Is there any effect when NATURAL CRETE™ is mixed with any other organic material e.g. CaO or CaCO3?

NATURAL CRETE works well with all organic soils.  It will increase the bonding of the fines (-200 mesh) and allow greater moisture penetration to facilitate compaction. NATURAL CRETE™ has been used successfully in roads containing Limestone (CaO) Calcite (CaCO3), a fine grain limestone.  The use of clays in road building should usually be less than 30% - 200 mesh.

As time goes on will NATURAL CRETE™ reduce or increase its bonding strength?  Will the road come out with cracks or become fragile?

NATURAL CRETE ™
Treated soils (for roads or ponds) achieve their greatest strength at the time of compaction and immediate subsequent curing (72 hours drying.)  Bonding of the soil particles takes place in the presence of moisture and compactive force.  This condition will last as long as the material resists external forces.  Heavy wheel loads, water, freeze-thaw cycles ultimately have an effect on all roads.  NATURAL CRETE treated soil resists these forces due to the bonded, high density of the road material.  The road will resist the detrimental effects of erosion and mechanical forces.

Cracking occurs as a result of two factors:   (1) If the road material contains a high percent of expansive clays - having a high shrink-swell factor.  When the road is completed and dries out some cracking will appear.  This reduces the effectiveness of the roads stability, however we have seen roads showing this condition that have performed very well - but with reduced life.  (2) Soft sub-base may not support the treated base under wheel loads i.e. expansive clays.  The bearing capability of the road is insufficient.  This is corrected by increasing the thickness of the road base.

When the clay fines (-200 mesh) exceed 25% or are highly expansive some surface cracking will occur.  Generally the cracks are superficial, often filling in with road particles during normal traffic use.  Generally this condition is referred to as “Alligator Cracking” and does not significantly affect the stability of the road base.

Prior to placement of any surface material, the NATURAL CRETE treated soil should be lightly sprayed with a dilute solution of water & NATURAL CRETE to assist in the bonding of the new surface material (i.e. Asphalt) to the road base.  Moisture will close many of the cracks.

Proper drainage will reduce ground moisture and keep cracking to a minimum.

After compaction, what is the ratio of expansion?  Will extreme weather affect the road (hot or cold)?

After compaction, the expansion-contraction ratio will be dependent upon the soil type (percentage of expansive clays) as well as the gradation range (distribution of particle sizes.)  Well-graded soils (ranging from -200 mesh to 1 inch) are ideal for road building.  The -200 mesh fines should be approximately 20%.  If the frost level extends below the level of the road some heaving may occur, however in the spring the road should settle back to its original elevation without damage.  Proper road construction including shoulder drainage will minimize the effects of frost.  Good engineering practices should be observed.  Hot weather does not affect a road, other than dry dirt surfaces tend to be dusty under high wheel loading.  NATURAL CRETE treated surfaces will reduce the amount of dust.

When the road contains more than 20-30% clay, will the road surface become too slippery and lose traction?

Road constructed with material containing a high clay contact will exhibit slippery surfaces when wet.  It may be necessary to use some aggregate to increase traction in wet conditions.
In many applications surface treatment is applied as part of the overall design.  This provides a wearing surface for traction, moisture protection, and greater overall strength.  Cost and availability of materials are the primary factors affecting the type of surface building material.
In road building it is desirable to minimize excessive clay content.  Under moist conditions the surface will not have proper surface friction and excessive plasticity may be present.

How long will the road last when used with NATURAL CRETE?

NATURAL CRETE treated roads have been in use for over 10 years.  The longevity of a road is a function of several factors:
a. Climatic conditions such as temperature ranges and rainfall.
b. Type of soils used in construction.
c. Road design - crowning, drainage & other engineered parameters.
d. Type of vehicular traffic, speed and degree of usage.
e. Wearing surface applied (if any.) Example: Chip Seal, Chip Coat, or Asphalt.
f. General maintenance - frequency and quality.

We have seen NATURAL CRETE treated roads retain their integrity over long periods than previously experienced by road departments.  For example a road in the USA has been in continual use for over eighteen years, with very little maintenance.  Other geographic areas have reported substantial reduction in road maintenance by over 50%.  NATURAL CRETE treated road bases last longer.

Can temporary roads be constructed using less NATURAL CRETE?

NATURAL CRETE is always used at the rate of 1 gallon per 165 cubic yards or 1 liter per 33 cubic meters of soil material.  Temporary roads might be constructed with reduced thickness, providing the wheel loads would not immediately destroy the road.

Is compaction required when using NATURAL CRETE?

NATURAL CRETE is used when moisture is applied to soil for compaction.  Stability or stabilization occurs when soil particles are in close contact.  Even when used in pond applications, the downward force of the water assists in compaction.

Spraying NATURAL CRETE on soil without any compaction will not affect a change in erosion.  The soils ability to resist erosion is a function of the mineral makeup of the soil and compaction (or density.)

Will NATURAL CRETE affect plant life if there is contact?

NATURAL CRETE is not harmful to plant life in its full range of various applications i.e. road building, pond construction, etc.

What type of equipment is needed?

For a complete list of needed equipment, please click here to view.