The Benefits of Road Stabilization

Road stabilization is the process of rehabilitating pavement to make it stronger and more durable. Chemicals such as calcium chloride are used to perform road stabilization, which makes roads capable of withstanding heavier traffic loads, freezing, and general wear and tear.
Calcium chloride is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic chemical that is used in a variety of industries and applications around the world. It is used in road stabilization, freeze-proofing sand for winter roads, and sewage purification, among other applications.

How it Works

The road stabilization process consists of the following steps:

  • Pulverize the existing road surface
  • Add aggregate
  • Apply the chemical
  • Mix the materials
  • Grade and shape the road
  • Compact the surface
  • Compact the surface
  • Seal the surface with the chemical

Regardless of the application rate or level of penetration, studies have shown that road stabilization chemicals contribute to the strength of roads. Unlike other types of stabilizing agents, there is room for error with the application of calcium chloride. For optimum road stabilization, however, calcium chloride must be mixed with all materials to penetrate the full depth of the granular material. Furthermore, calcium chloride should be applied at a rate of 1% by weight.

The Advantages

A short-term investment in road stabilization can result in significant savings and benefits in the long run. Roads that have undergone chemical road stabilization can withstand traffic for substantially longer periods of time without any maintenance.

Road stabilization chemicals bind with the particles of the road aggregate, making roads denser and more compact. Furthermore, the chemicals have hardening properties, which contribute to the strength and stability of highways and reduce soft spots.

According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, calcium chloride doubles the life of paved roads that have been stabilized to a depth of 150mm and have 50mm of asphalt on the surface. Moreover, roads treated with calcium chloride remain smooth up to four times longer than untreated roads.

Not only does road stabilization reduce gravel costs during road construction and maintenance, it also postpones the need to resurface roads by several years. As such, road stabilization can save towns and cities tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance, reconstruction, and repair costs.

Another benefit of road stabilization is that road bases treated with calcium chloride inhibit freezing, which means fewer frost heaves. Moreover, calcium chloride helps to control aggregate loss and serves as a cement accelerator that’s perfectly suited to cold weather because it protects against freeze damage.

If you’re looking for a way to dramatically improve the quality of your road building projects, don’t hesitate to contact a manufacturer of premium liquid calcium chloride and other effective road stabilization chemicals. No matter what your requirements may be, a large manufacturer can provide you with standard and custom concentrations of road stabilization chemicals to suit your particular needs. Work with a trusted source of road stabilization chemicals to ensure that you receive expert advice, top-notch technical assistance, and a superior level of service.