Inside Ho Chi Minh City’s geological survey to widen National Route 13 to 60 meters at nearly VND20.7 trillion

Geological drilling is now visible along Ho Chi Minh City’s National Route 13, where the road expansion project is moving into a more intensive survey phase after its Aug. 29 groundbreaking ceremony.

Thanh Nien reporters recorded about six drilling sites on the stretch from Binh Trieu Bridge to Binh Phuoc Intersection in Hiep Binh Ward on Sept. 6. Workers erected drilling rigs, placed markers and extracted soil samples for the project’s design and construction work.

At borehole LK63, in front of Nhon Hoa Scale Manufacturing Company, 28-year-old field technician Phuc carefully recorded technical data. The drilling began on the afternoon of Sept. 3 and had reached 70 meters by the time of the report. The planned depth is 76 meters. Between 70 and 76 meters, the team will collect samples every two meters and conduct tests on site, sending the technical results to the design office to calculate the most suitable construction method.

The survey also depends on careful sample preservation. Intact soil samples are sealed at both ends with plastic and specialized tape, then stored in galvanized aluminum tubes. Loose soil and sand are sealed in dedicated plastic bags to retain their original moisture. Workers also inspect and lubricate the equipment before bringing it to the site so the machinery can operate smoothly and keep pace with the wider project.

Along sections where land has already been cleared, Ho Chi Minh City is mobilizing machinery and workers to speed up construction preparations. Residents who have not yet handed over their properties are also dismantling their houses to make way for the road expansion.

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According to calculations and records from the design team, this borehole needs to reach an expected depth of 76 meters. From about 70 to 76 meters, we collect soil samples every two meters and conduct tests on site. All technical data will be sent immediately to the design office as a basis for calculating the most optimal construction method.