Frequently Asked Questions?

General Soilbond FAQs

Scroll down for product specific questions.

What is Soilbond?

Soilbond is an Australian manufacturer of naturally derived products designed for surface stabilisation, binding and dust suppression. The Soilbond range includes A01 Stabiliser Binder, designed to improve the stability and cohesion of suitable granular materials and A02 Dust Suppressant, designed for short to medium-term control of airborne dust.

Are Soilbond products Australian Made?

Yes. Soilbond products are Australian Made and manufactured in Australia. Soilbond is committed to supplying quality products using materials derived from naturally occurring sources.

What types of projects are Soilbond products suitable for?

Soilbond products are suitable for a wide range of civil, commercial, industrial, mining, quarrying, agricultural, landscaping and recreational applications.

Depending on the product, applications can include:

• Roads and road shoulders

• Access tracks and unsealed roads

• Granular pavements

• Pedestrian and cycle paths

• Driveways and car parks

• Public spaces and recreational areas

• Construction and industrial sites

• Mining and quarry operations

• Agricultural and rural applications

• Areas requiring dust suppression or surface stabilisation

The appropriate Soilbond product depends on the material, site conditions and desired outcome.

What is the difference between Soilbond A01 and A02?

The choice depends primarily on what you are trying to achieve.

Soilbond A01 Stabiliser Binder is designed to stabilise and bind suitable granular materials. It is mixed through the material before compaction and is suited to applications where improved cohesion, surface stability and resistance to erosion are required.

Soilbond A02 Dust Suppressant is designed for short to medium‑term dust control. It is applied as a diluted spray to the surface, forming a cohesive surface layer that helps reduce airborne dust and reduces the frequency of routine watering.

A01 vs A02 — Quick Comparison

For a more detailed comparison, application methods and typical uses, refer to the relevant Soilbond A01 and A02 product pages.

Not sure which product is right for your project? Contact the Soilbond team for technical advice.

Can Soilbond provide technical and application advice?

Yes. Soilbond can provide technical and application guidance to help customers determine the appropriate product, application method and requirements for their project.

For project-specific advice, we recommend providing details such as the material being treated, application area, intended use, traffic conditions and site conditions.

Where can I purchase Soilbond products?

Soilbond is the manufacturer and distributor of all Soilbond products. Contact the team for orders, product availability, pricing, or project‑specific technical advice. Both A01 and A02 are available Australia wide via our trusted freight carriers.

For larger projects, your preferred landscape supplier can premix material with Soilbond A01 stabiliser and deliver it to site ready for installation. Recommended mixing partners include:

• VIC - Soilworx www.soilworx.com.au

• NSW – ANL www.anlscape.com.au

• NSW - Nepean Landscape Supplies www.nepeanlbs.com.au

• WA - Creation Landscape Supplies www.creationlandscapesupplies.com.au

Soilbond A01 Stabiliser Binder – FAQ’s

About Soilbond A01

What is Soilbond A01?

Soilbond A01 is a naturally derived liquid stabiliser binder designed to improve the cohesion, structural integrity and erosion resistance of granitic sand and other suitable granular materials. When diluted, thoroughly mixed through the material and compacted, A01 binds fine particles together to create a stronger, more durable and longer-lasting surface while retaining the material’s natural granular appearance.

What is A01 used for?

Soilbond A01 is used to stabilise suitable granular materials across a wide range of applications, including unsealed roads and shoulders, driveways and access roads, pedestrian and shared paths, cycleways, parks and recreational areas, public spaces, sportsgrounds, playgrounds, car parks, solar and wind farms, granular pavements, and areas subject to wind or water erosion.

A01 is suitable for projects of all sizes — from large‑scale civil, infrastructure, council and government works through to commercial and residential installations.

How does Soilbond A01 work?

Soilbond A01 uses naturally derived material produced during pine processing in the pulp and paper industry, which provides the binding properties within the treated material.

A01 is diluted with water and thoroughly mixed through the granular material before compaction. During mixing, the binder coats and binds fine particles together, increasing cohesion within the layer and creating a stronger, more durable and erosion resistant surface.

