On November 28th, 2025 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Construction held a meeting of the Advisory Council to evaluate and accept the results of the implementation of the National Standards Construction Research Science and Technology Task carried out by the Institute of Construction Materials, including 5 TCVNs: Construction pellets - Technical requirements: Part 2: Calcium silicate construction pellets; Part 3: Aggregate concrete construction pellets; Part 4: Autoclaved aerated concrete construction pellets; Part 5: Artificial stone construction pellets; Part 6: Natural stone construction pellets.
Director of the Department of Science, Technology, Environment and Construction Materials Le Trung Thanh - Chairman of the Council chaired the meeting with the participation of Council members and representatives of the research team.
At the meeting, representatives of the research team reported a summary of the purpose and method of developing the draft standards and clarified the basis for forming a new system of technical requirements. Accordingly, the above draft standards were compiled based on the European Standard EN 771, with reference to the American Standard ASTM and adjusted to suit the conditions of Vietnam.
The research team pointed out that currently Vietnam does not have standards on technical requirements for artificial and natural stone blocks; the current standard system lacks uniformity due to reference to many different sources; at the same time, international standards have appeared many important indicators that TCVN does not have such as frost resistance, thermal properties, capillary water absorption, moisture expansion coefficient, reaction to fire and water vapor permeability.
(1).jpeg)
Working scene.
Based on the above analysis, the research team emphasized that the development of a complete set of technical standards for masonry units is a mandatory requirement to meet the orientation of the national core standards system under Government Project 198.
The research team further noted that the draft standards have incorporated many new essential indicators for the five types of masonry units, including the moisture expansion coefficient, capillary water absorption, shear and bending adhesion strength, along with annexes detailing the schematics for sample cutting.
The impacts on stakeholders were clearly analyzed, including benefits for manufacturers in guiding product design and quality declaration; advantages for regulatory authorities in controlling the quality of products in circulation; clarity and consistency for testing units; and direct benefits for consumers in selecting materials.
During the implementation of the Task, the research team also conducted testing and practical verification of the application of the above draft standards, showing that most technical indicators are feasible and can be carried out using equipment and methods readily available in domestic laboratories, confirming that the set of standards is fully suitable for adoption and application.
During the discussion, Council members highly appreciated the research team’s efforts in systematizing, standardizing, and ensuring compatibility with international standards. They also suggested further clarifications on several aspects, including terminology, scope of application, classification methods, testing methods, and adjustments compared to the original standards. They agreed that the development of this complete set of standards will help harmonize the TCVN system for masonry units, providing a scientific and legal basis for the production, management, and use of building materials in the context of international integration.
Concluding the meeting, Council Chairman Le Trung Thanh acknowledged the quality of the report and the test results of the research team, and assessed that the national draft compiled by the Institute of Construction Materials had a scientific basis, was suitable for practice, and ensured harmony with international standards.
Thanh asked the research team to fully absorb the Council's opinions, paying attention to explaining the new indicators more clearly, reviewing the translation, completing the documentation, and finalizing the draft in a clear and unified direction, ensuring feasibility when applied in practice.
The Council unanimously voted to accept the Science and Technology Task with the five draft TCVN standards, with all rated as ‘Good’.