Soil stabilization alters the physical properties of soil to improve the soil's strength before construction. The process is necessary when the soil beneath a construction structure is loose and cannot hold the construction load. Additionally, soil stabilization can be used for erosion control. Here is a quick review of common soil stabilization techniques. 

Mechanical Soil Stabilization

The mechanical soil stabilization technique involves changing soil properties by altering its gradation and solidity. The method involves compaction and densification of soil components using mechanical energy through rammers, vibration techniques, and blasting. Compact and well-graded soils are achieved by mixing and compressing soils with different grading. Adding materials like clay and silt facilitates the binding of non-cohesive soil particles.

Factors affecting the mechanical stability of the stabilized soil include:

•  The type and percentage of material used

•  The extent of soil binding taking place

•  Climatic conditions

•  The rolling, mixing, and compacting procedure used

Lime Stabilization 

As the name suggests, this is a stabilization technique in which lime is added to improve the strength and resiliency of soil. The common types of lime used include dolomite lime, hydrated high calcium lime, and calcite lime. Soil stabilization is achieved by increasing bonding between lime and soil particles. