Soils play a critical role in permanent residential or commercial property stability. Soil structure differs from one region to another. And because soils exhibit many undesirable structural engineering properties, it is critical to consider appropriate stabilization treatment.
What is soil stabilization?
Soil stabilization is the process of transforming physical properties to provide better, stronger, long-term soil features. The soil stabilization process increases the overall strength, capacity and compactness. Once soil undergoes stabilization, permeability is reduced, decreasing swelling and shrinking potential. Eco-friendly soil stabilization uses sustainable technology to compact the soil for infrastructure construction.
Different types of soils can withstand varying amounts of moisture content. Moisture content changes the soil volume, therefore affecting the stability of structures. Drastic changes in the soil volume can produce sufficient force to warp, sink or destabilize a home, road, or bridge.
Types of soil stabilization
There are three types of soil stabilization, namely:
- Mechanical
- Compaction
- Chemical
- Mechanical technique
Here, the soil’s physical properties change to affect solidity and gradation. Two or more soils of varying grades may be mixed and compacted to increase strength.
- Compaction technique
Compaction expels air from the soil to make it bear a heavy load without collapsing. Compaction is a mechanical means where heavy equipment repeatedly impacts the ground at regular intervals. Compaction ensures an evenly pounded surface and eliminates deformities.
- Chemical treatment
Often, soil stabilization uses lime and cement as a chemical treatment for quick results. However, some of these chemicals have slow harmful effects on the environment. Today, eco-friendly soil stabilization alternatives are available. Pozzolanic reactions create permanent chemical bonds between soil particles to stabilize the soil.
Advantages of soil stabilization
- Provide a firm working platform
Stabilized soils provide a firm foundation because permanent chemical reactions transform weak soils. Consequently, the soil is unsusceptible to leaching and reduces permeability properties.
- Reduces plasticity
Stabilized soils undergo physical changes, making compaction easy. The modification reduces construction costs and improves the longevity of the structures. The plasticity index in construction soil is a critical element in the building. Stabilization reduces the soil’s plasticity, making it more workable and friable.
- Reduces maintenance costs
Soil stabilization reduces maintenance costs. Structures built on regular soils often crack, warp, swell or shrink. This calls for unplanned repair and maintenance that can be expensive. Therefore, it helps to use substantial resources to stabilize the soils before construction rather than perform routine maintenance.
- Saves construction costs
Construction contractors must mind the weather to ensure successful and stable structures. Often, rainfall can cause unforeseen setbacks and destabilize the soil, making it necessary to reschedule construction. Drastic changes cost time and money and impact other activities. However, stabilized soils are stable and are less likely to delay construction.
- Decreases erosion challenges
Soil erosion is a detrimental factor during construction. Many construction sites are susceptible to erosion because of the massive impact on the ground below; however, soil stabilization compacts soil particles. Soil sediments are bonded to reduce eroding, sloping, and sinking.
Conclusion
Soil stabilization is a critical ground preparation process in construction. It improves structural solidity to ensure your project can withstand weak soil properties, adverse weather elements, and other factors.
