Clay Soil Stabilization Methods That Save Time and Money
A rural gravel road on the brink… Here’s how RoadStabiliZOR™ used time-proven clay stabilization methods to rescue an essential access route from collapse.
One Road, Proven Results
When the MR545 Kruisfontein gravel road in Dullstroom faced collapse under rainfall, construction vehicles, and silty soil, RoadStabiliZOR™ provided a solution that traditional methods couldn’t.
This real-world case study shows how advanced soil stabilization methods transformed one of the region’s most problematic rural roads, reducing dust, improving compaction, and restoring access to a vital economic route.
Road type
14km unpaved gravel road (MR545 to Highland Gate Estate)
Primary challenge
Clay-heavy soils, erosion, rutting, and excessive dust
Traffic load
±80 heavy construction vehicles per day and light citizen traffic
Solution
In-situ soil stabilization using RoadStabiliZOR™
Initial trial length
4km (April 2007)
Post-trial outcome
Full treatment commissioned for a 15km stretch
Key benefits
Better compaction, smoother ride, less dust, reduced maintenance, and long-term savings
Materials used
RoadStabiliZOR™, dolerite gravel, site-specific blend
Free Budget Assessment
Curious about the real cost and requirements of using RoadStabiliZOR™ for your road construction project? Use our free online calculator to get a detailed budget breakdown—instantly. From Total Product Cost and Cost per Cubic/Square Meter, Total Water Volume needed, this tool is designed for Engineers, Contractors, and Decision-Makers who need clarity before committing. Make accurate, TRH24/COTO-aligned calculations based on your project’s length, width, depth, MDD, and OMC —no guesswork, just data.
The challenge
Clay, chaos, and constant repairs
The MR545 is a 14km gravel road that leads to Highland Gate Golf and Residential Estate in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga – a weather-exposed route used daily by construction vehicles, estate traffic, and delivery trucks.
- Previous maintenance efforts had failed.
- Imported sandstone and conventional gravel applications produced weak compaction and heavy dust.
- Rainfall and rising groundwater made the road unpassable after storms, and rework was frequent and expensive.
- The soil, classified as a low-PI silty sand, lacked the natural cohesion required for long-term performance.
A more effective, reliable clay stabilization method was urgently needed – one that didn’t rely on extensive excavation, high-cost aggregates, or water-intensive processes.
The Solution
In situ clay stabilization methods
RoadStabiliZOR™ was selected to pilot a new approach
A robust, science-led clay stabilization method that would work with available materials rather than against them.
Unlike cement or lime, which rely on brittle binding and introduce cracking risks, RoadStabiliZOR™ works by disrupting the van der Waals forces within clay-rich soil. This allows particles to compact more tightly and lock out water ingress, becoming even stronger over time.
Benefits for this implementation included:
- Compatibility with low-PI soils
- No need for soil replacement or aggregate import
- 40% less water required than cement stabilization
- Simple, fast, and scalable application
- Inclement weather did not detrementally impact construction
- Opened to traffic immediately after compaction
The Results
Smoother rides, lower costs, happier communities
RoadStabiliZOR™ is a clay compaction agent engineered to enhance the structural performance of clay-rich soils. Unlike polymers, emulsions, or enzyme-based treatments, RoadStabiliZOR™ chemically modifies interparticle forces in clay to facilitate higher levels of compaction. When applied at Optimal Moisture Content (OMC), field results have demonstrated compaction densities exceeding 98% Mod AASHTO, supporting its suitability for demanding construction applications.
Improved ride quality even under daily 30-ton truck traffic
Perfect for Low Volume Road (LVR) roads at 150mm depth, or haulage roads at 300mm-450mm deep
Significant dust suppression, improving air quality and visibility
Multiple cars travelling along Kruisfontein Road after the rainy season, with no dust at all
Better surface integrity in wet conditions
Groundwater runs freely down the sides of the road yet the road remains resistant to water penetration and is in excellent condition
Higher compaction levels, verified on-site
Clear contrast between the resistance to water erosion of the stabilised road and the unstabilised edge of the road
Ready to Stabilise Smarter? Budget your costs before committing to an investigation
The Road to Success Starts Here
What this proves about RoadStabiliZOR™ clay stabilization methods
The MR545 case proves that RoadStabiliZOR™ clay stabilization methods can do what others can’t – especially in difficult soil environments with limited budgets.
It's a method that:
Achieves up to 97% Mod AASHTO compaction
Works in situ using locally available materials
Reduces maintenance costs by up to 70%
Extends the life of gravel roads in harsh conditions
Significantly boosts road construction profitability
Reduces dust and environmental impact
How to get RoadStabiliZOR™
Step 1: Contact us
Send us a message right here, or give us a call, and tell us about your project.
Step 2: Find a Reseller
We’ll connect you with your closest RoadStabiliZOR™ distributor.
Step 3: Formulate your Blend
Your distributor will analyse the soil being stabilised and formulate a blend that’s just right for your road.
Step 4: Start Building Clay Roads
You’ll receive your RoadStabiliZOR™, as well as full training on product application.
RoadStabiliZOR in Action