AUTUMN 2025 NEWS
SURFACE APPLICATION OF POLYCHLOR OMEGA AT MANJIMUP COUNCIL WA
In March 2025 Polychlor was applied to rural roads around Walpole WA. The client's main concerns on these roads is that the low plasticity materials have a tendency to corrugate and unravel.

Blending Polychlor Omega into the water tanker
Prior to works the materials were analysed using Austroads Perforamnce Based Analysis to confirm the issues and make the most appropriate reccommendation for product application options.
Polychlor Omega was chosen as the most appropriate treatment option considering the low shrinkage and plasticity of the road base.
Surface application was chosen as the most appropriate treatment option. Surface application is a means of keeping the dosage rate down to reduce costs. Surface treatment keeps the adhesive treatment in the material that has to be protected the most, the roadsurface.
Three different dosage rates were trialed and the treated areas are now being monitored by Council to determine the most appropriate dosage rate for future applications.

Application of Polychlor solution to the surface of North Walpole Road

The Austroads Performance Based Analysis confirmed that the material grading and low shrinkage was causing the corrugationa dn raveling issues.
SUMMER 2025 NEWS
FIFTH ELEMENT LABORATORIES DEVELOPS AND PATENTS PAVEMENT WEAR TESTER
Fifth Elements Laboratories has developed and patented a Pavement Wear Tester (PWT). This is the only test method currently available to measure how well a pavement material performs in dry conditions. The test is able to make comparisons between various materials and also demonstrate that the wear resistance is improved with treatment.

The pavement wear tester during a test
The machine operates on the principal of a constant force pushing a standard compaction cylinder against a wire brush that rotates at constant speed. The time to wear the cylinder down is recorded and also the cylinder change in length is recorded to give a wear resistance score (WRS).
The wear tester has shown that the wear resistance of gravels for unsealed roads can be increased significantly with treatment using Polychlor or Polytahr.
Following is an example of the increase in wear resistance after treatment
Treatment: Polytahr
Material: Sandstone gravel
Control WRS: 118
Treated WRS: 195

Treated and control cylinders are covered during curing. The curing process is tightly control to ensure consistency of the testing procedure.
Following is a video of the pavement wear tester describing how it functions.
This video shows how the Pavement Wear Tester works to calculate the Wear Resistance Score (WRS)
WINTER 2024 NEWS
NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH ORGANISATION ISSUES INTERIM TRANSPORT INDUSTRY PRODUCT EVALUATION SCHEME (TIPES) CERTIFICATE FOR POLYCHLOR OMEGA
Polychlor Omega has been assessed ender the National Transport Research Organisation's (NTRO) Transport Industry Product Evaluation Scheme (TIPES) assessment program.,
NTRO's TIPES assessment is a means for assessment of new technologies in the transport industry sector that do not come under the umbrella of existing standards. The TIPES assessment has been carried out by a product specific Product Evaluation Panel composed of the relevant industry experts from NTRO and the state road authorities.
The assessment of Polychlor Omega has substansiated that Polychlor Omega is effective for stabilisation of unsealed pavements and unsealed shoulders particularly;
- Increasing the CBR of the wearing course material
- Significantly reducing erosion and pavement loss
- Significant reduction of dust emissions
The assessment is intended to provide our customers with a high level of assurace of the product virtues of Polychlor Omega. The final certificate for Polychlopr Omega will be obtained in the coming 12 months after further field trial assessment. To view the interim certificate click the link to the right.
LINK TO VIEW FULL CERTIFICATE
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TIPES Certificate (interim) - Polychlor.pdf Size : 556.687 Kb Type : pdf |
YORKE PENINSULA COUNCIL SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLYCHLOR WORKS
Yorke Peninsula Council (YPC) in South Australia has utilised Polychlor since 2021 to reduce dust on unsealed local roads in areas near residents. YPC has extensive experience in the application of Polychlor in various scenarios. The Polychlor treatment has significantly reduced complaints from residents, while also reducing road maintenance needs. Polychlor provides strong adhesion of soil particles in materials with a PI of 0 to 20, this characteristic holds the road surface together and reduces dust and gravel loss.

Mixing Polychlor for surface application at Port Julia SA
This video shows the Polychlor application process at various sites
This video shows T133 Durability testing of soils using Polychlor

Application of Polychlor to the road surface near residences
Most of the pavements treated at YPC are low in plasticity. The YPC staff have applied the Polychlor independantly with the assistance of written instructions. For further information about the Polychlor application at YPC please contact us;
sales@five-elements.com.au
AUTUMN 2024 NEWS
BEAUDESERT WASTE DEPOT DUST SUPPRESSION
Polychlor Omega has been utilised for dust suppression of haul roads and hard stand areas of the Waste Depot at Beaudesert QLD. The application method was to apply the Polychlor water solution to the pavement surface.

Application of Polychlor Omega solution to the road surface

The mixing equipment at the waste depot water supply dam
The benefits of application of Polychlor Omega to the pavement surface in this situation is to reduce dust emissions and also to protect the surface from damage during wet conditions.
SUMMER 2024 NEWS
WHITE PEAK GRAVEL PIT SOIL TESTING
Gravel from the White Peak Gravel pit at Geraldton WA have been tested to confirm the performance benefits of Polychlor Omega. The testing included soil classification, CBR, RMS T133 & Performamce based analysis.
The RMS T133 concluded that the White Peak Material performed very well once stabilised using Polychlor. The mass loss from the treated specimen after soaking in water for 5 hours was minimal.

The White Peak specimens after the T133 test. The treated specimen only lost 0.2% of it's mass while the untreated specimen lost 87.7% of it's mass
The CBR test showed that the following results;
- Treated CBR = 50
- Control CBR = 40
The testing included a full analysis of the soil properties for the purpose of evalustion using the Austroads Performance Based analysis.

