In the heart of Vietnam, a technological revolution is unfolding on the Mai Son–NH45 expressway segment, promising to reshape the future of road construction and maintenance. At the forefront of this innovation is Chieu Xuan Luong, a researcher from the University of Transport and Communications, who is pioneering the use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to measure asphalt pavement density. His groundbreaking work, published in the Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures (translated from French as ‘Journal of Materials and Structures’) is set to redefine quality control and assurance in the construction industry, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The rapid development of expressways in Vietnam has highlighted the critical need for reliable and efficient quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) methods. Asphalt concrete (AC) is the go-to material for these projects due to its availability and favorable characteristics. However, the quality of the pavement directly impacts traffic safety and the longevity of the expressway. This is where Luong’s research comes into play.
Traditional methods of measuring in-situ density, which indicates the degree of compaction, are often time-consuming and can be destructive. Enter non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, which offer rapid, accurate, and extensive density measurements. Despite their advantages, NDT methods have not been widely adopted in Vietnam, leading to skepticism among users regarding their operational principles, accuracy, and reliability.
Luong’s study reviews global practices in NDT methods for measuring AC density, providing an in-depth analysis of current techniques and their relevance to road construction QC. “The potential of NDT methods is immense,” Luong explains. “They can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of quality control processes, ultimately leading to safer and more durable roads.”
One of the key tools in Luong’s research is the PaveTracker 2701, an NDT device that has shown promising results on the Mai Son–NH45 expressway. The equipment’s ability to quickly and accurately predict in-situ density makes it a game-changer for the construction industry. “The PaveTracker 2701 has demonstrated its potential for broader use in Vietnam,” Luong notes. “Its adoption could revolutionize the way we approach quality control and assurance in road construction.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the construction industry. For the energy sector, which relies heavily on efficient transportation networks, the adoption of NDT methods could lead to significant cost savings and improved safety. By ensuring the longevity and durability of expressways, NDT methods can reduce maintenance costs and minimize disruptions to energy transportation.
As Vietnam continues to invest in its infrastructure, the need for innovative and efficient QC and QA methods becomes increasingly important. Luong’s research, published in the Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures, offers a glimpse into the future of road construction, where technology and science converge to create safer, more durable, and cost-effective solutions. The adoption of NDT methods, as advocated by Luong, could very well be the key to unlocking this future, shaping the development of the construction and energy sectors in Vietnam and beyond.
