Stabilizing the soil involves changing its physical structure and composition. Soils that haven't gotten stabilized typically have larger particles, which makes them unsuitable for road construction. Constructing a road on poor soil can lead to results like the soil sinking when the weight of the traffic exceeds what it can bear. You can avoid these outcomes by stabilizing the soil. Here are four options available to you when you need a more stable ground for your project.
Stabilizing the Soil With Cement
You can stabilize your soil by mixing it with cement. Cement contains active ingredients which are excellent at disintegrating soil particles. Additionally, it hides the soil particles after the stabilization process. The professionals might also add calcium chloride, lime, and fly ash into the mixture for the best outcome. They usually add some percentage of the cement to the gravel before proceeding with the grading processes. They might vary the composition a little depending on the type and components of the soil.
Stabilizing the Soil Chemically
Chemical soil stabilization is another option that works excellently. When you add the chemicals to the soil, they change its structure. The chemicals also seal the spaces between soil particles, which binds them together and prevents water from seeping through. Most professionals use sodium chloride and sodium silicate for the stabilization process. The professional will work with the starting structure of the soil and choose the chemicals that can transform it into the desired texture.
Stabilizing the Soil With Lime
Lime soil stabilization is another option. It is popular with clay soil. The agent will give you excellent results, even when you use it alone. Lime's role in the stabilization process is cutting back on the plasticity of the soil. The resulting soil can neither swell nor sink. It also absorbs a small amount of water from the environment due to the lack of space between particles.
Stabilizing the Soil With Bitumen
Bitumen stabilization is usual when dealing with driveways and other surfaces that will have vehicle traffic. You can use the method on roads, driveways, and car parking lots. Bitumen is a naturally sticky substance and binds together anything that you add to it. The resulting layer prevents water from getting inside the soil later.
The stabilization method you choose depends on the starting condition of the soil. A competent contractor will help you determine which chemicals will achieve the best results for you. Contact a company that offers soil stabilization services to learn more.
