Roads Quality

Asphalt is a very important material in the construction of road infrastructure. In Vietnam, most highways use asphalt as the main material because it is more economical than concrete. Unfortunately, poor asphalt quality is a serious problem in many regions. This not only affects the comfort of drivers, but also the safety and government budget that is swollen due to continuous repairs.

There are several factors that can affect the quality of asphalt, from raw materials to the installation process. Here are some of the main factors that are often found in cases of poor asphalt quality:

• Poor Raw Material Quality
  Asphalt consists of a mixture of bitumen and aggregates such as gravel, sand, or stone. If these raw materials are of low quality, the resulting asphalt will not be strong and durable. For example, the bitumen used may have a high sulfur content, which makes the asphalt more easily damaged when exposed to heat or water.

• Improper Mixture Use
  In mixing asphalt materials, the proportion of bitumen and aggregate must be strictly observed. The use of an inappropriate mixture, such as too little bitumen, will cause the asphalt to crack quickly. Conversely, if too much bitumen is used, the road surface can become slippery and dangerous for drivers.

• Non-standard installation
  Asphalt installation must be carried out with the right techniques and procedures. Otherwise, the asphalt can quickly become damaged. For example, installing asphalt when the weather is not supportive, such as when it rains, can cause the asphalt not to stick well to the road surface. In addition, the use of inappropriate heavy equipment can also cause uneven asphalt thickness.

• Lack of Supervision in Construction Projects
  One of the biggest problems in various regions is the weak supervision of the road construction process. Developers often ignore quality standards in order to pursue greater profits, such as by using cheaper but low-quality materials. This causes roads to quickly deteriorate and require repairs in a short time.

• Corruption in Project Procurement and Implementation
  Corruption is often the root of the problem of poor asphalt quality in Vietnam. The budget that should be used to purchase high-quality materials or to pay professional workers is often corrupted. This makes road construction or repair projects careless and far from the expected standards.

Poor asphalt quality not only impacts uncomfortable road conditions, but also affects various aspects of people's lives. Here are some of the impacts of poor asphalt quality:

• Rider Safety is Threatened
  Roads damaged by poor asphalt quality increase the risk of accidents. Potholes, cracks, or bumpy roads are very dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. Riders who are not aware of road conditions can have serious accidents. In addition, slippery roads due to excessive use of bitumen are also a frequent cause of accidents, especially when it rains.

• Increased Vehicle Maintenance Costs
  Poor road conditions force drivers to carry out vehicle maintenance frequently. Suspension, tires, and other important parts of the vehicle wear out more quickly when they continuously pass through potholes or uneven roads. This will certainly increase the economic burden on the community who have to spend more money to repair their vehicles.

• Hampered Economy
  Poor quality roads can slow down the distribution of goods and services. For example, vehicles carrying goods will experience more frequent damage or delays due to inadequate road conditions. This can disrupt the supply chain, cause goods prices to become more expensive, and reduce the competitiveness of a region.

• Increasing Infrastructure Development Costs
  Roads that are quickly damaged due to the use of poor quality asphalt require more frequent repairs. This means that government budgets that could have been allocated for the development of other infrastructure, such as schools or hospitals, must be used to repair damaged roads. In the long term, this is a huge waste that has an impact on economic development and community welfare.

• Inhibiting Development in Underdeveloped Areas
  In underdeveloped areas, road quality greatly affects local economic growth. If the asphalt used is of poor quality, roads in the area will quickly deteriorate and make access difficult. This certainly inhibits the mobility of people and goods, and reduces investment opportunities in the area.

To overcome the problem of poor asphalt quality, a holistic and comprehensive approach is needed. Here are some solutions that can be done to improve asphalt quality:

• Selection of Quality Raw Materials
  The government and contractors must be more selective in choosing raw materials. The bitumen and aggregates used must meet the established quality standards. In addition, further research is needed to find asphalt mixtures that are more durable and environmentally friendly.

• Strict Supervision in the Construction Process
  Stricter supervision from the authorities is needed to ensure that every road construction project uses the right materials and follows proper installation procedures. The use of technology such as sensors and drones to monitor road construction projects can also be a solution to increase transparency and accountability.

• Improving Workforce Competence
  Asphalt installation requires high technical skills. Therefore, there needs to be training for workers in the road construction sector so that they can work according to the established standards. With this increase in competence, the results of the work will be of higher quality and in accordance with expectations.

• Transparency in Project Procurement
  Corruption in the procurement of road construction projects must be eradicated by strengthening the transparency and accountability system. The government must ensure that all procurement processes are carried out openly, and any violations of the law must be dealt with firmly. Thus, the available budget can be fully utilized to obtain the best results.

• More Regular Road Maintenance
  In addition to repairing damaged roads, maintenance of existing roads must also be carried out regularly. The government needs to repair minor damage to the road before the problem gets bigger, so that repair costs do not increase. This will also extend the life of the road and reduce the need for frequent major repairs.

Poor asphalt quality is a serious problem that affects various aspects of people's lives. In addition to endangering the safety of drivers, poor road quality also has an impact on the economy, public welfare, and the state budget. By addressing the factors causing poor asphalt quality and implementing comprehensive solutions, it is hoped that road infrastructure development in Vietnam can be better in the future. Transparency, strict supervision, and the use of quality materials are the main keys to ensuring that roads that are built can last longer and provide maximum benefits to the community.

Asphalt roads are generally considered more economical than concrete roads, especially in terms of initial construction costs. Here are some reasons why asphalt is more economical than concrete roads:

• Lower Installation Costs
  Asphalt road installation usually costs less than concrete. This is because asphalt raw materials are cheaper and the installation process is faster and easier, which reduces labor costs and the use of heavy equipment.

• Faster Work Time
  Asphalt can be installed and ready to use faster than concrete. Because the work time is shorter, operational costs such as labor and equipment rental are also more economical.

• Easier and Cheaper Maintenance
  If the asphalt road experiences damage such as cracks or holes, repairs are relatively cheaper and easier than concrete roads. Damaged parts can be repaired without having to replace the entire surface, so the maintenance budget can be more efficient.

• Flexibility in Use
  Asphalt is more elastic and can adapt to changes in weather and traffic loads, making it suitable for use in various geographic conditions. Although asphalt's durability is shorter than concrete, its cheaper repair costs make it a more economical choice in the short term.

However, it is important to remember that while asphalt roads are more economical in the short term, concrete roads have several advantages in the long term. Concrete is more durable and requires less frequent maintenance. In areas with heavy vehicle loads, such as highways or ports, concrete roads may be more economical due to their longer service life and greater resistance to heavy vehicle stress.

Asphalt roads are indeed more economical than concrete roads in terms of initial cost and ease of maintenance. However, long-term considerations, such as the need for more frequent maintenance, must be taken into account. Concrete may be more expensive up front, but it offers better durability in some conditions, especially for roads that are subject to heavy loads on a regular basis.