TREE SAP HELPS HOLD ROADSIDE SHOULDERS TOGETHER

Lignosulfonates, or lignins, are starting to replace traditional oils and brines as binders and stabilizers for road applications. They are the glue that holds trees together and are a byproduct of pulping and sold in 50% suspended solution. A new application in New York State is using them on shoulders. An experiment in Murray, NY, used aggregate mixed with lignins for a three-ft.-wide shoulder at a depth of 4 inches. Previous, untreated gravel shoulders needed almost yearly replenishment. The lignin mix is still performing well after two and a half years. They are also on the state's list of beneficial use items because lignins aren't toxic and cost less.