What materials can A01 be used with?

Soilbond A01 can be used with a range of granular materials, including granitic sand and other suitable materials.

Keep in mind that there needs to be some fines/stones in the material up to a maximum of 20mm. Soilbond needs PI or clay to bind to. Materials that will bind with Soilbond requires a PI index 1 – 10. It is not suitable for clean aggregates as there is nothing for Soilbond to bind to.

For detailed information on compatible materials, refer to the Soilbond A01 product page.

What are the benefits of Soilbond A01 compared with cement stabilisation?

Soilbond A01 provides a flexible alternative to conventional cement stabilisation. Key benefits include:
* Non‑silica, non‑dust product — safer and cleaner for handling and application
* Flexible, crack‑resistant surfaces — avoids the rigid, brittle behaviour typical of cement‑stabilised layers
* Reduced shrinkage and cracking — accommodates natural movement within the pavement
* Strength with permeability — improves cohesion while allowing the surface to remain partially permeable
* Longer working window — can be premixed and placed without strict cement‑like curing constraints
* Does not set immediately — provides more time for shaping, placement and finishing

Does Soilbond A01 stabilised material remain permeable?

Soilbond stabilised material remains partially permeable, although permeability is reduced following stabilisation. Soilbond binds the granular material together to improve stability and strength while still allowing some water to penetrate through the treated surface. The level of permeability will depend on factors including the granular material, stabilisation depth, compaction and application rate.

Does A01 prevent weed growth?

When correctly installed, Soilbond A01 can help inhibit weed growth in stabilised granular surfaces. Where weed inhibition is an objective, a minimum stabilised depth of around 75 mm is recommended. A stable base is also important for granitic sand installations. Where additional weed protection is required, a weed barrier can be incorporated as part of the overall design.

Application FAQ’S

How is A01 applied?

Soilbond A01 can be applied using either stockpile mixing (preferred method) or in-situ application. For detailed information on installation & application, refer to the Soilbond A01 product page or User Manual on the Resources Page.

In either application method, the correct quantity of A01 must be diluted with water and thoroughly mixed through the granular material before the material is placed and compacted.

What is the standard A01 application rate?

2% of the dry weight of the granular material, with a 50 mm treatment depth used where appropriate. Application rates may vary depending on the material and project requirements.

For detailed application rate calculations and recommendations, refer to the Application Rate section on the Soilbond A01 product page or visit the Resources Page.

Can I spray A01 onto the surface?

No. Soilbond A01 is not intended to be used as a surface spray. It must be mixed uniformly through the granular material to stabilise the full treatment layer. Spraying it on top will not create strength, cohesion or long‑term stability.

Does A01 need to be diluted?

Yes. Soilbond A01 must be diluted before application. The standard dilution rate is 1:1 (A01:water). Dilution ensures the binder can be evenly distributed through the granular material during mixing and helps achieve uniform stabilisation throughout the treatment layer.

Can A01 be used on slopes?

Yes — A01 can be used on sloped areas however, suitability depends on the gradient, material type and site conditions. Because every site is different, we recommend contacting Soilbond for project specific guidance.

How important is compaction?

Compaction is critical to achieving the best performance from Soilbond A01. After the mixing process, the treated layer must be properly compacted to achieve the required density, strength and stability. Insufficient compaction can reduce the effectiveness and durability of the stabilised surface. Compaction is what locks the stabilised layer into place and delivers long‑term performance.

Suitable compaction equipment, such as a roller or wacker, should be selected according to the material, treatment depth and site conditions.

Can A01 be applied to an existing granular surface?

Yes, provided the existing granular material can be ripped, re-worked or scarified. The material must be loosened and the binder uniformly incorporated throughout the treatment layer before compaction. A01 cannot simply be sprayed over an existing compacted surface.

For site specific requirements, contact Soilbond for technical advice.

How long does A01 stabilised material last?

Soilbond A01 creates a long‑lasting stabilised layer designed to extend the lifespan when correctly mixed and compacted. Because A01 is a structural binder, its lifespan depends on factors such as material type, treatment depth, traffic loads, drainage and site conditions.

