With global development happening at breakneck speeds, the infrastructure setup everywhere has had to play catch up. Modern-day engineers are hard at work developing skyscrapers, roads, and buildings that keep the wheels of development moving. However, all this progress starts at the very foundation, with soil stabilization.

But what exactly is Soil Stabilization? Let’s find out.

What is Soil Stabilization?

It is a method used to improve the properties of soil and its ability to withstand engineering projects. In this method, many soil stabilization products are used to enhance the strength parameters of soil. It helps in increasing the bearing capacity of the soil. This is a critical step when the soil chosen for the construction of a road or pavement doesn’t have the strength to hold up in case of rain and continuous use.

It is done before the construction, as it transforms the soil and provides it with much-needed strength. It is a commonly seen phenomenon that stabilized soil outperforms non-stabilized soil when the construction crew considers materials, design, and construction.

Stabilized soil is long-lasting, durable, and safer than non-stabilized soil. It also minimizes the need for virgin materials. Thus, a cost-effective method that can be very beneficial in the long run.

Different Types of Soil Stabilization

There are multiple soil stabilisation methods and many soil stabilization products. Choosing one is difficult and making it work is even more so. To make the entire process much smoother, you must be aware of the many options available for soil stabilisation.

Depending on the project, geographical location, and type of infrastructure, soil stabilization can be different. Many factors involve selecting the right form of stabilization and the right soil stabilization products.

Here are different types of soil stabilisation.

Cement Soil Stabilization

This one is quite common among different sectors of infrastructure. A simple method where the soil is stabilized by mixing it with cement. The cement concealing the Soil makes it more stable and improves its strength, as cement has an active ingredient that causes the disintegration of soil particles. Thus, strengthening the parameters of the soil. Although it is more challenging than it sounds, the person in charge of stabilization has to look closely at how much cement is being mixed, as it entirely depends on the type of soil that needs to be stabilized.

Lime Soil Stabilization

An ideal choice for stabilizing clay soil, lime soil stabilization helps cut back the plasticity of the soil. This type of stabilization is used for the construction of pavements as it limits the soil’s capability of absorbing groundwater. Lime-treated soil is even suitable for driving a car, as the particles in the soil do not have enough space between them to absorb water. Therefore, the soil cannot shrink or stretch, creating a much more solid surface.

Lime stabilization is used for the subgrade properties of soil to make it more suitable for construction. Lime is blended with the soil to improve its density, stability, and bearing capacity. It is ideal for stabilizing any type of soil. It can even be the only agent in the construction. It minimizes the risk of a car getting stuck in the soil. However, it is much more suitable for hot regions and should be avoided in colder areas.

What Kind is Best for Environment?

So, the next question is, what kind of soil stabilisation is the best for the environment? In fact, both lime and cement soil stabilization are good for the environment. Both of them use particularly natural resources, instead of dangerous substances.

Those two materials are also known to function really well that the maintenance cost in the future can be pressed into minimum. It is always good to have something that can last long and require less maintenance, isn’t it?

The only problem we face with both of the two materials is how they are produced. Lime is usually harvested heavily in a mine, and cement is produced in heavy duty factories. Both of them require a lot of energy and produce a lot of greenhouse gasses.

Therefore, our concern now should be around how to produce the two things mentioned above for soil stabilization without producing bad impacts to the environment. Having new and greener method in soil stabilization is also a good choice.

Conclusion

Soil stabilisation is a very important process that one needs to be aware of before the start of construction. It is a must in construction work and requires not just expertise but experience as well.

Choosing what kind of soil stabilisation to be used is also very important because it will affect the final result. Not only that, we should also understand how they affect the environment in both directions.

Now that you know what needs to be done, this newfound knowledge will guide you through the entire process.