Exploring Landscape Setups

Things You Need To Know About Soil Stabilization

21 October 2021 by Tanya Green

Soil stabilization helps increase the strength properties of soil. Chemical soil stabilization is widespread and may use chemicals such as fly ash, magnesium chloride, and bitumen emulsion. While these agents are effective, consider using lime as it's more effective and readily available. Here are the essential things you should know about lime stabilization.

What Soil Stabilization Entails

Before the soil stabilization process begins, soil testing is necessary to determine the lime quantity required to stabilize the soil. The soil stabilization services transport the lime to the site and spread it evenly on the soil surface. Then, they mix the lime and the soil thoroughly to facilitate soil reactions that make the soil develop permanent strength characteristics.

After mixing, the soil stabilization service compacts the soil and leaves it to cure for several days. Then, they test the soil to ensure that soil has developed the required characteristics, and construction can commence.

The Pros of Soil Stabilization

Soil stabilization reduces soil permeability which consequently lowers the shrink or swell properties of soil. Some soils have a high shrink/swell potential and can expand dramatically, producing a force that can damage your construction. Hence, lowering this potential can prevent financial losses. 

Also, lime stabilization reduces soil removal and replacement operation costs by improving soil properties. Therefore, you can alter soil properties such as moisture content and make that soil suitable for engineering use.

What Products Do Lime Soil Stabilization Services Use?

Soil stabilization services can use lime in various forms, including calcium oxide (quick lime), lime slurry, or calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime). Quick lime is more effective than hydrated lime. However, quick lime is usually in powder form, and its application can release dust that may pollute the air or disturb residents around the site. That's why you should pour water over the soil when using quick lime.

Factors Affecting Lime Soil Stabilization

The common factors affecting lime stabilization include:

• Soil type. The soil should have a good amount of pozzolan content. The aluminum and silicone in the soils react with the lime, increasing the soil's strength. This is known as the pozzolanic reaction.

• Curing. Proper curing of the soil is vital to allow the soil to gain strength rapidly. However, this depends on temperature. High temperatures enable the soil to gain strength faster, while low temperatures lower the rate of strength gain. 

The things to know about lime stabilization include what soil stabilization entails, its pros, the lime products used, and the factors affecting lime soil stabilization. This information will help you carry out soil stabilization more confidently.

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