Problem

The Rù Rì Pass railway tunnel, located between Km1305+950 and Km1306+481 in Vĩnh Lương Commune, Nha Trang City, is part of the vital Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City railway line. Originally constructed in 1935, the tunnel has played a crucial role in connecting northern and southern Vietnam for nearly a century.

However, after decades of continuous use and exposure to harsh environmental conditions, the tunnel’s structural integrity has deteriorated—particularly at the slopes near both entrances. Years of weathering have weakened the surrounding rock and soil, raising serious concerns about slope stability and safety. These issues pose a threat not only to the tunnel itself but also to railway operations, increasing the risk of landslides, collapses, and service disruptions if left unaddressed.

Solution

To tackle the safety and stability challenges, the Zone 1 Railway Management Board—under Vietnam Railways—implemented a comprehensive slope protection strategy. The approach involved installing Steelgrid® HR30, a high-tensile steel mesh reinforced with anchor rods to stabilize and secure the weakened slopes.

In addition, the upper slope areas were treated with MacMat® HS, a polymer-based 3D geomat designed to enhance soil retention and control surface erosion. Together, these solutions provide a robust and long-term safeguard against rockfalls and landslides, ensuring the continued safety and performance of the Rù Rì Pass railway tunnel for years to come.