Case Study: Highway Road Shoulder Stabilization – Highway 16 near Saskatoon, Canada
Project Overview Lithic Industries applied T-PRO® polymer technology to stabilize road shoulders along Highway 16 near Saskatoon, Canada. A 1.5-meter-wide shoulder section was treated intermittently between paved asphalt segments to prevent aggregate displacement, edge softening, and surface deterioration caused by vehicles drifting off the main roadway.
Project Objectives The goal was to improve shoulder strength, enhance wear resistance, and ensure long-term motorist safety. Different polymer concentrations (0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% by weight) were tested and matched to varying levels of wear from vehicular traffic, precipitation, and shoulder shoving — optimizing both performance and cost-effectiveness.
The Challenge Road shoulders along Highway 16 experienced frequent shoving of aggregate, edge softening during rain, and surface deterioration from vehicles pulling off the road. This created hazardous conditions for trucks and cars, especially on curved sections, requiring frequent and costly maintenance.
The Lithic Solution T-PRO® was infused directly into the existing shoulder material at targeted concentrations of 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25%. After compaction, a topical seal coat was applied over the entire treated area. This created a strong, water-resistant polymer-stabilized shoulder with significantly improved shear strength and surface durability.
Proven Results
- Dramatically improved shoulder stability and wear resistance
- Reduced aggregate displacement and edge softening
- Enhanced motorist safety by maintaining consistent shoulder integrity
- Demonstrated a cost-effective, long-term, low-maintenance alternative to traditional shoulder repairs
Lithic Industries successfully proved that T-PRO® is an efficient and reliable solution for highway shoulder stabilization in real-world Canadian conditions.
Application Details
- Equipment Used: Milling Machine, Grader, Water Truck with Pressurized Spray Bar, Vibrating Pneumatic Roller
- Application Method: Infused polymer at 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.25% concentrations + topical seal coat at 115 ft²/gal
- Maintenance: Remove loose material from the shoulder surface and apply a light topical re-coat of T-PRO® at 110 ft²/gal as needed
Why Transportation Agencies Choose T-PRO® This Highway 16 project highlights why departments of transportation and highway authorities across North America trust Lithic Industries’ T-PRO® for road shoulder stabilization. It delivers superior shear strength, excellent water resistance, and long-term durability while reducing maintenance frequency and costs — all using the existing on-site materials.
Ideal for highway shoulders, rural roads, and high-traffic infrastructure projects where safety and longevity are critical.
Ready to strengthen your road shoulders with proven polymer technology? Contact Lithic Industries today to learn how T-PRO® can deliver safer, longer-lasting results for your highways.