Registered Geotechnical Engineer (RGE) in Hong Kong

A Registered Geotechnical Engineer (RGE) is an engineer whose name is on the geotechnical engineers’ register kept by the Building Authority under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123). The register was set up by the Buildings (Amendment) Ordinance 2004. Since 31 December 2005, an RGE has had to be appointed for the geotechnical elements of building works, as section 4(1)(c) of the Ordinance requires. If your project involves site formation, excavation, foundations on sloping ground or ground investigation, expect an RGE on the team, and check the name on the Buildings Department (BD) register.

What an RGE does

• Geotechnical elements. The RGE is the person appointed for the geotechnical elements of the building works, alongside the Authorized Person who co-ordinates the works.
• Supervision. BD’s Code of Practice for Site Supervision 2009 says the Authorized Person, Registered Structural Engineer and RGE appointed for the works provide periodic supervision, and the registered contractor provides continuous supervision.
• Completion. When an occupation permit is applied for, the RGE certifies that the new building has been erected in accordance with the Ordinance, the regulations and the approved plans, and is geotechnically safe.

When an RGE is needed

The test is whether the building works have geotechnical elements. BD’s practice notes, such as APP-141 and APP-28, give examples where an RGE is required:

• site formation works;
• excavation works;
• foundation works on sloping ground; and
• ground investigation works in the Scheduled Areas.

For Class I minor works, BD says the prescribed building professionals are an Authorized Person and, if necessary, a Registered Structural Engineer and/or an RGE. Ask your Authorized Person whether your project needs one.

How an engineer qualifies

1. Prescribed qualification. The applicant must be a registered professional engineer (RPE) in the geotechnical discipline.
2. Hong Kong experience. Within the 3 years before the date of application, the applicant needs practical experience gained in Hong Kong for a continuous period of 1 year, of a kind the Registration Committee considers appropriate.
3. Committee examination. The Geotechnical Engineers Registration Committee assists the Building Authority in considering applications and examines each applicant. BD’s guidance notes on the RGE professional interview say applicants must show adequate practical experience and general knowledge of their profession, and a working knowledge of the Buildings Ordinance and allied matters.
4. Recommendation. A person is not included in the register unless they have the prescribed qualifications and the Registration Committee recommends them.
5. Registration period. BD’s registration FAQ says new registration, retention and restoration for APs, RSEs, RGEs and Registered Inspectors each run for 5 years.

The full rules are on BD’s building professionals page.

RGE, RSE and AP compared

See our guides to the Registered Structural Engineer and the professionals the Buildings Ordinance requires.

How to check an RGE

1. Ask for the engineer’s full name as registered.
2. Open the Buildings Department Registered Professionals or Contractors search and choose the geotechnical engineers’ register.
3. Check that the entry is current and matches the person named in your appointment.
4. Keep a dated note with your project records.

Common mistakes

• Treating the RSE as covering the ground. Structural and geotechnical elements are separate appointments on separate registers. One engineer can only fill both roles with an entry on each register.
• Leaving the question until late. Whether the works have geotechnical elements decides whether an RGE must be appointed. Raise it with your Authorized Person before the plans are drawn up.
• Asking an RGE to act on a window notice. An RGE is not on BD’s list of qualified persons for the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme, unless the same person also holds one of the listed registrations.
• Relying on an old registration. Registration runs for a fixed period. Check the register when you appoint, not a printout from an earlier project.

A firm’s brochure is not a registration. RGE status belongs to a named engineer. Our architecture directory lists practices from their own websites and does not confirm RGE appointments. ranked.hk is not the Buildings Department, and this guide is not legal advice.