VAWR and Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group co-host strategic workshop on advanced steel piling technology for climate-resilient infrastructure

HANOI, September 21, 2026 – In response to the escalating impacts of climate change on national infrastructure, the Viet Nam Academy for Water Resources (VAWR) partnered with China’s Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group to host a landmark workshop on the application of hot-rolled steel sheet piling technology in water infrastructure and disaster prevention.

The high-level event gathered representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, project management units, and leading scientists from both nations.

VAWR's Director-General, Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Hoa, expressed deep appreciation to Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group for their collaboration. He outlined three core prerequisites for the successful adoption of this technology in Vietnam: Strict compliance with technical standards, reasonable pricing, and long-term operational stability. "Meeting these core factors will allow this technology to be widely replicated, delivering immense practical value to Vietnam's water sector," Prof. Hoa affirmed.

Co-chairing the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Bang, VAWR's Deputy Director-General, highlighted that modern water infrastructure requires superior durability and multi-purpose functionality. He noted that while advanced hot-rolled steel sheet piles may require a higher initial investment, their Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is remarkably beneficial. With lengths reaching up to 24 meters, high bending resistance, and the ability to be reused 5 to 10 times, this technology enables rapid flood-season construction, eliminates the need for extensive land clearance, and minimizes ecological disruption.

During the technical sessions, VAWR's researchers Dr. Dinh Xuan Trong and Dr. Dang Van Kien provided profound insights into Vietnam's severe riverbank erosion and degrading dyke systems. Highlighting the limitations of heavy, traditional concrete solutions on weak foundations, they advocated for lightweight, high-load steel piles. Furthermore, the integration of advanced "Press-in" technology offers a vibration-free, low-noise solution ideal for narrow terrains and slope protection. The experts recommended initiating pilot projects in high-risk areas across the Mekong and Red River Deltas, as well as mountainous regions like Da Lat and Sa Pa.

Representing Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group, Deputy General Manager Mr. Han Yakun showcased the exceptional international standards of their U and Z-shaped steel piles, proven effective in mega-projects such as the Suzhou River embankments and the Yangtze River dikes. Recognizing Vietnam's unique geological challenges, Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group proposed a comprehensive three-phase strategic partnership: Transitioning from material supply and technical support to joint research and ultimately achieving full technology localization. Crucially, Hebei Jinxi Iron and Steel Group committed to providing VAWR with free access to AI-driven calculation and construction control software. The Group also announced plans to establish a dedicated Technical Service, Warranty, and Training Center in Vietnam.

Concluding the highly productive workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Bang reiterated the massive potential of hot-rolled steel piling technology for Vietnam. However, he emphasized that to turn this potential into reality, the crucial next step is the urgent finalization of Vietnam's legal frameworks, technical standards, and unit price norms, ensuring the technology is applied effectively to the right geological targets.