As a natural material maintenance will be required at some point. Maintenance is easy. The area needs to be scarified and Soilbond A01 mixed in to minimum depth of 50 mm, levelled & compacted.

What is the recommended depth?

For most applications, we recommend a minimum 50 mm compacted depth. Treatment depths below 50 mm are not recommended.

For driveways, vehicle traffic, or higher‑load areas, a minimum 100 mm compacted depth is recommended to ensure adequate strength and long‑term performance.

Is edging required?

Edging is recommended but not essential. It provides additional support to the stabilised layer and helps maintain clean, defined edges.

If edging is not used, we recommend a minimum 75 mm compacted depth to reduce the risk of edge crumbling. In these cases, thorough compaction is critical to ensure the material remains stable and durable.

How does rainfall affect an A01 treated surface?

Once properly mixed, placed and compacted, a Soilbond A01 treated surface is designed to withstand normal rainfall and weather conditions.

Rainfall during installation or before the treated material has sufficiently dried can affect the treatment. Application should therefore be planned around suitable weather conditions.

Site drainage is also important to the long-term performance of the stabilised surface.

Maintenance & Supply FAQ’s

Does A01 reduce ongoing maintenance?

Yes. Soilbond A01 can help reduce ongoing maintenance requirements compared to untreated granular surfaces.

Maintenance requirements will depend on factors including traffic, drainage, material selection, site conditions and installation quality.

Can an A01 treated surface be repaired or reworked?

Yes. Soilbond A01 treated surfaces can be repaired, reworked or reinstated where required. Damaged areas can be prepared, treated with additional material and A01, then thoroughly mixed and compacted to restore the stabilised surface.

For project specific repair or reworking recommendations, contact Soilbond for technical advice.

How is Soilbond A01 supplied?

Soilbond A01 is available in packaging options to suit projects of different sizes, including 20 litre cubes, 200 litre drums and 1,000 litre IBCs.

Soilbond A01 can be supplied as a ready-to-use product or as a concentrate formulation, depending on project requirements.

Environmental & Sustainability FAQ’s

Is A01 safe for surrounding vegetation & wildlife?

When correctly applied, Soilbond A01 treated material is safe for surrounding vegetation and wildlife and is suitable for use in landscape, council, environmental and residential applications.

Application should always follow the recommended rates and procedures, with appropriate care taken around sensitive areas and waterways.

Is A01 environmentally friendly?

Yes. Soilbond A01 is a naturally derived, non‑toxic, non‑silica binder. It contains no cement or hazardous dust forming agents, making it safer to handle and safer for workers during installation. It is classified as non-hazardous in its supplied form.

Soilbond treated material can be reused or recycled supporting more sustainable material management and reducing the need for disposal.

Soilbond A02 Dust Suppressant – FAQ’s

About Soilbond A02

What is Soilbond A02?

Soilbond A02 is a water-based dust suppressant designed for short to medium term control of airborne dust before additional applications are required. Applied as a diluted spray, it binds fine surface particles to form a cohesive surface layer, helping reduce dust emissions and watering requirements.

What is Soilbond A02 used for?

Soilbond A02 is suitable for dust control across a wide range of applications, including mining and quarry operations, civil construction, industrial facilities, farming and agricultural properties, unsealed roads, access tracks, driveways and rural roadways.

It can be used on both trafficked and non-trafficked surfaces where dust control is required.

Application FAQ’s

How is Soilbond A02 applied?

Soilbond A02 is applied as a diluted spray using suitable dust-control equipment. The treatment follows a two-stage approach.

The initial application establishes a cohesive surface layer by binding loose fines and forming a surface crust. Subsequent maintenance applications are applied as required to reinforce the treated surface and maintain dust control performance.

What dilution should I use?

The standard dilution for Soilbond A02 is 1 part A02 to 9 parts water.

This produces a diluted solution containing 10 parts total. Actual dilution may be adjusted for specific site conditions and application requirements. Contact Soilbond for further advice.

What is the standard spray rate?

The standard application rate is 2 litres of diluted solution per m² of surface area.