Soil properties of the White Peak gravel

The performace based analysis showed that the White Peak gravel is in the good performance range
SPRING 2023 NEWS
ABROLHOS ISLANDS AERODROME PROJECT
SURFACE APPLICATION OF POLYCHLOR TO PRESERVE PAVEMENT

Lobster fishing communities on the smal islands near East Wallabi Island
The Houtman Abrolhos Island group lies 60km West of Geraldton WA and was the site of the infamous wreck of the dutch ship the Batavia in 1629. The Houtman Abrolhos group has 122 islands. Today the Island group is a national park and is home to a community of lobster fisherman. The island group has 3 dirt airstrips to service the fisherman communities and tourism.

Shine Aviation and their Beechcraft Bonanza is one of the best ways to travel to the Abrolhos Islands
Construction and maintenance of the aerodromes of the Abrolhos Islands is challenging due to the remote locality. Gravel for the aerodrome has to be brought by barge.
The dock can only accomodate small vessels, so heavy equipment such as graders, rollers and water carts can't be brought there. Construction and maintenance is carried out using small equipment such as mini skid steer loaders.

Polychlor blending equipment parked on the edge of the runway
The purpose of the Polychlor application on the Abrolhos Islands is to preserve the pavement from aircraft propwash and erosion. The initial treatment has focused on the high wear areas of the runway. The first runway to be treated is that of East Wallabi Island.

Application of Polychlor using a hose
Application of the Polychlor solution was carried out using a hose. The clayey sandy gravel used on the aerodrome was supplied from Moresby Range Pit and has the following characteristics;
PI = 15
Linear shrinkage = 8
These pavement characteristics are well suited for Polychlor stabilisation.

The remote beauty of the Abrolhos Islands
The logistical challenges of the Abrolhos Islands made Polychlor the obvious choice of stabilisation method. The quantity of product to carry out the works is minimal, also the equipment to blend and apply the product is lightweight and easy to transport to the site.
Polychlor is also very safe for personnel and the environment, making it an ideal choice for this project.
The Abrolhos Lobster fishery is Australia's most valuable single species wild capture fishery and has a longstanding commercial and economic history at the Abrolhos Islands.
MERREDIN WA TESTING OF YELLOW SAND
RMS T133 DURABILITY TESTING AFTER POLYCHLOR TREATMENT
Yellow sand is a material used for various construction purposes around the South West of WA. One litre A moulds of yellow sand from Merredin WA produced and placed in a water bath for 5 hours.

The Polychlor stabilised cylinder on the left showed no loss of material after 5 hours in water, the untreated contrtol on the right lost more than 90% of it mass.
The testing procedure and soil analysis is sumarised in the video above.
The tested showed that the performance of the yellow sand was greatly improved with the addition of Polychlor. The soil characterisitis of the yellow sand are as follows;
PI = 6
Linear shrinkage = 4
Using the South African Performance Based Modeo for unsealed pavements the material is classified as erodible.
For further information about this testing or to request testing in your soils please contact us;
sales@five-elements.com.au
WINTER 2023 NEWS - BROOME PINDAN TESTING
SIGNIFICANT PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT WITH POLYCHLOR STABILISATION
Pindan soils are fine-grained red soils with low plasticity and little natural cohesion found throughout Northern Western Australia. The Pindan soil detailed in this testing was sampled from the 30 Mile Tank on Cape Leveque Road, North of Broome WA. The testing included particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, RMS T133 Durability of Road Materials and CBR.
The soil was found to have the following characteristics;
Liquid Limit = 21
Plastic Limit = 14
PI = 7
Shrinkage = 4%
The particle size distribution and linear shrinkage are used for analysis with the South African performance based model. This analysis showed that the Pindan soil is prone to erosion, corrugating and raveling.

Using the South African performance based model the Pindan is classified to be on the border of silt and sand and being prone to erode, corrugate and ravel.
The RMS T133 test is used to evaluate the improvement in performance provided by stabilisation. The test requires formation of 1 litre soil cylinders using standard compaction. After curing the cylinders, they are placed into a water bath for 5 hours, dried, then wire brushed to remove loose material and weighed. This process is repeated 12 times.
For the T133 test the untreated control cylinder lost 95% of its original mass after 1 cycle of soaking, the remaining material was too fragile to carry on with the test. The Polychlor treated cylinders showed good resistance to water erosion, after 12 cycles of soaking, drying and wire brushing the specimens only lost 3% to 4.5% of their original mass.
Pindan soil testing video detailing the RMS T133 testing method and the South African performance based model.

Photo of the first soaking cycle of RMS T133, showing the control specimen almost completely eroded, while the treated specimens are intact.
The Pindan soil was also tested using the CBR test. The Pindan tested is a low bearing strength soil. The CBR improvement due to Polychlor treatment was found to be as follows;
- Control CBR = 8
- Treated CBR = 13
This level of CBR improvement is adequate for sub-base layers of pavements due to reduced pavement layer thickness in the base course.

Photo of the Pindan CBR Cylinders immediately after removal from the soaking bath.
For further information about Polychlor or the testing detailed please contact us at Five Elements
sales@five-elements.com.au
or
07 3910 7102
AUTUMN 2023 NEWS - CORAL BAY AERODROME
POLYCHLOR TREATMENT OF HIGH SALINITY PAVEMENT AT CORAL BAY AIRPORT WA

The pavement of the Coral Bay aerodrome is composed of fine non-plastic gravels which has resulted in unraveling due to aircraft traffic. The aerodrome is approximately 1100km North of Perth and is used for general aviation and by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Several options were considered for the improvement of the runway including resheeting the runway with new gravels, due to the significant costs of long haul distances to bring in it was decided to treat the existing pavement using Polychlor Omega pavement stabiliser.
The aerodrome pavement Polychlor stabilisation project provided some unique circumstances;
- Being located on a salt pan with a shallow water table, leaving the pavement constantly in a damp state
- The water being available for the pavement works was a strong salt brine with a salt content of 4% w/w
- Low to zero PI gravels with high CBR

Blending Polychlor into the water tankers. The water used is salt brine from a soak pond in the salt pan to the East of the aerodrome runway. The salt content of the brine was measured to be 4% w/w
The Polychlor solution was applied to the pavment material by incorporation using a pavement stabiliser mixer. After stabilising the pavement was rolled with a steel drum roller and eventually finished using a multityre roller. The benefits of stabilising this fine grained pavement using Polychlor Omega is in providing enhanced cohesion to prevent pavemnt loss and loose material on the runway. This helps to prevent aircraft damage.

