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Soil stabilization is a process used to make soil stronger and more stable over the long term.
It involves improving the soil’s ability to resist forces and support structures.
When soil is stabilized, it becomes more solid and less likely to change in volume when the moisture content changes.
This is important because some types of soil can expand or shrink significantly, which can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures.
When soil is properly stabilized, it can be used as a solid base for constructing roads, building foundations, and parking lots. This can save money because less material is needed for the layers above the stabilized soil.
By considering the right materials, design, and construction methods, soil stabilization can greatly improve the performance of the soil compared to unstabilized soil.
Soil stabilization is crucial for ensuring the strength and stability of structures. When weak soils are stabilized, they are transformed through the formation of permanent reactions. This means that the soil becomes less susceptible to leaching and has significantly reduced permeability.
As a result, the soil’s potential to shrink and swell is minimized, and it becomes more resistant to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
Additionally, stabilized soils undergo physical changes that make them easier to compact and reduce their plasticity. This makes it easier to achieve the maximum dry density of the soil, which is important for its stability.
When the plasticity of soil is reduced, it becomes more crumbly and easier to work with. By stabilizing the soil, we create a strong foundation that serves as a reliable base for construction projects and improves the overall performance of structures.
The following are the most common methods of soil stabilization:
Chlorides are commonly used for soil stabilization on unpaved roads. The two popular forms of chlorides used are Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride. The choice between the two depends on availability in a specific geographic location.
Chlorides can be applied in two ways: by mixing them into the top 3-6 inches of soil and then compacting it, or by spraying the surface with the chloride. Both methods result in a hard surface with minimal dust emission.
Chloride soil stabilization works by trapping moisture from the environment and locking it into the soil, similar to how a ball of salt becomes hard. However, the soil loosens up when water is applied, requiring reapplication after rainfall or snowmelt.
Chloride stabilization has been widely used for decades due to its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. However, it requires constant reapplication and raises environmental concerns due to the higher chloride levels introduced into the ecosystem.
Geotextiles are materials applied to the soil to enhance its stability, provide erosion control, and aid in drainage. They come in various sizes and thicknesses, including woven materials and thick plastic extrusions up to four inches thick.
Geotextiles are primarily used for erosion control, preventing the displacement of the top layer of soil by rain or water. They can also find applications in road construction, where thicker extrusion geotextiles are required to provide appropriate strength.
Geotextiles are compatible with most soil types and can be used in a wide range of applications. Moreover, the effect of geotextiles is permanent and long lasting, making it one of the most preferred methods for soil stabilization.
Polymer soil stabilization involves adding polymers, which are chemical compounds with repeating molecular chains, to the soil to enhance its physical properties. Polymers bond soil particles together, similar to glue, and are typically available in liquid form.
They are compatible with various soil types, but the amount of polymer required depends on the soil’s characteristics. Synthetic polymers are mineral-based and have binding properties similar to Portland cement, but they can raise environmental concerns.
Biopolymers, derived from biological processes, are less strong but more environmentally friendly.
Polymers can be applied to all soil types but may not work well with fine soils. Traditional applications last 1 to 3 years with little maintenance, creating an impermeable surface. However, the lifespan and water performance of polymers vary depending on the specific type used.
Fly ash soil stabilization involves using fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, as a bonding agent to increase soil strength. Fly ash can reduce stabilization costs compared to lime or cement and is particularly beneficial for high moisture soils.
There are two main types of fly ash: Class F and Class C, with different hardening characteristics. Fly ash stabilization may require more application time compared to cement or lime stabilization.
The popularity of fly ash stabilization varies based on location, as the availability of fly ash depends on coal-fired power plant production. Fly ash stabilization offers permanent and long-lasting results, compatibility with most soil types, and various types for different uses.
However, it can be labour-intensive and raise health concerns due to its fine powder form.
Enzymatic soil stabilization utilizes enzymes to bond soil particles together, creating a concrete-like surface. It is effective for unpaved roads, offering long-lasting results with minimal maintenance in all climates.
The process involves ripping the soil, applying the enzyme-based stabilizer, and compacting it. Enzymatic stabilizers provide cost savings in construction and maintenance, with treated roads lasting 10-15 years.
They withstand various climates and can reduce upfront costs for paved roads. Enzymatic stabilizers are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and suitable for areas near water sources.
Mechanical soil stabilization involves physically altering the soil’s properties by applying a large compaction force to interlock the soil particles. This method is typically employed in stabilizing rocky and sandy soils.
Heavy equipment capable of applying significant compressive force, such as compactors or dropping weight cranes, is utilized for this process. However, mechanical stabilization is now less commonly used as other methods of soil stabilization have advanced.
While mechanical soil stabilization offers permanence and environmental friendliness since no chemical alterations occur, it is a time-consuming, tedious, and expensive process.
It should be noted that mechanical soil stabilization is rarely used as a standalone method and is often integrated into other stabilization techniques.
Soil stabilization is a vital aspect of construction and engineering projects, ensuring the durability and safety of structures. Throughout this ultimate guide, we have explored various methods and techniques and their effectiveness in stabilizing soil.
Among the aforementioned methods, geotextiles are one of the most common and effective methods for stabilizing soil. For further enquiries, please feel free to get in touch with our geosynthetics and geotextiles specialists for a full consultation.
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