What equipment is needed to apply A02?

Soilbond A02 can be applied using standard dust-control and spraying equipment, including water carts fitted with spray bars or fan nozzles, bitumen sprayers and hand-operated spray systems for smaller areas.

The most appropriate equipment will depend on the size and type of area being treated and the required application rate.

How is Soilbond A02 supplied?

Soilbond A02 is available in packaging options to suit projects of different sizes, including 20 litre cubes, 200 litre drums and 1,000 litre IBCs.

Bulk tanker supply of approximately 15,000–25,000 litres is also available for larger project requirements.

Soilbond A02 can be supplied as a ready-to-use product or as a concentrate formulation, depending on project requirements.

Performance & Maintenance FAQ’s

Does A02 require ongoing maintenance?

Yes. Soilbond A02 is designed to provide dust control through an initial treatment followed by successive maintenance applications as required.

The initial treatment establishes the surface layer, while subsequent applications reinforce the existing crust and help extend dust-control performance.

As surface stability improves, maintenance frequency and application rates may be reduced depending on traffic, weather, surface condition and site requirements.

How long does dust suppression last?

Soilbond A02 provides short to medium-term dust suppression, with treatment longevity depending on factors such as traffic loading, weather, rainfall, surface condition, application rate and ongoing maintenance.

The treatment is designed to build surface cohesion through successive applications. As the treated surface develops greater stability, maintenance requirements may reduce.

Because site conditions vary considerably, a fixed treatment lifespan cannot be guaranteed. A site trial can help establish the expected performance and maintenance frequency for a particular application.

How much water can A02 save?

Field trials have shown that sites using Soilbond can reduce water consumption by up to 80% compared with traditional watering practices.

Actual water savings will vary depending on site conditions, application rates, weather, traffic levels and existing watering practices. The greatest savings are generally achieved when A02 is incorporated into a regular dust-control maintenance program.

Reduced watering frequency can also help reduce demand on water trucks, labour, fuel and other operational resources.

How long does A02 take to cure?

Soilbond A02 requires time to dry and develop its surface layer after application. The surface may be trafficable once it has initially dried, but traffic and livestock should be minimised during early curing to allow the treatment to gain strength.

Under favourable conditions, A02 typically dries within 2–4 hours and reaches full cured strength within 24–48 hours. Actual drying and curing times will vary depending on temperature, humidity, wind, surface moisture, application rate and weather. Longer curing times may occur in cool, humid or wet conditions.

What happens if it rains after application?

Rainfall shortly after application can affect drying and curing and may reduce treatment effectiveness if significant rainfall occurs before the product has sufficiently dried.

Application should therefore be planned during a suitable weather window where possible. Once the treatment has cured, the surface is designed to provide improved cohesion and wet strength.

Where significant rainfall occurs during or shortly after application, the treated area should be inspected to determine whether additional treatment is required.

Can A02 reduce the need for road grading?

Soilbond A02 is primarily designed for dust suppression and surface cohesion, rather than as a substitute for routine road maintenance or grading.

By binding fine surface particles and improving surface stability, successive treatments may help reduce surface deterioration and maintenance requirements. However, grading frequency will depend on traffic, drainage, road material, weather and the overall condition of the road.

A02 should therefore be considered as part of an overall road-maintenance program rather than a replacement for necessary road formation and grading.

Rural & Environmental FAQ’s

Can A02 be used around livestock?

Soilbond A02 can be applied in agricultural and rural environments, including farming properties and rural roadways.

The product is intended for application to road and surface areas and is not intended for consumption by livestock. During application and initial curing, access by livestock should be managed to minimise direct contact with the wet product.

Is A02 environmentally friendly?

Soilbond A02 is a water-based formulation made from materials derived from naturally occurring sources and is classified as non-hazardous in its supplied form.

The product is designed for responsible application across civil, mining, quarrying, industrial and agricultural environments. As with any surface treatment, application should be undertaken in accordance with the recommended rates and appropriate care should be taken to minimise direct discharge of product into waterways or sensitive areas.

Please contact us directly for all other questions: