Soil stabilization involves changing the physical structure of the soil. A soil that has not been stabilized tends to have bigger particles. Such a soil can’t be used in a road construction project because it will sink due to its inability to bear with the weight of the traffic. Moreover, the workmanship can be washed away by running water. Stabilization therefore helps in boosting the strength of the soil. It also makes it easier to compact the soil because the particles have been crushed into smaller size. There are various methods and materials that can be used in stabilizing soil. They include geotextiles, lime, cement, electricity, chemical and bitumen.
Cement Soil Stabilization
Soil can be stabilized by mixing it with cement. The cement contains active ingredients that help in disintegration of soil particles. Besides that, the cement helps in concealing the soil. Other materials added into the mixture include lime, calcium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate and fly ash. The amount of cement that’s added into the mixture varies depending on the type of soil that’s being stabilized. The recommended amount is 10% on gravel, 12% for sandy soils, 15% for silts and 20% for clay soil. This is because each type of soil has a unique composition and structure.
Lime Soil Stabilization
Lime is ideal for stabilizing clay soils. In fact you can use it as the only agent and get perfect results. When lime is blended with any type of soil, it helps in cutting back on its plasticity. This means that it can’t swell and can’t shrink. Such soil absorbs very little amount of ground water because there is no space between the particles. You can actually drive a car on such a surface without the risk of getting stuck. This is due to the fact that the soil can’t stretch as you would expect with other types of soils that are not stabilized.
Bitumen Soil Stabilization
During the construction of driveways and parking yards, the soil can be mixed with bitumen compounds. The bitumen is sticky by nature and it therefore helps in holding the soil particles together. The structure of bitumen creates a strong layer above the soil that prevents ground water from being absorbed.
Chemical Soil Stabilization
Just like the name suggests, this method involves adding chemicals into the soil. These chemical react with the soil which in return causes its structure to be changed. The chemicals seal the space between particles, leaving no room for water to penetrate through. Among the most common chemicals that are used for soil stabilization include sodium chloride, calcium chloride and sodium silicate. Other chemicals that are added into the soil include polymers, chrome lignin, alkyl chlorosilanes, siliconites, amines and quarternary ammonium salts.
Other Methods
You can also stabilize your soil using electricity. The process is known as electro-osmosis and is highly recommended for clay soils. However, the method will give you a run for your money because it’s damn expensive. You can also package soil in plastic and fabric sacks. Although this approach is cumbersome, it helps in compacting the soil and breaking it into smaller particles. The method is ideal for roads that are not yet paved.
Conclusion
There are various ways of stabilizing soil. The method you choose is dependent on the type of soil you have on the project site. If you are looking for an ultimate soil stabilizing partner, look no further than Hasten Chemical. We know everything about soil and our reputation speaks for itself. We are definitely the best soil stabilization company in Texas. We are actually the leading supplier of soil stabilization materials across the world. When you assign us your project, we will work within your budget without compromising on the end results. We have a wide variety of products that include calcium chloride, oil and gas, soil stabilizers, adhesives and sealants, rubbers, alcohols and carbon among many others.
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