Incorporation of the Polychlor solution into the pavement using a stabilisation mixer
See our Youtube video showing the works in progress and also some of the local scenery in the Coral Bay area.
Due to the high moisture content of the pavement, it was decided not to apply a surface treatment of Polychlor Omega. The concern was that the constantly moist pavement would not absorb the Polychlor solution, leaving the solution in a thin layer on top of the pavement.

The Coral Bay Aerodromerunway surface after compaction

The Coral Bay Aerodrome runway prior to works. Note the moist condition of the pavement due to the shallow water table within the salt pan area.
For further information about this project or information about Polychlor Omega please contact us on 07 3910 7102 or by email on
sales@five-elements.com.au
SUMMER 2023 NEWS
NATA LABORATORY TESTING OF POLYCHLOR STABILISED SUB-GRADE MATERIAL
The soil used in this series of tests is sandy silty clay sub soil gathered from various sub-division sites around Adelaide. The testing was carried out by SMS Geotechnical in Adelaide. This testing is part of our ARRB TIPES product assessment. It was found that Polychlor incresed the CBR in this material from 4.5 to 11.
RMS test method T133 (modified) was also carried out with a 5 hour soaking period showing that the material loss due to inundation was reduced from 77% to 17%.
Increasing the CBR from 4 to 11 is a significant result for sub-grade materials. The CBR increase will allow for more durable pavements or reduction in pavement thickness.
The soil PI was 27 and the grading is very fine. The T133 test showed that Polychlor is able to make significant reductions in material loss due to erosion and scouring. The testing has shown that Polychlor is able to be utilised in a wide range of soils.

Control test showing CBR of 4.5

Polychlor treated soil showing CBR of 11

PSD test of the material showing it is very fine with 70% passing the75 micron sieve.

RMS T133 (Modified) showed that the material loss was reduced. Of the treated specimen only 17% of the material was lost, while the untreated specimen lost 77%.
This testing shows that Polychlor still provides a benefit to high plasticity materials, with an increase in CBR and better cohesion during inundation.
SPRING 2022 NEWS
RELEASE OF ADMIX PRO AP272 POLYCARBOXYLATE ETHERADMIXTURE
Our latest addition to our admixture range is AP272 Polycarboxylate based admixture. AP272 is able to provide;
- High slump & self-leveling concrete
- Long slump retention
- High water reduction
- Low water to cement ratios for high strength and durability
- Low aggregate paste segregation
AdmixPro AP272 is an ideal product for situations requiring high performance concrete.
For further information please visit our AdmixPro webpage by clicking the link below
To discuss the product features or to discuss our range of admixture dosing equipment please contact us on 07 3910 7102 or email us at sales@five-elements.com.au

Concrete with AdmixPro AP272 Polycarboxylate admixture showing a very high slump

Control mix of low slump concrete

The same mix the control on the left with 0.3% of cement ratio AP272 Polycarboxylate Ether based high range water reducer showing a slump of 200
WINTER 2022 NEWS
DEVELOPMENT OF ADMIXTURE DOSING SYSTEM
Fifth Element Automation has developed a fully computerised concrete admixture dosing system in conjuction with concrete producers. The system is based on a rugged PLC industrial electronics platform and incorporates high accuracy flow meter hardware. The flow meters enable the system to dose within 1% of the target dose rate.
The operator interface is through a 7" HMI screen. The system also features a tank mixing function, for admixtures that require occasional mixing. The system also offers expansion capability for up to 6 dosing pumps. The dosing can be controlled in proportion to the amount of cement powder or per cubic metre of concrete.
This system has been developed and assembled in Brisbane for clients throughout Australia. The system is releable and easily services by local technicians if required.
For further information please contact us on 07 3910 7102 or by email sales@five-elements.com.au

Operators control screen with tabs for concrete consistency and set control
SUMMER 2022 NEWS
NATA LABORATORY TESTING DATA OF POLYCHLOR TREATED MATERIALS
Polychlor has been used to treat MRST05 Type 2.5 material supplied by Russell Quarries on a number of projects. Following is the result of testing carried out to establish the effect of Polychlor on the CBR after a 4 day soak. The testing was carried out by Soiltech Testing Services. It was found that the CBR increased from 40 to 60. The test report file can be viewed on the link below.
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P21390-2 Polychlor Testing.pdf Size : 132.443 Kb Type : pdf |
These results validate that Polychlor increases the CBR of road making materials. To see more testing data realted to the CBR increase from Polychlor treatment please refer to our Polychlor product page;
The effect of Polychlor on the Atterberg Limits and Linear Shrinkage were also tested. It was found that the Plasticity index was reduced from 19 to 11. Polychlor increases the liquid limit and also the plastic limit. It was also found that Polychlor reduced the linear shrinkage by 1%. For all the details see the test report in the link below.
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P21390-3.pdf Size : 125.569 Kb Type : pdf |
Polychlor has been found to reduce the amount of scouring of road pavement surfaces during rain events. This characteristic is backed up testing materials using the RMS T133 Modified testing method. It has been found that testing the Russell Quarries materials for one 5 hour soaking cycle established significantly reduced material loss. See the results in the link to the laboratory report by Soiltech of Toowoomba.
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P21390-4B T133 Report.pdf Size : 428.437 Kb Type : pdf |

RUSSELL QUARRIES RMS T133 Modified test result shown that the untreated road base lost 86.4% of mass after 5 hour soaking

RUSSELL QUARRIES RMS T133 Modified test result treated with Polychlor shows that material loss was limited to 1.5% after 5 hours of soaking
WINTER 2021 NEWS
POLYCHLOR DUST SUPPRESSION WORKS AT CAPE LEVEQUE ROAD WA
Cape Leveque Road is a major arterial road servicing the Dampier Peninsula from Broome WA. Cape Leveque Road is gradually being widened. As part of the widening works a side track has been constructed to carry traffic during pavement widening works. Polychlor was utilised to reduce dust emissions on the side track during construction works, improving visibility and safety for passing motorists.
Application of Polychlor using water tanker
Use of Polychlor is a major cost advantage over use of water tankers for dust suppression.

