Hanoi lists a series of reasons why sidewalk stones quickly break

According to the Hanoi Department of Construction, shortcomings in design survey documents, stone quality, construction and maintenance processes are the reasons why some natural stone sidewalks are damaged.

Ha Noi neu loat nguyen nhan khien da lat via he nhanh vo nat hinh anh 1 — Paved sidewalks in Hanoi. (Photo: Manh Khanh/VNA)

Implementing the direction of the City People's Committee on rectifying investment and managing sidewalks after investment on streets in the city, the Hanoi Department of Construction has just made preliminary assessments on the causes leading to some sidewalk sections being peeled off, cracked, and broken.

According to the Hanoi Department of Construction, based on inspection results, it was found that in some districts, the survey and design of sidewalk renovation projects by many units did not have complete geological information and current sidewalk usage status.

Many projects do not have detailed designs for solutions to technical infrastructure joints, underground works, lamp posts, and tree roots.

In addition, many project documents do not clearly state the basis and criteria for calculating the size of paving stones based on the characteristics and usage requirements of each street. This leads to the situation where the size ratio of paving stones (thickness compared to length and width) in some projects is not suitable.

In some projects, the survey and assessment of the stone material supply source is not complete and detailed enough to serve as a basis for selecting stone types with appropriate technical requirements, ensuring design criteria. Some paving stones do not ensure the ability to withstand bending force and abrasion according to national technical standards.

Regarding the existence of problems in construction process, techniques and supervision, according to the Hanoi Department of Construction, some streets have invested in paving sidewalks but the technical infrastructure is not yet synchronized.

During use, the underground drainage, electricity, and telecommunications units did not meet technical standards when returned, leading to damage and deterioration of the project.

The Hanoi Department of Construction also said that some streets with paved sidewalks are deteriorating due to poor maintenance and preservation after paving. There are cases where sidewalks are immediately used by people and vehicles, causing the paving stones to easily peel off and crack.

Based on the identified shortcomings, the Hanoi Department of Construction has made recommendations to remedy the situation of damaged sidewalks after investment.

The Hanoi Department of Construction requested the Hanoi People's Committee to direct districts - as investors, managers and users of sidewalks - to enhance their responsibility in checking, reviewing and providing materials with high bending strength, thickness and suitability for each street.

On the other hand, localities need to focus on researching and immediately implementing solutions to overcome existing problems in sidewalk renovation and management according to the requirements of the Hanoi Department of Construction.

A few years ago, the sidewalks of some streets in the capital were paved with natural stone, which was estimated to last up to 70 years.

However, reality shows that after only a few years of use, some sidewalks on many streets in Hanoi have shown serious deterioration, causing public outrage./.

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