Sinkhole & Pothole Repair – EL-Quarto SSS
Stabilize the Soil Beneath the Problem — For Safer, Longer-Lasting Repairs
Road failures such as potholes and sinkholes happen when the soil underneath becomes weak, collapses, or loses fines. EL-Quarto SSS stabilizes this underlying material, improving compaction and support — but the application differs for potholes and sinkholes, and this page explains the correct expectation for each.
🟦 POTHOLE REPAIR (Temporary Fix)
A Stronger Base for a Short-Term Repair — Still Requires Re-Tarring Later
Potholes form because the upper road surface breaks and water penetrates the base layer. EL-Quarto SSS can be used to stabilize the weak soil or fines beneath the pothole, helping the repaired area last longer than a normal “cold patch.”
However:
Pothole repairs using EL-Quarto SSS are NOT permanent solutions.
The area still requires asphalt resurfacing, hot mix patching, or chip-and-spray to restore full, long-term road structure.
How It Helps Potholes
- Strengthens the base layer
- Reduces the chance of immediate collapse
- Improves compaction quality
- Creates a firmer foundation for the patch material
- Helps the repaired section hold shape longer
Important Note
This method improves the quality of a pothole repair, but the road surface MUST be re-tarred or resealed for permanence.
🟩 SINKHOLE REPAIR (Long-Term Stabilization)
Deep Soil Strengthening to Prevent Future Collapse
Unlike potholes, sinkholes are caused by deep voids, collapsed soil, or subsurface weakness. EL-Quarto SSS penetrates and binds loose material, allowing the entire affected zone to be compacted into a strong, stable base.
When done correctly, this becomes a long-term stabilization solution.
How It Helps Sinkholes
- Fills and stabilizes voids
- Strengthens weak, collapsible soils
- Creates a compact, load-bearing layer
- Reduces future collapse risks
- Supports asphalt, gravel, or concrete above
Two Application Methods
1. Rip-In / Mix-In Deep Stabilization
Ideal for sinkholes and severe base failures.
- Remove loose material
- Apply diluted EL-Quarto SSS
- Mix in layers
- Compact to density
- Rebuild surface layer (tar, gravel, or blocks)
2. Spray-In Consolidation for Shallow Repairs
Best for minor edge failures or surface potholes.
- Spray SSS into the exposed cavity
- Product binds fines
- Improves crust strength
- Reduces early re-failure
Benefits
- More durable pothole repairs
- Long-term sinkhole stabilization
- Better compaction and support
- Reduces maintenance frequency
- Works with most soil types
- Cost-effective compared to concrete filling
Where Used
- Municipal road repairs
- Industrial areas
- Rural and farm roads
- Gravel roads
- Asphalt patches
- Parking lots and loading zones