CASE STUDY: EL-Quarto SSS – Molecular Nano Bond Liquid Soil Stabilizer
Project: Container Yard Soil Stabilization – Grindrod (Heriotdale)
Application Method: Rip & Scarify Technique
Client: Grindrod (via Sub-Contractor)
1. Project Overview
Grindrod required a durable and load-bearing soil platform for operations at their Heriotdale container yard. The existing ground conditions consisted of weak clay-dominant soils that experienced significant deformation under traffic and heavy container handling equipment. Dust issues, water retention, and insufficient bearing capacity were also affecting yard efficiency.
To address these challenges, the EL-Quarto SSS – Molecular Nano Bond Liquid Soil Stabilizer was selected for a controlled field application. A Rip and Scarify method was used to ensure deep penetration and uniform distribution of the stabilizer within the subgrade.
2. Objectives
- Increase CBR and overall bearing capacity of the yard’s clay-rich soils.
- Reduce deformation under heavy loading.
- Improve long-term moisture resistance and surface tightness.
- Minimize dust and loose surface material.
- Provide predictable ground performance for container stacking operations.
3. Methodology
3.1 Application Method – Rip & Scarify
The area was prepared by ripping the upper 150–200 mm of soil to open the profile. The EL-Quarto SSS stabilizer was then applied in a diluted form and mixed thoroughly while scarifying. Moisture was managed to ensure optimal reaction conditions, and the section was compacted to specification.
3.2 Testing
DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) tests were performed at three stages:
- Before Treatment – 14 May 2024
- 10 Days After Treatment – 24 May 2024
- 21 Days After Treatment (Dry Conditions) – 7 June 2024
These tests provide indirect CBR readings, measuring improvement in soil strength over time.
4. Results
4.1 Baseline Condition – BEFORE Treatment
Date: 14-05-2024
The untreated soil showed shallow resistance, indicating a weak subgrade with low bearing capacity. Penetration increased quickly within the first few blows, consistent with soft clayey soils.
🡆 Baseline dataset:
4.2 Condition AFTER 10 Days
Date: 24-05-2024
After 10 days, the treated section demonstrated significant improvement in resistance. More blows were required to produce the same penetration depth, indicating increasing stiffness and molecular bonding effects as EL-Quarto SSS cured within the soil matrix.
🡆 10-day dataset:
Observations:
- Early curing effect clearly visible.
- Surface densification improved.
- Penetration depth slowed substantially compared to baseline.
4.3 Condition AFTER 21 Days (Dry)
Date: 07-06-2024
Under dry conditions and after full curing, the stabilized soil exhibited a major increase in CBR-equivalent values. The DCP blows showed extremely low penetration, confirming a dense, compact, high-strength platform suitable for heavy container yard operations.
🡆 21-day dataset:
Key Performance Indicators:
| Stage | Penetration Trend | Strength Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Before | High penetration per blow | Weak clay soil |
| After 10 Days | Moderated penetration | Clear strength improvement |
| After 21 Days | Very low penetration | High stiffness & high CBR |
5. Performance Interpretation
The DCP data across all test periods confirms that EL-Quarto SSS delivered progressive strength gains, consistent with its molecular nano-bond mechanism:
- Substantial increase in blow-count resistance showing higher soil stiffness.
- Improved CBR-equivalent values suitable for heavy yard equipment and container loading.
- Better moisture response in the 21-day dry test.
- Stronger, denser soil matrix achieved through the Rip & Scarify application method.
The final result provides Grindrod with a durable, stabilized platform capable of supporting demanding operational loads while reducing dust, deformation, and maintenance frequency.
6. Conclusion
The application of EL-Quarto SSS – Molecular Nano Bond Liquid Soil Stabilizer at the Grindrod Heriotdale container yard successfully transformed a previously weak, clay-based surface into a high-strength, load-bearing, and operationally reliable platform.
The Rip and Scarify application method proved highly effective for deep stabilization and uniform curing. The DCP data clearly illustrates the progressive improvement in soil strength from Day 0 to Day 21.
This project demonstrates EL-Quarto SSS’s capability to deliver measurable engineering performance in large-scale industrial environments.