VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City plans to build a series of cement concrete roads, in order to make use of the local sources of cement and the lifespan of roads will be higher than the asphalt roads.

By 2015, Ho Chi Minh City plans to build 1,540 roads and upgrade 13 intersections along National Highway 22 and four intersections on National Highway 1A.

In the period of 2016-2020, the city will build 48 routes and upgrade the roads of Le Duc Tho, Duong Quang Ham (Go Vap district), Tran Binh Trong (District 5), Dang Thuc Vinh (Hoc Mon), Phan Van Hon (Tan Binh), Highway 80, Vuon Lai, To Ngoc Van, Ha Duy Phien roads.

Caption: Cement concrete roads are considered to have longer lifespan than asphalt roads.

Since 2009, the Ministry of Construction has established the project "Use of cement in the construction of transport infrastructure" and this project was supported by the Ministry of Transport. The two ministries signed the action plan on enhancing the use of cement used in the construction of transport infrastructure.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the use of cement in construction will contribute to developing internal resources, promoting social and economic development, and reducing trade deficit because exporting cement is exporting electricity and coal at cheap price. According to the Ministry of Construction, although cement concrete roads require good road-beds, but its advantage is the life expectancy could reach 20-30 years, while it is over ten years for asphalt works.

Related to the construction of cement concrete roads, last August the Ministry of Transport issued the temporary regulations on construction techniques and testing of cement concrete roads.

However, some experts said that the construction of the cement concrete roads will be more costly than asphalt. In addition, the biggest drawback is the gap between concrete pieces. Therefore, cement concrete roads will not be smooth as asphalt roads. As for the grip, cement concrete roads have stronger grip than asphalt roads, which will cause rapid tire wear.

As being reported by the Ministry of Construction, the rate of cement concrete roads in the country accounts for only 3.1 percent. The main advantage of cement concrete roads is durable, suitable for the wet climate in Vietnam. However, construction costs and initial investment in equipment is high and it is difficult to repair when roads are damaged.

In 2012, the cement industry has a designed capacity of about 70 million tons, with expected output of 60-62 million tons. Meanwhile, domestic demand is estimated at 47-48 million tons, exports of 7-8 million tons. Thus, the amount of excess cement this year is about 6 million tons.

In Vietnam, cement concrete roads have been built since the 70s, for example Xuan Hoa - Vinh Phuc road. After more than 30 years of construction, this road is still in good condition. Many countries around the world are using cement in building transport infrastructure.

Compiled by S. Tung