there will be only 12 finalists competing in the bun scrambling contest on May 16, the steel frame was designed to support 16 people.

Building regulations

Ms Huang said the steel frame of the tower complies with:

* Hong Kong Building (Construction) Regulations;

* Code of Practice on Wind Effects of Hong Kong-1983; and,

* British Standard 5950 'Structural Use of Steelwork in Building'.

The tower design has also incorporated a lightning protection system. Mountaineering Union representatives declared the tower safe after a trial climbing session on April 20.

The union's Assessment Director Chan Ping-yu said tailor-made training courses will be provided to participants to enhance their climbing technique and safety awareness.

"Our training focuses on three elements, including the competition format and rules, operation of safety equipment and climbing methods," he said.

"Since most of the participants have little mountaineering knowledge and experience, our training will help them to know how to use the safety equipment which will keep them from falling."

Safety equipment

Mr Chan said the union will provide safety equipment for participants, including climbing ropes, self-locked ascenders and safety belts.

"When the participants are about to fall, the self-locked ascenders will automatically lock and keep the participants at their original positions. To ensure safety, we will also deploy four of our staff to monitor the competition. They will carry out rescue operations when necessary."

Noting the modified activity is more suitable for the public, Mr Chan believed participants should be able to manage the event, provided they are healthy and understand how to operate the equipment.