Cape Leveque Road side track during preparation of the Pindan road base

Blending of Polychlor solution into the water tanker
Polychlor was blending into the water tanker using the blending equipment. Bore water was used for the blending process.

Cape Leveque Road is in a remote region of Australia
Using Polychlor can offer significant cost reductions and saving of precious water resources in managing dust. For further information please contact us on sales@five-elements.com.au
AUTUMN 2021 NEWS
POLYCHLOR APPLICATION WORKS AT IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL
Stabilisation of shoulders on sealed roads has been the main application of Polychlor at Ipswich City Council. Significant savings have been made in stabilising shoulders to protect the pavement from scouring and erosion during wet weather. The pavement material used on the shoulders is from Russells Quarry at Pine Mountain QLD. This material performs very well in unsealed road applications, and it's performance is even further enhanced with application of Polychlor. Application of Polychlor has been by full depth stabilisation of the pavement, and also surface treatment.

Surface application of Polychlor on Keidges Road, Redbank QLD
Testing was carried out to get a comprehensive understanding of the benefit that Polychlor provides to pavement performance. PSD analysis showed that the Russell's material has 11-16% passing the 0.425mm sieve and a linear shrinkage of 9%. Remoulded specimens were also made and subjected to RMS T133 Pavement durability testing. The image shown is after drying of specimens subjected to 5 hours of soaking. The loss of material after 5 hours of soaking is reduced by Polychlor treatment from 57% loss to 17% loss. A clear demonstration that application of Polychlor significantly reduces pavement damage during rainfall events.

Russell's Pit material after 5 hour soak test as per RMS T133 pavement durability testing

PSD of the Russell's Pit material with MRTS05 Type 2.5 Grading C as the reference
SUMMER 2020/21 NEWS
POLYCHLOR & POLYTAHR STABILISATION AT BLAND SHIRE COUNCIL, NSW
Bland Shire Council has sought out Polytahr and Polychlor as a means to improve the performance of local unsealed roads. The works were carried out on Hollands Lane which is 15km South East of West Wyalong. Hollands Lane is subjected to ongoing heavy vehicle traffic originating from a nearby hard rock quarry. Both the Polytahr and Polychlor were applied by mixing the product into the water tanker and spraying onto the road pavement.

Freshly sprayed Polychlor just prior to mixing in with the Grader
Polychlor and Polytahr are suitable for a wide range of applications to reduce pavement wear, dust and pavement damage in wet or dry conditions.
For further information please contact Five Elements to discuss your specific project requirements. Please click on the link below for further information about Polychlor;
Spraying of Polytahr solutiononto the ripped pavement
The area treated with Polychlor has been surface treated to reduce dust emissions.

The surface of Hollands Lane immediately after application of Polychlor solution
SPRING 2020 NEWS
POLYCHLOR STABILISATION - O'NEIL'S ROAD, IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL QLD
Ipswich City Council has a large number of sealed roads with unsealed shoulders. There is a significant problem with erosion of the unsealed shoulders due to scouring during rain events. We have treated a number of roads throughout the Ipswich local government area using Polychlor pavement adhesive and stabiliser to prevent damage to the road shoulders.

Spraying Polychlor solution onto the shoulder pavement of O'Neil's Road Amberley
In October we have been working on O'Neil's Road Amberley which is a long sloping road that causes a lot of runoff to scour the shoulder. The treatment process for this job has been to stabilise the pavement using Polychlor and later apply a surface seal using Polychlor.
The table drain areas were also stabilised. Polychlor has been proven to be an effective means to significantly reduce scouring and pavement loss in these areas. Application of Polychlor has been shown to be effective in reducing maintenance significantly.
For further information about Polychlor please contact us on 07 3348 5533 or sales@five-elements.com.au or click on the link below to our Polychlor webpage.

Incorporating the Polychlor into the pavement material using blade mixing on O'Neil's Road

Completed shoulder and table drain area after Polychlor stabilisation
WINTER 2020 NEWS
POLYCHLOR DUST SUPPRESSION AT BANANA SHIRE COUNCIL QLD
Banana Shire Council is located 550km North West of Brisbane and takes in a large area that stretches 250km from Dululu to Taroom. Banana Shire has an extensive network of unsealed rural roads and is seeking a dust suppression solution for areas where residences are located close to unsealed roads. Council has utilised Polychlor to solve the dust issues in these areas.

Blending the Polychlor into the tanker
During the site visit from Five Elements the Operations Staff were trained in the blending of the Polychlor into the water cart using the blending equipment. The Polychlor blending equipment is a safe and fast way to blend the powdered soil adhesive into the tanker.
Polychlor is a powerful soil adhesive which prevents dusting and protects the surface from erosion and wear.
Polychlor can be applied as a suface treatment for dust suppression or it can be mixed right through the pavement material as a full depth stabiliser. To find out more and view our testing data click on the link below.

Freshly applied Polychlor near Biloela. The solution soaks into the pavement within 10 minutes.

Freshly applied Polychlor on Eriksons Road near Wowan
AUTUMN 2020 NEWS
POLYTAHR STABILISATION OF SARABAH ROAD, SCENIC RIM REGIONAL COUNCIL QLD
Scenic Rim Regional Council (SRRC) is located in the South Eastern Queensland and has a large unsealed road network. SRRC has undertaken significant efforts to improve the performance of the unsealed road network. Part of this strategy is application of Polytahr stabiliser from Five Elements which is a Polymer based stabiliser made for medium/high PI unsealed road pavements.

