On the morning of April 10, at the University of Transport and Communications (UTC), the Department of Road Engineering – Faculty of Civil Engineering, in collaboration with Asphalt Distribution Company Ltd. (ADCo), successfully organized a scientific seminar titled "Research and Application of Asphalt Pavement Technologies Suitable for Hanoi and Surrounding Provinces."

This seminar was part of a meaningful cooperative activity aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between UTC and TIPCO/COLAS Group in November 2024.

Picture 1: Seminar Overview

The event was honored to welcome representatives from government agencies such as the Vietnam Road Administration and the Department of Science, Technology, Environment and Building Materials (Ministry of Construction), as well as representatives from leading corporations and consultants in the transportation and construction industry including Deo Ca Group, Son Hai Group, CIENCO 4, Ha Thanh Concrete JSC, Corporation 36, TEDI Consulting, TECCO 5, and Thang Long Construction Quality Supervision Consulting JSC, among others.

From the academic and research institutions, the seminar was delighted to host professors, associate professors, scientists, and lecturers from the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) and the University of Transport Technology (UTT).

Picture 2: Representatives from VRD, UTC and ADCo

During the seminar, researchers, managers, and businesses exchanged experiences, shared the latest research findings, and presented successful applications of asphalt pavement materials suitable for the Hanoi region and its surroundings. Participants highly appreciated the focus on research and implementation of pavement materials that align with the unique characteristics of urban areas like Hanoi.

Picture 3: ADCo introduced EAP at the seminar

ADCo introduced sustainable and environmentally friendly road construction solutions in Vietnam, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 in alignment with COP26 goals. The highlight was EcoPrime^®, a cationic asphalt prime coat emulsion (EAP) designed for prime coat applications in accordance with TCVN 14270:2024. This product is a green alternative to traditional MC-70 cutback asphalt, offering high penetration on base layers, fast drying time for accelerated construction schedules, and safe, ambient-temperature application that is eco-friendly.

The seminar also highlighted the potential for wider adoption of EcoPrime^®, helping reduce costs, accelerate project timelines, and minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health. The product now has full legal backing with the publication of TCVN 14270:2024 by the Ministry of Science and Technology and associated construction cost norms issued by the Ministry of Construction.

Picture 4: ADCo introduced Microsurfacing at the seminar

In addition, ADCo presented the Microsurfacing preventive maintenance technology using EcoGrip^® quick-breaking polymer emulsion. With benefits like fast application, convenience, and traffic reopening within 1–1.5 hours (daytime), the technology has been practically applied in projects on National Highway 21B (Nam Dinh), DT741 (Binh Duong), and Vo Tran Chi Road (Ho Chi Minh City). Post-operation inspections showed stable surface conditions with high skid resistance, good water resistance, and structural protection. Ho Chi Minh City is now considering large-scale adoption of this technology on inner-city roads.

From UTC, Dr. Trần Danh Hợi presented on “Pavement Temperature and Selection of Suitable Asphalt Binders for Hanoi,” applying PG classification to ensure binder selection is compatible with local climate and traffic conditions.

Dr. Tran Thi Cam Ha shared her research on high-class flexible pavement structures using bitumen-stabilized crushed stone base layers and semi-open graded asphalt concrete. Her study revealed that dense-graded asphalt concrete outperformed semi-open-graded mixtures (BTN25) in terms of Marshall stability and dynamic/static modulus, offering cost optimization and extended pavement life.

Closing the seminar, the ADCo/Colas Group introduced advanced and sustainable pavement technologies:

• Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology for lower mixing temperatures and energy savings
• Plant-based binder technologies to reduce carbon emissions
• High-performance, durable structures such as Betoflex, Colsave, Coldraine, using Colflex® polymer-modified binders, extending service life and reducing maintenance and material costs
• Recycling technologies like Recycol and Easycold, suitable for Vietnam, helping reduce carbon emissions and meet COP26 climate commitments.

Participants engaged in lively discussions, offering valuable insights and opening up new perspectives on materials that are tailored to the unique needs of Hanoi’s urban infrastructure and neighboring areas.

ADCo sincerely thanks all delegates, experts, lecturers, and business representatives for their meaningful contributions to the success of this scientific seminar.

Source: ADCo-UTC