Case Study: Polymer-Stabilized All-Weather Access Road – Madain Saleh UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saudi Arabia
Project Overview Lithic Industries deployed T-PRO® to construct a durable, all-weather unpaved access road leading to Madain Saleh, one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located approximately 300 km from Madinah, this project transformed locally available soil into a stable, high-performance road surface while preserving the sensitive archaeological environment.
Project Objectives The goal was to build a reliable access road using native soil materials and significantly enhance its engineering properties through polymer stabilization. The treated road needed to maintain strength in both dry and wet conditions, support visitor traffic, and meet strict environmental standards for a protected UNESCO site.
The Challenge Traditional untreated desert soils in the region lose all structural integrity when wet. Laboratory testing showed that soaked untreated samples completely dissolved and registered zero unconfined compressive strength (UCS). This made conventional construction unsuitable for an all-weather road in this environmentally sensitive location.
The Lithic Solution Lithic Industries infused T-PRO® directly into the local soil at a 0.75% concentration, followed by a topical seal coat. This advanced polymer created a water-resistant, polymer-stabilized matrix that dramatically improved soil performance without importing expensive aggregates.
Proven Results Laboratory testing confirmed outstanding 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 T-PRO® led the Saudi Ministry of Works to accept this polymer technology as a preferred road construction method for sensitive heritage areas.
Application Details
- Equipment Used: Grader, Water Truck with Hose Attachment, 10-ton Single Drum Vibrating Compactor
- Application Method: Infused at 0.75% polymer concentration + topical seal coat at 100 ft²/gal
- Maintenance: Remove loose surface material and apply light topical re-coat of T-PRO® as necessary
Why Leading Organizations Choose T-PRO® This UNESCO World Heritage project showcases why government agencies, ministries of transportation, and environmental authorities worldwide trust Lithic Industries’ T-PRO® is one of the most effective and widely recognized polymer stabilizers globally. It delivers exceptional strength gains, water resistance, and long-term durability using local materials, while minimizing environmental impact and maintenance costs.
Perfect for heritage sites, remote access roads, national parks, and Eco-sensitive infrastructure projects.
Ready to build stronger, more sustainable roads with proven polymer technology? Contact Lithic Industries today to discover how T-PRO® can deliver world-class results for your next project.