In the early years of the 21st century, when the concept of Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) gravity dams was still unfamiliar to the Vietnamese construction industry, Construction Joint Stock Company 47 (CC47) dared to lead the trend, boldly adopting and mastering this technology. This choice not only demonstrated a pioneering spirit but also marked a major turning point for the domestic irrigation and hydropower sectors.
This breakthrough was first marked at the Định Bình Reservoir project – where CC47 was responsible for constructing an RCC gravity dam 52.3 meters high, 611.25 meters long, and 9 meters wide at the crest, with a total concrete volume of 432,500 m³. For the first time in Vietnam, RCC was applied on a large scale, bringing numerous outstanding advantages: shortened construction time, significant reduction in cement consumption, minimized thermal cracking in the concrete mass, lower costs compared to traditional concrete, and increased mechanization levels. More than just a new technology, RCC was proof that CC47 had the capability to adopt, implement, and optimize modern technical solutions to suit domestic construction conditions.
From the success of Định Bình, CC47 established a unique position as the contractor with the largest number of RCC projects in Vietnam. These include: Irrigation works: Định Bình (Gia Lai Province (formerly Binh Dinh)), Nước Trong (Quảng Ngãi Province – crest length 517.5 m, maximum dam height 69 m, total excavation volume 1,827,000 m³ of soil and rock), Tân Mỹ (at the time of construction, the storage capacity of the Tân Mỹ Reservoir headworks equaled the combined total of all 21 other reservoirs in Ninh Thuận Province – crest length 650 m, maximum dam height 39 m, total excavation volume 202,000 m³), Đồng Mít (Class I project, Group A investment, with total investment exceeding VND 2,140 billion, approved by the Prime Minister for investment in the Gia Lai Province (formerly Binh Dinh) – main dam length 353 m, constructed with RCC, maximum height 66.5 m); Hydropower works: Đồng Nai 4 (Lam Dong Province (formerly Dak Nong) – crest length 565 m, maximum dam height 127.5 m, total excavation volume 7,281,911 m³ of soil and rock), Trung Sơn (Thanh Hoa Province – capacity 260 MW, a multi-purpose reservoir and dam that not only generates electricity but also helps control floods, with a permanent flood control volume of 112 million m³).
Each RCC gravity dam project has not only been a technical achievement but also a testament to CC47’s large-scale capability and enduring determination. Building on this foundation, the company has steadily conquered more advanced technologies – from being crowned the “King of Tunnel Construction” to becoming the “Pioneer with the Most RCC Gravity Dam Projects in Vietnam.”
Over half a century of formation and growth, CC47 has traveled a persistent journey, building a solid foundation for major advancements. In the era of national progress, the company aims to conquer key sectors such as renewable energy, irrigation, and transportation infrastructure – affirming the Vietnamese brand on the global stage. The 50-year journey is not only a proud milestone but also a message to future generations of leaders: “Every great success begins with thorough preparation and a solid foundation.” With the aspiration to “Transform Breakthroughs – Reach International Heights,” CC47 is ready to write the next promising chapters.
Some remarkable images of RCC gravity dam projects constructed by CC47:
Định Bình Reservoir – the first project in Vietnam constructed using RCC gravity dam technology
RCC Gravity Dam – Headworks of Định Bình Reservoir
RCC Gravity Dam – Đồng Mít Reservoir, upstream view
RCC Gravity Dam – Headworks of Nước Trong Reservoir
RCC Gravity Dam – Tân Mỹ Irrigation Project
RCC Gravity Dam – Đồng Nai 4 Hydropower Plant
RCC Gravity Dam – Trung Sơn Hydropower Plant
C47