Duraflex DFI®: freeze-thaw resistance for mining and high-altitude roads
Published on · Solo Rep
Translated from the Spanish original. Read the original in Spanish →
Freeze-thaw is one of the biggest enemies of soil stabilization. In cold regions and on high-altitude roads —like those at many South American mines— water entering the structure freezes, expands and thaws again and again. Cycle after cycle, the base loses durability, cracks and potholes appear, and maintenance never stops.
What the tests showed
Tests carried out in Chile, Canada and the USA have shown that when Duraflex is added to the final formula, the structure withstands 50, 100 and up to 300 freeze-thaw cycles.
Laboratory test in Chile: 50 cycles with no deterioration
A university laboratory in Chile tested a soil-cement trial mix with Duraflex under Chilean standards NCh 2185 Of92 (freeze-thaw resistance) and NCh 1037 (compressive strength). Tests ran from September to December 2022; report dated January 3, 2023.
Mix per m³:
- Portland HE cement: 180 kg
- Whole soil under 20 mm: 1,800 kg
- Water: 24%
- Duraflex additive: 3.6 kg
Results:
- After 50 cycles: “No damage observed on the specimens.”
- Average linear volume change: -0.35%.
- Compressive strength: 2.3 MPa at 7 days and 3.3 MPa at 28 days.
Reference projects in extreme cold
- Winnipeg, Canada (down to -40 °C): municipal roads with DFI® soil-cement stabilization for road infrastructure exposed to cold weather.
- IPC (International Petroleum Company), northern Alberta, Canada (-35 °C): industrial haul roads for oil operations, focused on heavy loads and operational continuity.
Freeze-thaw, one of several benefits
Freeze-thaw resistance adds to Duraflex's other benefits:
- −35% porosity
- Impermeability
- Tensile strength
- Acid and sulfate resistance
How we work at Solo Rep
As Duraflex representatives, we support mining, Oil & Gas and infrastructure projects across the region: soil characterization, tests with local material to define the dosage, and on-site technical support.
Do you have a mining or high-altitude road affected by frost? Write to us at matias@solo-rep.com.
Resources
- Duraflex Latin America — Projects and cases (in Spanish): Obras, aplicaciones y evidencia en campo
DuraflexDFI®Freeze-thawSoil stabilizationMining roadsMining
Solo Rep, Duraflex representative · www.solo-rep.com