Application of Polytahr using a tow bar mounted spreader
Polytahr reduces maintenance in med/high plasticity gravels by increasing the liquid limit of the gravel, resulting in less damage in wet conditions. Polytahr also helps the compaction of the soil, improving the compaction of the road base.

After activation of the polymer the base is mixed and compacted
SRRC has also made significant efforts since cyclone Debbie to improve the gravel blends Council uses on the unsealed road network. Council now uses TMR's MRTS05 Type 4.5 material specification. Please view the following link for more information;
The MRTS05 Type 4.5 material has a minimum soaked CBR value of 15. The relatively low CBR provides a pavement with higher plasticity and excellent cohesion, essential properties for unsealed roads. The high plasticity and better cohesion keeps the gravel on the road.

MRTS05 Type 4.5 material showing a tight surface and excellent cohesion
The MRTS05 Type 4.5 material is well suited to the local climate. In locations with long wet periods and cold weather this gravel blend might prove to get too wet in winter. While the rainfall within the SRRC is relatively high, the rain usually falls with high intensity followed by fine weather and reasonably warm conditions.

Finishing compaction with multi-tyre roller
The high clay content of the Type 4.5 material make it ideally suited for use with the Polytahr polymer treatment. The Polymer treatment is a sound investment to further reduce maintenance of SRRC's unsealed road network.
For further information about this project and others please contact Five Elements on 07 3348 5533 or sales@five-elements.com.au
SUMMER 2019/20 NEWS
POLYCHLOR STABILISATION AND DUST SUPPRESSION OF SHOULDERSON KEIDGES ROAD, IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL
Keidges Road is located in Bellbird Park, QLD has an unsealed shoulder that is part of a school pickup zone. Due to being a high rainfall area, steep grades and high traffic the shoulder suffers significant pavement loss.
To remedy this problem the shoulder was topped up with appropriate gravel for use on unsealed roads, and the new pavement material was stabilised using Polychlor. The shoulder was also surface treated by over spraying it with Polychlor to eliminate dust emissions.
Application of Polychlor will significantly increase the soaked CBR of the pavement material. It will also significantly increase the liquid limit of the gravel preventing it from washing out and scouring.
These benefits mean a significant reduction in costly maintenance of unsealed shoulders.
To find our more please contact us of 07 3348 5533 or email us on sales@five-elements.com.au

Application of the Polychlor Overspray on Keidges Road
OCTOBER 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR OMEGA AND POLYTAHR WORKS AT NAMBUCCA SHIRE COUNCIL
Nambucca Shire Council has undertaken stabilisation works using Polytahr on Birds Road and stabilisation works & dust suppression works on the Old Coast Road.

Spreading Polytahr granules onto the pavement
Polytahr is a granular polyacrylamide polymer which binds medium and high plasticity soils and pavements to reduce the maintenance requirements.

Ripping the pavement of Birds Rd after activation of the polymer
After spreading and activation of the polymer the pavement is ripped and blade mixed to evenly distribute the polymer. Once the pavement has been mixed it is compacted. Polytahr enhances the pavement significantly to provide a more durable pavement and less long term pavement loss.

Spraying Polychlor onto the ripped pavement of Old Coast Rd
Due to the high traffic and dusty pavement Polychlor was used to stabilise the Old Coast Road. Polychlor is blended into the water cart and sprayed onto the pavement and then mixed in thoroughly using the grader prior to compaction.

Freshly sprayed Polychlor applied to the surface for dust suppression on the Old Coast Road
After completion of the pavement works Polychlor was applied to the surface to provide dust suppression. The application was highly successful and practically eliminated dust for several months. This outcome was pleasing considering the dusty nature of the pavement material. For further information please contact us on 0429 383 298
SEPTEMBER 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR OMEGA DUST SUPPRESSION AND STABILISATION AT IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL
Dust from construction traffic from work sites at Ripley has been a major concern for residents near Bayliss Road, this has been exacerbated by traffic detours related to the Ripley bridge replacement. To combat these dust emissions it has been decided to apply Polychlor directly to the surface of Bayliss Road. After maintenance grading Polychlor Omega solution was applied to the surface, resulting in zero dust emissions. See the Youtube video to watch the application process.
Henderson Road which lies in a rural residential area to the West of Ipswich was also treated using Polychlor. The pavement was stabilised and this was followed by surface application of Polychlor to eliminate dust. This treatment strategy has resulted in a pavement that is much more resistant to damage in both wet and dry conditions, while also alleviating dust emissions from passing traffic.
For further information please contact us on 0429 383 298 or email us: sales@five-elements.com.au
AUGUST 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR OMEGA DUST SUPPRESSION AT DOUGLAS SHIRE COUNCIL
Douglas Shire lies 100km north of Cairns, during the dry season there are numerous dust complaints from residents in rural residential areas related to traffic on unsealed roads. Polychlor Omega was chosen as the most appropriate solution to these dust concerns due to it's value for money and environmental safety. The local area is classified environmentally sensitive as it lies adjacent the Daintree Rainforest. Polychlor is environmentally safe and binds to the soil and gravel, keeping waterways safe. Polychlor Omega is not hazardous or toxic in any way, making it safe for your personnel to use.
Polychlor Omega maintains a low viscosity when in solution with water so it is easy to spray out using a water cart. Our blending equipment blends the product into water carts in a consistent manner, so each batch has consistent concentration throughout the load.
For further information please contact us on 0429 383 298
Video of Polychlor application on Whyenbeel Road, Mossman QLD
JULY 2019 NEWS
500,000m2 UNSEALED ROAD STABILISATION AT ALBURY CITY COUNCIL
In April 2017 Albury City Council undertook comparative trials of Polytahr against Polycom and some other stabilisation products to determine which was most suitable to improve performance of the unsealedroad network. After a comprehensive evaluation the staff decided to go with Polytahr for treatment of their unsealed pavements. The main factors in selecting Polytahr included;
- Significant maintenance reductions
- Ease of application
- Safety
- Low cost

Incorporating Polytahr using blade mixing
Polytahr is providing Albury City Council with a means to reduce the overall cost of managing their unsealed road network. Albury City Council are now undertaking approximately 500,000m2 of Polytahr Treatment.
Polytahr has been proven to be a means to reduce maintenance costs, while also extending the life of the asset.

