National Trail Surfaces Study

Soiltac Liquid Topical

The trail segment is composed of the stabilizer, Soiltac Liquid Topical, and is 5 feet wide by 30 feet long. The segment contains timber edging. The Soiltac Liquid Topical is applied to a base of 2 inches of native soil. Soiltac Liquid Topical is mixed with water and sprayed onto 4 inches of ¼ inch minus compacted limestone aggregate. The stabilizer has a penetration depth of 1/8 inch. The first noticeable signs of change for this surface came after the first heavy rainfall at the March 2008 testing. The surface showed signs of runoff and became soft under foot (footprints were evident). The surface remained soft under foot through the final testing, but some areas even more so than other areas where the water had pooled and the surface had not firmed back up. Upon the advice of the stabilizer company, topical applications should not be utilized to stabilize trail surfaces, but are to be utilized when dust control and erosion is necessary. It can be applied to mix-in stabilizers during the installation and during maintenance to help achieve a more firm and stable surface.

Soiltac Liquid Topical is applied to a base of 2 inch native soil, mixed with water and sprayed onto 4 inches of ¼ minus compacted limestone aggregate.  June 27, 2007.

Soiltac Liquid Topical has a penetration depth of 1/8 inch.  June 27, 2007.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment showed change after a heavy rainfall.  March 13, 2008.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment became soft under foot.  March 13, 2008.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment showed signs of runoff.  March 13, 2008.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment remained soft where water had pooled.  May 6, 2008.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment remained soft where water had pooled.  March 17, 2009.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment showed footprints.  March 17, 2009.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment showed runoff.  March 17, 2009.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment remained soft through the final testing.  November 2, 2011.

Soiltac Liquid Topical trail segment remained soft through the final testing.  November 2, 2011.