Dirt doesn’t come in just one variety. Depending on the site of your project, you may encounter wildly different conditions from one spot to the next. For example, certain areas may consist of soft soils that compact easily or shift around more than in other places around the jobsite. Although this may not seem like much of a challenge during construction, it can lead to serious issues with stability after the job is completed. Softer soil means there’s a much greater chance of the structure sinking into the ground, which can cause severe damage and instability that will need to be addressed. To achieve the strength and durability your project needs to be successful, it’s critical to understand the processes used for soft soil stabilization.
There are a wide range of techniques and tools contractors can use to create a uniform base for their projects, despite the presence of softer soils. These soil stabilization methods are critical for ensuring the ground you work on will be capable of supporting what you build now as well as long into the future. From mixing chemical compounds into the earth to the use of advanced materials for holding it in place, these subgrade stabilization processes make road construction and other projects easier, more efficient and overall more successful.
For a long time, there were only a handful of ways to address the issue of soft soil on the jobsite. The most obvious of these is compaction, where the use of heavy machinery compacts the earth together more tightly to create a more-stable base. Although compaction helps eliminate areas of loose soil and prevents pockets of air and moisture from wreaking havoc on the finished structure over time, it can be a laborious process that requires a lot of work and isn’t always appropriate or feasible for every jobsite.
Another common method for stabilizing soil that has been employed by contractors for a long time is creating drainage. Many times, the cause of softer soils is an excessive amount of moisture caused by poor drainage around the site. Addressing these issues can help bring added strength and stability to the site. However, not all soft soil problems are caused by excess moisture, and not all areas allow for the construction of these various drainage solutions.
Fortunately, over the years there have been a number of advancements in terms of soil stabilization technology that give contractors more options for achieving the uniformity and consistency they need. These solutions have helped them cut down on their timelines and build stronger, less vulnerable projects that last much longer and require less attention.
One of the most frequently employed methods of soil stabilization in use today is chemical stabilization. This process involves adding specially formulated chemical reagents into the soil and mixing them together. These chemicals react with the soil to change its composition and make it more uniform so it will be more capable of supporting the structure over time. Among the most common reagents added to soils during this process are quick lime, fly ash and cement.
Large-scale rotary mixing tools are used to blend the chemical agents into the soil. Once this process has been completed, the affected area is compacted with the use of a vibratory compactor to ensure there are no pockets of air or moisture left under the surface. The chemicals help dry the soil and strengthen it, resulting in a subgrade that will perform as needed for the road or foundation being built upon it. Chemical stabilization is popular because it offers a lot of flexibility for addressing a wide range of soft soil conditions and because it can be completed relatively quickly to help projects remain on-schedule.
Another popular soil stabilization method in use today is the application of geosynthetics. These are specialized materials used to hold soils in place and prevent them from shifting around or eroding. They typically are installed on top of areas with loose or soft soils with the subgrade layered over them. Commonly used geosynthetics for mechanical soil stabilization include:
One of the most important considerations when selecting a soil stabilization method is the long-term ecological impact it will have on the area. Depending on the circumstances, chemical stabilization methods may not be appropriate due to the effects they may have on groundwater and/or the surrounding ecosystem. The use of geosynthetic materials also may have a negative impact on the sustainability of a project because often they will not biodegrade.
It’s always a good idea to think about the ramifications of the technique you select before applying it to your project. Looking into the future, there are some potentially interesting developments that could result in even more options for contractors who want to improve site stability without having a negative effect on the environment.
Bioremediation is the process of adding microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria to the soil to change its properties. Right now, this technique is used primarily for removing contaminants from soil. The microorganisms absorb and degrade these unwanted materials and leave behind cleaner, healthier soil. Over time, it isn’t hard to see how this might be employed to improve the overall condition of soils by absorbing excess moisture or building up weaker soils. As the technology behind bioremediation continues to improve, there’s a good chance it may end up being a valuable tool for improving site conditions.
Without the right strategy for soil stabilization, your project may be on shaky ground. Choosing the right process for your particular soil conditions and project objectives requires extensive expertise and specialized capabilities. Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc., has been a leading provider of these services for years. We’re the provider chosen by contractors across the country for comprehensive soil stabilization help that puts their work on solid footing from start to finish.
Choosing to work with Rock Solid means you gain the highest levels of experience and skill when it comes to stabilizing soft soils through various means. No matter what the job calls for, you can count on us to deliver the strongest possible results. To learn more about our soil stabilization services and what they can do to improve your site conditions, reach out and speak with a member of our team today. We’re ready and able to deliver the right mix of skills to ensure your project will be a successful one.
