A2Z’s Impact on the Hai Van Tunnel Expansion Project: A Vital Artery of Central Vietnam
Within the expaned Đeo Ca Tunnel – National Highway 1 (Phu Yen – Khanh Hoa Province) Investment and Construction Project, the Hai Van road tunnel expansion component, situated in Thua Thien Hue Province and Đa Nang City, represents a pivotal transportation infrastructure endeavor. This project holds strategic significance in fostering connectivity among the dynamic economic zones of Central Vietnam.
Hai Van tunnel portals
Spanning 12.14 km, including a 6.29 km tunnel with the design speed up to 80 km/h and an aggregate investment of VND 21,612 billion, this project constitutes a special-grade road transportation infrastructure. It necessitates adherence to the most stringent technical standards and the assurance of safety for the operational Hai Van 1 tunnel situated adjacent to the expansion works. Notably, this marks the inaugural tunnel project of Vietnam where Vietnamese entities serve as both the primary investor and the construction contractor. The construction environment presents exceptional challenges, characterized by the simultaneous operation of an existing tunnel and the excavation of a parallel tunnel utilizing blasting techniques. Consequently, meticulous planning and design of blasting operations, including the establishment of detailed blasting plans, are paramount. Pilot blasts are essential to gather critical data, enabling the selection of an optimized blasting plan based on the empirical parameters obtained.
Supervising Tunnel Face Blasting Operations
Construction challenges – A true test for the supervision consulting team
Throughout the 37 months of construction, starting from April 13, 2017, the project faced a series of unique and complex difficulties. This became a comprehensive test of the supervision consulting team’s capabilities.
- First, the harsh natural conditions of Central Vietnam—with prolonged rainy seasons, erratic storms and floods, high humidity, and unstable geological foundations—directly impacted the progress and quality of tunnel construction. Specifically, sections passing through hills with fractured rock structures prone to landslides required high-level drilling, blasting, and reinforcement techniques, as well as continuous 24/7 supervision.
- Second, concurrent construction of the old and expanded tunnels posed significant challenges in terms of safety, traffic organization, and personnel coordination. While maintaining stable traffic flow through Hai Van 1 Tunnel, the supervision team also had to implement technical work at Hai Van 2 Tunnel. They had to rigorously inspect processes for dust control, vibration reduction, emissions and noise control, and ensure continuous access through the emergency tunnel, all to avoid affecting the traffic flowing through Hai Van 1 Tunnel.
Ministry of Transport Delegation Inspects Blasting Vibration During Hai Van 2 Tunnel Construction
- Third, the cramped construction space and limited lighting and ventilation posed significant demands on operating specialized equipment. Every aspect of the project, including tunnel excavation, installation of fire fighting systems, forced ventilation, lighting, surveillance cameras, and drainage, was meticulously monitored by the A2Z supervision consulting team. They ensured every detail met technical standards and labor safety regulations.
Installation of medium voltage electrical cables in cross-passage No. 8 wall area
- Finally, the multi-unit coordination among the consulting joint venture, contractors, investor, and local authorities was also a highlight, demonstrating the professionalism of A2Z. In a multi-party, multi-technical language environment, providing transparent, timely, and technically sound assessments was a decisive factor in ensuring the project ran efficiently, avoiding errors and disputes.
Inspection of the Hai Van Tunnel Monitoring System
These very difficulties became an opportunity for A2Z to demonstrate its professional prowess, resilience, and responsibility as the “gatekeeper” of quality for one of the most special, long, and complex national transport infrastructure projects in Vietnam and Southeast Asia – the Hai Van Road Tunnel.
Thanks to a systematic supervision process, a strict quality control system, and effective coordination with relevant parties, A2Z contributed to ensuring the project was completed ahead of schedule, with guaranteed quality and absolute safety.
Recognized Achievements – Commendations as Proof of Quality Commitment
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to consulting supervision for this project, A2Z JSC. and its key supervision consulting personnel were honored with commendations from the Minister of Transport and the Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee. This clearly demonstrates the professional capabilities, as well as its reputation and responsibility in every key national infrastructure project of A2Z.
State Acceptance Council Expert Team at the Meeting
A Reliable Partner in Consulting and Supervision for Tunnel, Bridge, and Road Projects
The successful completion of the Hai Van Tunnel expansion project confirms that A2Z is not only a leading infrastructure transportation design consultant but also a reputable construction supervision unit committed to the quality and safety of key infrastructure projects. With a team of experienced engineers, stringent control procedures, and meticulous attention to detail, A2Z is committed to continuing to collaborate with investors to create transportation infrastructure that is safe, sustainable, and modern.
By: Vu Lan Huong; Translation: Quang Anh