Mixing and spreading the pavement on Thurgoona Road
From July 2019 Albury City Council will commence Polytahr works with view of treating the whole unsealed road network.

Ripping of the pavement prior to application of Polytahr near Ettamogah
JUNE 2019 NEWS
STABILISATION WORKS AT NORTH BURNETT REGIONAL COUNCIL
North Burnett Regional Council has sought out Polytahr and Polychlor to improve the performance of pavements. Several sections of Old Rawbelle Road were treated as they were in need of enhancement through stabilisation.

Spreading the pavement material and rolling to finish off one of the granitic sandsections treated with Polytahr

Ripping the terra rosa section for treatment with Polytahr

Spraying out the Polychlor solution on the granitic sand section
The purpose of the works is to assess the performance of the Polytahr and Polychlor in the North Burnett conditions and to enhance the asset life of gravels. Staff found the product easy to use and the effect of both products was immediately apparent.

Mixing and rolling the Polychlor section
MAY 2019 NEWS
500,000 m2 OF POLYTAHR STABILISATION AT LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL, NSW
Leeton Shire Council first used Polytahr in 2015 so the Council staff have a lot of experience using Polytahr for stabilisation of high clay content pavements. Currently Leeton Shire are undertaking a major program of Polytahr stabilisation their high clay roads, with the total project area being 500,000 m2.
Spreading Polytahr from a tow bar mounted spreader
The pricing of Polytahr makes it possible for Councils to take advantage of Polymer stabilisation on a large scale. We have a number of Councils undertaking projects of similar scale to the one at Leeton shire. For Councils with large areas of high plasticity pavements Polytahr stabilisation is an appropriate strategy to improve pavement performance.
Leeton Shire has experienced numerous benefits from use of Polytahr on their unsealed road network including;
- Reduced maintenance
- Reduced pavement loss
- Reduced dust
To find out more call us on 0429 383 298
Ripping the pavement to 100mm prior to treatment
Spreading the treated pavement material and finishing off with the multi tyred roller
APRIL 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR CBR TESTING FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GRAVELS
We have compiled testing data in a variety of material types gathered from regions within the South West of Western Australia.
MERREDIN - Yellow clayey sand

Merredin samples after soaking - Right sample is the treated specimen

After CBR testing. The control on the left has a CBR of 35, the treated specimen on the right has a CBR of 97
MANJIMUP - High PI laterite gravel

Manjimup specimens after soaking - Right sample is the treated sample

After CBR testing. The control on the left has a CBR of 10, the treated specimen on the right has a CBR of 54
COOLGARDIE - Mallee sands

The purpose of this unsoaked CBR testing was to determine the improvement of pavement performance during dry conditions. The control on the left has a CBR of 58 while the treated specimen on the right has a CBR of 80.
MARCH 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR APPLICATION AT SOUTHERN MALLEE DISTRICT COUNCIL, SA
The Southern Mallee District Council has a significant quantity of rural roads composed of clayey loam. Maintenance for these roads is a challenge due to the remote locations of the roads and long haul distances for water. Polychlor is one of the options which has been utilised to reduce maintenance frequency and limit damage to the road network during periods of precipitation.
The other reasoning behind the application of Polychlor is to enable use of low cost clayey loam for pavement materials rather than trucking in crushed rock from distant quarries.
Polychlor is able to provide significant increases in the CBR of a wide range of materials, greatly reducing damage to unsealed pavement during times of wet weather and high traffic.

The crew during the blending of the Polychlor into the tanker
Polychlor maintains a low viscosity when blended into water carts, so there is no risk to pumps or other equipment. Polychlor is non-corrosive so there is no risk to equipment. Water quality isn't an issue when blending Polychlor, it doesn't matter whether the water is dirty, salty or cold.

Spraying the Polychlor solution onto the pavement prior to mixing with the grader

Laying out the mixed pavement whilst rolling using a tow behing multi tyre roller
FEBRUARY 2019 NEWS
ESTABLISHMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION WITH SYKES TRANSPORT
Five Elementsis proud to announce that we have established distribution services with Sykes Transport of Kewdale to warehouse and distribute our products in Western Australia. The products held at the Sykes' Kewdale warehouse include;
- Polytahr
- Polychlor Omega
- Ligroc Gamma
- Product application equipment
To further support our WA customers we will be increasing the number of site visits and laboratory testing for WA clients. This is a significant increase in our commitment to service WA customers. Keeping stock in Kewdale will also make significant reductions in the transport cost to our customers.
Initially we have placed a minimum stock level of products into the Kewdale warehouse. During March 2019 additional stock will arrive to increase stock levels.
Sykes is a well known West Australian transport company and has operated a depot in Perth since 1981. Sykes also operate a distribution warehouse in Kalgoorlie. Sykes Transport is well known for providing reliable transport services throughout Western Australia.


POLYCHLOR STABILISATION WORKS AT BRANDENBURG ROAD, SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Further work has been carried out to stabilise steep sections of Brandenburg Road near Mooloolah Valley in the Sunshine Coast Council area. The gravel type on this section of road is a TMRS 05 Type 2.5 gravel. Due to steep grades, heavy traffic and heavy rainfall unraveling of pavement material has been a problem.

After application of the Polychlor solution it was mixed in using the grader blade.

Steep grades and high traffic are an issues on this stretch of Brandenburg Road
A heavy dose of Polychlor Omega pavement adhesive has provided the appropriate solution in this secenario. Polychlor Omega in able to provide a significant increase in CBR values in materials of crushed rock origin such as the Typr 2.5 material utilised on Brandenburg Road. Polychlor Omega is also able to resist moisture damage during wet weather. To find out more, please click the link to our Polychlor page below.
JANUARY 2019 NEWS
POLYCHLOR STABILISATION PROJECT OF THE MOUNT LINDSAY HIGHWAY, TENTERFIELD NSW
Stabilisation of the unsealed section of the Mount Lindsay Highway has been the third Polychlor project completed for the Tenterfield Shire Council. The existing pavement was stabilised to a depth of 100mm using Polychlor Omega Polymer. Polychlor Omega provides a significant increase in the soaked CBR of pavement materials, resulting in a longer lasting pavement in wet conditions.

