Meru launches Probase technology road

The County Government of Meru has launched a 10 kilometer road constructed with the Malaysian Probase technology.

Governor Peter Munya says that the technology is cost effective and the roads are more durable.

Probase is the method for soil road enhancement and maintenance. The technology is accomplished in three steps.  The first step is soil stabilization. The common methods of stabilizing soil include stabilization by compaction, mechanical stabilization or by the use of stabilizing additives like cement, lime, bitumen and many other stabilizers available in the market.

The second step involves waterproofing and dust control. The stabilized soil surface is sealed with PROBASE PB-65 SOIL SEALANT to provide a waterproof layer to prevent rainwater penetration into the soil and keep the road in dry condition at all times.

The last step is maintenance. It is the patching any pothole or depression by mixing soil with TX-85, followed by sealing a layer of PB-65 SOIL SELANT on the affected area. Only minimal manpower is required comprising of 3 workers + 1 truck for a maintenance team. Maintenance can be done as and when required for a long lasting road.

Why the practice was used

The practice was used because it is cost effective, the materials are readily available, and fast.  It is in essence cheap, durable and easy to maintain.  The use of Probase in Meru was a pilot case, which would be rolled out in other counties. The practice has since been adopted in Kiambu and benchmarked in Taita Taveta.

The main challenge addressed by this technology is increasing road network penetration in rural areas to open up for trade and investment.

The practice is affordable, durable, fast, easy to maintain and has good visibility compared to other tarmac roads.

Waterproof roads

Soil sealed with Proseal can effectively prevent water penetration compared to unsealed roads. This makes the constructed road durable.

Maintaining the roads strength

The non-water soluble layer of protection keeps the road dry. Test results show that the strength of the road is maintained even during heavy downpour.

Erosion free

Rainwater and traffic can cause erosion of ±75 mm per year without sealing. Proseal on the other hand prevents erosion; saving cost on resurfacing while protecting the environment.

Dust free

The protective layer of Proseal virtually turns the soil road into a dust-free environment.