Seacap Programme Update: Rural Road Surfacing Research in Vietnam

New cost effective ways of using locally available materials in rural road construction have been researched by Intech-TRL for the Vietnam Government, World Bank and DFID through two projects of the South East Asia Community Access Programme (SEACAP). The use of local resources is expected to enhance the affordability of roads and could provide a useful income for local enterprises to the benefit of local communities.

SEACAP 4 has investigated road deterioration at 766 road sites. It has found serious constraints to the use of gravel in most of the studied provinces due to factors relating to material quality, material availability, climate, terrain, drainage provision and maintenance.

Meanwhile the complementary SEACAP 1 research project has been investigating the effective use of alternative surfacing and pavement options. These include the use of stone, cement, lime, emulsion and brick in innovative and traditional ways to build low-cost sustainable roads in Vietnam.

Click here to read the full summary update of SEACAP 1 and 4, including an indication of results from the initial trial phase.

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