Multilayer Road Stabilization Madain Saleh | T-PRO®
Project Overview
Lithic Industries applied advanced T-PRO® 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 applied a targeted T-PRO® polymer soil stabilization approach using the existing in-situ desert soil. The local soil was infused with polymer at a 0.75% concentration, followed by a topical seal coat. This 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)
- Superior water resistance and long-term durability using local materials
- Environmental compatibility that 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
- Topical Seal Coat Rate: 100 ft² per gallon
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance is simple and cost-effective:
- Remove any loose surface material
- Apply a light topical re-coat as necessary
Why Heritage and Infrastructure Projects Choose T-PRO®
This project demonstrates how modern polymer soil stabilization provides reliable, low-maintenance, all-weather performance in extremely challenging environments while protecting sensitive sites. It is an ideal solution for heritage, tourism, and remote infrastructure projects seeking strong engineering results with minimal environmental impact.
T-PRO® is a proven, carbon-neutral polymer soil stabilization technology backed by Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) validation. It consistently delivers strong, long-term results using in-situ materials.
Ready to Stabilize Challenging Soils in Sensitive Environments?
Contact Lithic Industries today for a free technical consultation or site assessment. Let us show how T-PRO® can deliver lasting results for your next heritage, desert, or remote infrastructure project.
