How does Romix SoilFix SRB-5 work?

  • SoilFix SRB-5 is a polymer that binds soil particles together. SRB-5 is used to stabilize the base of a road or surface. It is applied as a cool liquid but cures (dries), holding everything together. Because of the polymeric properties, surfaces are stronger than cement in the following ways:

  • Resists water penetration

  • Fatigue strength up to 100% greater than cement

  • Elasticity causes surface to last much longer with less maintenance

  • No potholes!

Can I still apply a wearing course of asphalt over the top of a Romix stabilized road?

  • Yes. Romix SoilFix stabilizes the road base and can stand alone as it is stronger than concrete with higher strength results, once cured. Typically, a secondary layer of PRS (polymer road seal) would be applied over the top of the SoilFix stabilized area for waterproofing. An asphalt or concrete layer may be applied over the PRS. Roads built in this fashion require very minimal maintenance.

What if there is an existing layer of asphalt on the road to be stabilized and rebuilt?

  • The remaining layer of asphalt can simply be broken up and reincorporated into the road. Plasticity levels will be adjusted to levels acceptable for SoilFix to stabilize properly. A fairly simple process.

How do I know how much product to order?

  • Please see our “Request a Quote” area. By submitting the details of your project, our team of experts will be able to provide you with the details regarding your project. To request a quotation, please click here. (Link: https://www.romix-northamerica.com/request-a-quote)

What is the application rate of SoilFix SRB-5?

  • Higher traffic roads require a higher concentration of SoilFix:

  • Light to medium traffic – 1.5 liters per square meter

  • Medium to Heavy traffic – 2.5 liters per square meter

  • Heavy traffic – 3-3.5 liters per square meter

How would a Romix road perform in frost/freezing conditions?

  • SoilFix SRB-5 and PRS have been tested to -55 degrees Fahrenheit and perform well under those conditions. Frost is not a concern for Romix surfaces. Moisture is unable to penetrate, and the polymer binds everything together so that there is no road-base failure. No potholes.

Can Romix products decompose or be broken down by decomposers such as fungi and bacteria?

  • No. The main ingredient in polymer is soil based and cannot be broken down by decomposers. Roads built in high algae, high moisture, and high fungal environments like Kruger National Park in South Africa, have been performing beautifully for years.

What types of surfaces would Romix products work with?

  • Any soil can be made to work with SoilFix SRB-5. The product binds soils that have a plasticity index (PI) of 3-18.

  • Fine Sand -- Low Plasticity ← | → High Plasticity – Clay

  • Soils like sand, with very low plasticity, can be modified with a high plasticity material, like clay, to bring the plasticity within an acceptable range. The opposite is also true, i.e. clay modified with sand to lower plasticity.

What is soil plasticity?

  • Plasticity index (PI) is the difference of moisture content in soils between its liquid and plastic limit, expressed as a percentage. Liquid limit is the point at which a soil acts like a liquid. The plastic limit is the point where a small thread of soil, rolled out, breaks apart and no longer holds together.

  • Plastic soils can be rolled into a thin thread, like clay (see also Atterberg Limits). Non-plastic material, such as sand, will not clump or roll into a thread. There is no plasticity to hold it together. One good test of plasticity is to lightly moisturize a handful of soil. If the soil is able to be compressed into a ball in one’s hand, and holds together when dropped from approximately 1 inch, then the soil is plastic.

  • In short, SoilFix SRB-5 requires some plasticity (PI) to absorb and activate the polymer properties of binding. Too much plasticity impedes the absorption and mixing of SoilFix with the soil and too little PI does not allow the soil to hold together long enough for the polymer to cure. It is important to note however, that any soil can be modified to achieve the desired plasticity.

Can Romix SoilFix SRB-5 be applied in freezing weather?

  • No. SoilFix, shipped straight from the factory in South Africa, is highly concentrated and must be mixed in a 3 to 1 ratio with water. Due to the high H2O content, for best results freezing weather should not be expected within 30 days of application. Once cured, freezing weather has no effect on Romix SoilFix stabilized surfaces. The elastic nature of the polymer allows the material to expand and contract with changing temperatures.

How long before I can drive on a SoilFix stabilized surface?

  • Roads can be opened to traffic immediately following compaction. The more the surface is compacted, the harder and stronger the end result. No need for detouring unless you plan to put a wearing course of asphalt over the top.

Where are Romix products made?

  • Our products are manufactured in South Africa, to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards. Products shipped free on board (FOB) with a 50% down payment and the remaining 50% upon shipping. Our delivery service is door-to-door.

Is it safe?

  • Our products are made of organic, water-based polymers. There are no special handling requirements (see MSDS under our Certifications tab), they are non-toxic, non-flammable and completely earth-friendly.

Is any special equipment needed when using Romix SoilFix and PRS?

  • SoilFix SRB-5 can be applied with a water bowser truck, and is then mixed with the soil using a grader, re-cycler or mug mill. Once thoroughly mixed, the surface is ready to be compacted with a standard commercial compactor.

  • Milling machines such as a Wirtgen greatly increase the amount of road that can be completed per day.

What is the cost to build a road with Romix Products?

  • The cost to build any road will vary from region to region depending on a variety of conditions, and it is impossible to give a cost for all regions of the world however clients have typically saved anywhere from 30% to 40% when compared to traditional road building methods. The longer the road, the more cost savings are realized. For shorter roads or driveways, shipping costs may affect the amount of savings achieved.

  • Projects undertaken for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017 cost them 55% less than what it would have normally cost them to build a traditionally built road.