At Package XL-18 (Km 5+260 – Km 6+200), the construction progress is clearly differentiated between two main items: roadbed and viaduct structure. Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway Project is facing the biggest challenge from prolonged rains.
Roadbed: Mud slows down K98
In many areas of Package XL-18, the muddy and soggy ground after the rain has caused the roadbed construction to be halted, and many heavy machinery such as bulldozers, dump trucks, and road rollers have had to stay idle.
This directly affects the core technical standards of the expressway:
- Rough volume (K95) reached 60%: The roadbed earthwork work to achieve basic density K95 has completed 60% of the volume, showing that the project has created the basic route shape.
- K98 bottleneck only reached 12%: The volume of earth filling reaching K98 density (high standard, applied to load-bearing foundation layer) only reached 12%. To achieve 98% density, the contractor must control the soil moisture in optimal conditions, which is almost impossible when the construction site is submerged in mud.
The Director of the Trungnam E&C Executive Board (currently constructing package 18) said: “The soil cannot be filled. We still let our workers focus on the bridge part, but the persistent rain has slowed down the work.
Focus on installing overpass girders
Faced with the difficulties of the roadbed, the Joint Contractors of Package XL-18 proactively pivoted, focusing resources on the construction of the bridge section, which is less affected by flooding.
- Completion of Abutments: The construction units have completed the entire body and cap beam of the abutments. This superstructure is a solid foundation, given priority to ensure the uniformity of the project.
- Offset Production by Bridge Girders: The work of installing viaduct girders is being accelerated, having completed the installation of 9 out of 42 girder slabs, reaching a rate of 21%. Focusing on elevated works helps the contractor maintain the production and disbursement pace, while minimizing the negative impact of weather on the overall progress of the entire Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway.
Despite the weather difficulties, the Bien Hoa Vung Tau Expressway project still plays a key role in the Southern infrastructure network. Trungnam E&C and the team of engineers and workers at Package XL-18 are committed to continuing to stay at the construction site, working with the spirit of overcoming the sun and rain, contributing to the completion of the Bien Hoa Vung Tau Expressway, opening the route soon to help bring great economic and social benefits to the Southeast region.