Spraying out of Polychlor Omega from the tanker. Polychlor Omega maintains a low viscosity making spraying out easy whether using the spray bar or fans.

Polychlor maintains a foamy appearance for several minutes after being sprayed onto the surface.

The waterhole and mixing equipment for the Polychlor Omega.
The project area totaled 50,000m2 and with two tankers and two graders a productivity of up to 12,000m2 per day was achieved. Blending of the Polychlor still enables the tankers to be filled quickly, enabling high productivity.

Mixing of the Polychlor with the pavement material using blade mixing.
Polychlor Omega was the product of choice for this project due to it's ability to reduce unraveling of the pavement material. The Mount Lindsay Highway is at an altitude of approximately 900m to 1100m so the climatic conditions are quite harsh, compounding the pavement issues. Polychlor Omega's resistance to moisture ingress into the pavement will go a long way to alleviating these problems. The pavement type is a decomposed granite/granitic sand which is won from a nearby pit.
DECEMBER 2018 NEWS
LIGROC GAMMA APPLICATION AT COLAC OTWAY SHIRE COUNCIL
Colac Otway Shire is seeking a product to combat dust issues on local unsealed roads and Ligroc Gamma is a suitable product due to its strong dust suppression qualities. Ligroc Gamma is composed of Lignosulphonate which makes it highly effective as a dust suppressant, while also being safe for staff to use and environmentally friendly. Some of the features and benefits of Ligroc include;
- It is a fast acting product which allows the road to stay open
- It is non-hygroscopic, creating a long-lasting product
- Creates safer roads and driving conditions
- Reduces dust to a PM10 standard resulting in cleaner air
- It is environmentally safe for sensitive areas
- Easy to blend into tankers at high concentrations
Ligroc is safe for use in water tankers, being non-corrosive and low viscosity. It also doesn't settle out of solution, so if you were to batch a tanker load it can be left over-night and used the next day.
Ligroc also has a strong stabilisation effect, keeping pavement materials on the road by increasing cohesion, and making the pavement more resistant to moisture ingress.
To find out more click on the link on the right to access the Ligroc Gamma web page, or call us on 0429 383 298.
NOVEMBER 2018 NEWS
CHLOROC ALPHA APPLICATION AT LOCKYER VALLEY REGIONAL COUNCIL
Dry conditions have seen excessive dust on some roads in the Lockyer Valley Region this Spring, especially on sandstone pavements with low binder content. To remedy the problem Chloroc Alpha calcium chloride has been applied to reduce dust.
Chloroc Alpha works by attracting moisture from the atmosphere, this helps keep dust down. Keeping the pavement moist also keeps the material in a plastic condition, reducing scattering of pavement material and reducing gravel loss. To find out more please contact us on 0429 383 298 or email sales@five-elements.com.au

Area with Chloroc Alpha applied on Old Ropeley Road, near Gatton.
OCTOBER 2018 - NEWS
POLYTAHR & POLYCHLOR OMEGA WORKS AT SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Five Elements has commenced another stabilisation project at Sunshine Coast Council utilising Polytahr and Polychlor Omega stabiliser. The Polytahr works will exceed 180,000 m2 so it a significant sized project. The works will focus on reducing maintenance on the unsealed road network.
Some of the challenges on the local unsealed road network include high rainfall and steep grades. Polychlor Omega was used as an overspray and also as a stabiliser to a depth of 100mm.

Grading works during Polytahr application on Brandenburg Road.
OCTOBER 2018 - Surfers Paradise IPWEA Conference
Thanks to everyone who dropped in to see our Five Elements trade exhibition at the 2018 State IPWEA Conference. It was good to catch up with everyone. Hope to see you all again next year.

SEPTEMBER 2018 - NEWS
POLYTAHR STABILISATION WORKS AT MERREDIN SHIRE COUNCIL
Works have been ongoing throughout Merredin Shire Council's unsealed road network with application of Polytahr polymer stabiliser. The Polytahr application is being utilised for stabilisation of highly plastic pavements to make them more resilient to damage during wet weather.
The project is significant is size and will total 220,000 m2. Application is by use of an electric spreader, and the whole application is being managed by Council staff.

West Muntadgin Road near Merredin WAseveral weeks after treatment
POLYCHLOR OMEGA STABILISATION WORKS AT LODDON SHIRE COUNCIL
Polychlor Omega soil adhesive has been utilised at Loddon Shire for stabilisation of Yarrawalla West Road. This road was selected for stabilisation as it caries high traffic volumes and the pavement has little binder content.
The application of Polychlor Omega was rapid and effective in increasing the cohesion of the soil/gravel mixture. Application was by blending the Polychlor into tankers and then spraying the solution onto the ripped pavement prior to reforming and re-compaction.
Productivity on this job was high with completion of over 9000 m2 per day. The equipment used included a 10,000 litre tanker, one grader and a combination smooth drum / multi tyre roller.

Spraying of Polychlor Omega Solution onto the ripped pavement of Yarrawalla West Road
UPGRADED BLENDING EQUIPMENT
We have had a busy time in our workshop in the August and September with substantial upgrades being made to our blending equipment. A lot of new features have been included with some ideas coming from our customers staff.
One of the major changes has been to the mixing vortex which now has an improved stand and light weight vortex body to reduce the weight of the unit. The upgrades improve the mobility of the equipment, this enables our customers staff to set up the equipment anywhere and blend adhesive stabiliser with ease.
The upgrade includes a new shipping crate, which enables the unit to be dispatched anywhere is Australia or New Zealand with ease. The new shipping crate also keeps freight costs to a minimum as the cargo is classified as stackable.

