Case Study: Wind-Resistant Sand Berm Stabilization for Saudi Rail Organization (SRO)
Project Overview Lithic Industries’ T-PRO® was applied by to stabilize sand containment berms along high-traffic rail lines for the Saudi Rail Organization (SRO) in the Arabian Desert. This innovative polymer solution effectively combats severe wind erosion and sand migration in one of the world’s harshest environments.
Project Objectives The goal was to minimize erosion and shifting of protective sand berms caused by high desert winds. These winds create blinding sandstorms, deposit sand on rail tracks, and create ongoing safety hazards and costly maintenance challenges for the SRO.
The Challenge Frequent sandstorms erode containment berms and deposit large volumes of sand onto the tracks, requiring constant clearing and sweeping. Previously, crude oil was used to stabilize the berms — an outdated, less effective, and environmentally concerning method.
T-PRO® , a high-performance acrylic co polymer emulsion, as a topical treatment. A 12:1 water-to-polymer solution was used to penetrate deeply into the sand, forming a durable, wind-resistant crust. T-PRO® has been independently tested to withstand surface wind velocities exceeding 100 miles per hour with no deterioration of the stabilized surface.
Proven Results
- Effectively locks sand in place and dramatically reduces wind-driven migration
- Provides a long-lasting, hard crust that outperforms traditional methods
- Delivers an Eco-friendly alternative to crude oil stabilization
- Reduces maintenance from monthly sand clearing to just annual polymer re-application
The outstanding performance and longevity of T-PRO® led the Saudi Rail Organization to issue an exclusive specification for the treatment of 200 km of protective sand berms.
Application Details
- Equipment Used: Water Truck with Hose Attachment
- Application Rates: 175 ft²/gal and 250 ft²/gal (topical application)
- Maintenance: Annual topical re-application of T-PRO® or as needed
