ISS, due to its chemical composition, has an enormous potential ionic exchange capacity. When small quantities of ISS are added to the water, they activate the ions H+ and (OH-), ionising the water which then vigorously exchanges its electrical charges with the soil particles forcing the pellicular water to break its electrochemical bond with the soil particles to become free water which can then drain from the soil through gravity or evaporation.

This electrochemical reaction of ionic exchange is permanent and irreversible. Once the pellicular water separates from the fines in an irreversible electrochemical process and drains as free water, the soil particles settle and align themselves in such a way that they attract each other. A higher densification of the soil mass is achieved eliminating all the voids.
On unsurfaced roadways these improved densities and consistent year round performance result in a reduction of material loss from the road surface retarding the formation of associated defects, potholes, corrugations etc. Overall required maintenance is also reduced while treatment will not affect normal gravel road maintenance procedures.

The use of ISS requires no specialised machinery and is supplied in concentrated liquid form using standard water bowser with spray bar to apply diluted solutions to the area under construction.