Soy-Based Concrete Enhancer Could Pave Way for Improved Rural Roads

Rural road conditions remain unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst for much of the U.S. However, a new soy-based concrete enhancer could make a difference in rural road quality while supporting an additional market for soybean oil.

The Soy Transportation Coalition, in partnership with Knox County, Illinois, has introduced PoreShield, now launched into pilot projects to determine efficacy in stabilizing roads and preventing further damage. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) says 43% of all U.S. roads are classified to be in poor or mediocre condition, according to a 2021 Infrastructure Report Card.

Well-maintained roads and bridges are critical to farmers and for moving agricultural goods to market. PoreShield is part of USDA’s BioPreferred program and is 93% comprised of bio-based materials.

Read more on the new use for soybean oil here.