Polymer Soil Stabilization for All-Weather Access Roads – Madain Saleh UNESCO World Heritage Site
Project Overview Lithic Industries applied advanced polymer soil stabilization to construct a durable, all-weather unpaved access road serving Madain Saleh, one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located approximately 300 km from Madinah, the project transformed locally available desert soil into a stable, high-performance surface while protecting the sensitive archaeological and environmental setting.
Project Objectives The primary goal was to create a reliable, all-weather access road using native soil materials. The stabilized road needed to maintain structural integrity in both dry and wet conditions, support visitor traffic, and meet the strict environmental and preservation standards required for a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Challenge Traditional untreated desert soils in the region lose virtually all structural integrity when exposed to moisture. Laboratory testing showed that soaked untreated samples completely dissolved and recorded zero unconfined compressive strength (UCS). This made conventional construction methods unsuitable for an all-weather road in this environmentally sensitive location.
The Polymer Soil Stabilization Solution Lithic Industries infused a high-performance polymer soil stabilization technology directly into the local soil at a 0.75% concentration, followed by a topical seal coat. This approach created a water-resistant, polymer-stabilized matrix that dramatically improved soil performance without the need to import expensive aggregates.
Proven Results Laboratory testing confirmed significant engineering improvements:
- 18% increase in California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value compared to untreated soil
- 74% improvement in dry unconfined compressive strength (UCS)
- Wet UCS of 471 psi for polymer-treated samples (untreated soil dissolved completely when soaked)
The superior performance and environmental compatibility of this polymer soil stabilization method led the Saudi Ministry of Works to accept it as a preferred construction approach for sensitive heritage areas.
Application Details
- Equipment Used: Grader, Water Truck with Hose Attachment, 10-ton Single Drum Vibrating Compactor
- Application Method: Polymer infusion at 0.75% concentration + topical seal coat at 100 ft²/gallon
- Maintenance: Remove loose surface material and apply a light topical re-coat as necessary
Why Leading Organizations Choose Polymer Soil Stabilization This UNESCO World Heritage project demonstrates why government agencies, ministries of transportation, and environmental authorities worldwide are turning to modern polymer soil stabilization for heritage sites, remote access roads, national parks, and eco-sensitive infrastructure. It delivers exceptional strength gains, water resistance, and long-term durability using local materials while minimizing environmental impact and maintenance costs.
T-PRO® is one of the most effective and widely recognized polymer stabilization technologies available, offering proven results in some of the world’s most demanding conditions.
Ready to Build Stronger, More Sustainable Roads? Contact Lithic Industries today to discover how advanced polymer soil stabilization can deliver world-class results for your next heritage, infrastructure, or environmentally sensitive project.
