Journey No. 8: DAU TIENG RESERVOIR – THE “WATER LUNGS” OF SOUTHERN VIETNAM AND THE MISSION TO REINFORCE SUSTAINABILITY 
Journeying back to the late 20th century, Bachy Soletanche Vietnam took its pioneering steps in hydraulic infrastructure. As the largest man-made reservoir in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, Dau Tieng is a vital “lifeline,” providing irrigation and domestic water for millions in Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City. To ensure this “inland sea” remains secure against immense hydrostatic pressure, BSV implemented specialized geotechnical solutions to address critical seepage challenges within the dam body.
Project Description:
Construction period: Executed in 3 phases (Sep 1999 – Nov 1999; Jul 2000 – Oct 2000; Nov 2000 – Dec 2000).
Scope of Work:-
Rehabilitation and upgrade of the irrigation system: Main Dam, Suoi Da Auxiliary Dam, and Canal No. 1 & 2.
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Construction of deep Cut-off Walls for seepage control.
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Grouting for ground reinforcement and complex technical joint sealing.
Technical Specifications:-
Cut-off Wall: 0.6m width; 33m average depth.
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Total Volume: Over 14,400 m³ (including 11,768 m³ at the Main Dam and 2,668 m³ at Suoi Da Auxiliary Dam).
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Grouting: Nearly 700m of total drilling; 236 m³ of grout volume injected.
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Specialized Engineering: Seamless integration of cut-off walls with existing sheet piles and culvert systems to ensure absolute watertightness.
Technical Highlights:-
The cement-bentonite cut-off wall solution effectively eliminated seepage through the dam, ensuring the safety of downstream communities.
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High-pressure Grouting at critical nodes (Canal No. 1 & 2) established a robust structural bond across the dam.
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Executed while the reservoir remained fully operational, requiring stringent quality control and safety management.
Execution of the 33m-deep Cut-off wall along Canal No. 1, providing a definitive solution for water seepage and ensuring absolute safety for the downstream areas.
Legacy & Impact:While skyscrapers define modern skylines, hydraulic projects like Dau Tieng Reservoir exemplify Bachy Soletanche Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure. After more than 25 years, these “silent shields” continue to operate reliably, preserving water resources and protecting the livelihoods of millions.
Thousands of cubic meters of seepage control walls were constructed daily to reinforce the structural integrity and sustainability of the Dau Tieng reservoire.
Looking across the horizon of this massive reservoir, have you ever considered the engineering that keeps such a vast body of water stable for decades? These seepage control walls, reaching dozens of meters underground, are the “invisible guardians” of our regional ecosystem.
Share your thoughts below if you are interested in the engineering behind these “invisible yet indispensable” infrastructures!Bachy Soletanche Vietnam – Build On Us