The new blending equipment set up for use in a quarry

Another new vortex ready for dispatch from the Five Elements workshop

Ready to be sealed up and dispatched
BENDIGO MWOA CONFERENCE
Thanks to all those who dropped in at our stand at the MWOA conference. The conference was well attended with a total of 550 delegates. Thanks to the MWOA committee and staff for putting on such a successful event.

The Five Elements stand at the Bendigo conference
AUGUST 2018 - NEWS
POLYCHLOR OMEGA STABILISATION WORKS AT TENTERFIELD SHIRE COUNCIL
Recent works at Tenterfield Shire Council utilised Polychlor Omega Stabiliser and Dust Suppressant for stabilisation and dust suppression works. The works were completed on Woodview Road which is an unsealed road composed of low plasticity gravels and sands with poor cohesion and size grading. Severe erosion and corrugations have been a major problem in the past. Polychlor Omega is well suited for this application due to it's strong adhesive properties.
Polychlor Omega has provided a solution which provides;
- Strong stabilisation
- High Daily productivity
- User friendly application
Two water tankers, two graders, a smooth drum roller and a multi tyre roller were used to complete the task. Daily productivity for the stabilisation works exceeded 12,000m2 per day. After drying and curing of the pavement a surface application of Polychlor Omega was applied utilising one tanker and a traffic control crew. During this process the crew applied 33,000m2 in 5 hours.
The treatment provides a finish which is highly resistant to erosion, corrugation and traffic wear, while also eliminating fugitive dust.

Spraying of Polychlor Omega onto the pavement material during stabilisation works. Polychlor Omega is 100% tanker friendly, see our brochure for more information.

The blending equipment for Polychlor Omega enables tankers to be filled with solution quickly and effectively, enabling high production rates

Surface film of Polychlor Omega immediately after application to Woodview Road. Traffic is kept off the surface for about 10 minutes to enable the product to soak into the surface.
FIVE ELEMENTS LABORATORY EXPANSION
In July 2018 we upgraded our laboratory equipment. We are now able to carry out the following testing;
- CBR
- Proctor
- Particle size distribution
Our laboratory is being utilised for our own product development and also for development of teating procedures for our customer's labs.

Five Elements Laboratory with CBR machine & drying stove
2018 LGSA Conference Trade Exhibition
Thanks to everyone who visited our Five Elements trade display at the LGSA Conference on 15-16 August at the Joondalup Resort and Country Club, Western Australia. Thanks to the LGSA Committee for organising such a high quality event. For more information about the conference click on the link to the right.
JULY 2018 - NEWS
Bundaberg Regional Council stabilisation and dust suppression works
Recent works around Bunderberg Regional Council have utilised both Polytahr stabiliser and Polychlor Omega. Polytahr was used to stabilise unsealed pavements to a depth of 100mm, after allowing the pavement to dry out this was followed by application of a film of Polychlor Omega to act as a surface stabiliser and dust suppressant.
Polychlor Omega is applied using a water tanker. It is odorless and has a low viscosity so it doesn't cause any issues with tankers. It is easy to spray out and maintain full coverage of the surface due to it's low viscosity behavior.
The Polychlor Omega is applied 3 to 5 days after completion of the stabilisation works. This ensures the pavement is dry immediately prior to application, so the solution soaks into the surface within minutes. Due to its adhesive properties Polychlor Omega will stabilise the surface and protect it from traffic wear and weather erosion.

Spreading of Polytahr onto pavement prior to incorporation

Blending Polychlor Omega into the water tanker

Spraying of Polychlor Omega onto the pavement

Polychlor Omega solution immediately after application

Several weeks after application
Polychlor Omega protects and stabilises the surface due to its adhesive properties. Dust is also eliminated or significantly reduced. Due to its economical nature,Polychlor Omega is useful in situations where there are significant dust emissions caused by harvest related heavy vehicle traffic. Our blending equipment is easy to use and comes with all the necessary standard operating procedures, enabling your staff to batch Polychlor Omega solution effectively and safely.
Polychlor Omega can also be used for full thickness stabilisation of pavements.
To find out more click onto the following link.
JUNE 2018 NEWS
Polytahr stabilisation of gravel resheeting works at Manjimup Shire Council
Manjimup Council has used Polytahr for the past 3 years in various applications such as stabilisation of in-situ pavement material and stabilisation of gravel resheeting works. This year Manjimup Council is using Polytahr in 8kms of resheeting works in the Pemberton area.
The benefits of the Polytahr stabilisation include reduced maintenance costs and reducing gravel loss rates which helps extend the useful life of the new gravel.
A site visit was conducted to validate the application methods and train customer staff. Five Elements is able to provide prompt service anywhere in Australia and New Zealand, including delivery of materials, delivery of application equipment and on-site training.
To find out more about this project please contact us on 07 3348 5533, or click on the following link to find out more information;

Old Bass Road, Pemberton WA. Spreading of the Polytahr from the tow bar mounted electric spreader.

Blade mixing of the pavement to incorporate the Polytahr Polymer.

Spreading of the windrow and finishing off with a multi tyre roller.
MAY 2018 NEWS
VIC ROADS Polytahr Super Shoulder Works
Since February 2018 we have been carrying out Polytahr Super polymer stabilisation of unsealed road shoulders with VIC Roads. The purpose of the works is to reduce damage on road shoulders and reduce loss of gravel from the shoulders.
The works are centred on the VIC Roads network near the Lilydale VIC Roads Depot. The photos shown were taken during works on C404 (Monbulk Road)
The outcomes of application of Polytahr Super to these shoulders has been reduced damage due to traffic and reduced edge drop. This has helped VIC Roads provide better quality shoulders for road users and reduce the frequency of maintenance by 50-100%.
To find out more about this project please contact us on 07 3348 5533. Or click onto the following link to the Polytahr Super page.

Spreading of the Polytahr Super on the shoulders of C404 (Monbulk Road)using an electric spreader.

Finishing off the surface using a multi tyred roller

Are your residents frustrated with the condition of unsealed roads? You might like to consider using products from Five Elements to improve your road infrastructure service levels. Contact us on 07 3348 5533