YIT pilots gravel road life-enhancing binding agent in road maintenance

YIT is piloting a new, more environmentally friendly method for converting gravel road asphalt coatings into more durable gravel roads.

The lignosulphonate-based binding agent improves the surface of gravel roads and thus increases usability by reducing surface frost damage. According to a study commissioned by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, after stabilisation with lignosulphonate, road life could be increased by seven years at some sites. The SVV FOU follow-up study lasted 15 to 17 years.

Compared to other stabilisers currently used in Finland, lignosulphonate has lower carbon dioxide emissions and its production binds carbon dioxide as it is a binding agent for wood fibres.

The lignosulphonate-treated road can be treated like a regular gravel road by levelling or adding crushed stone. Lignosulphonate is also used worldwide for dust binding.

Lignosulphonate is made from lignin, which forms strong bonds and, after cellulose, is the second most common biopolymer in the world. Lignin can also be used to make, for example, xylitol and vanillin.

For further information, please contact:

Olli-Pekka Kurki, Site Manager, Road maintenance, tel. +358 (0)40 864 4236, olli-pekka.kurki@yit.fi

Pirita Tiusanen, Communications Manager, YIT Corporation, tel. +358 (0)44 240 9822, pirita.tiusanen@yit.fi

We develop and build apartments and living services, business premises and entire areas. We are also specialised in demanding infrastructure construction. Together with our customers, our nearly 8,000 professionals are creating more functional, attractive and sustainable cities and living environments. We operate in 10 countries: Finland, Russia, Sweden, Norway, the Baltic countries, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. In 2019, our revenue was approximately EUR 3.4 billion. YIT Corporation's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy. www.yitgroup.com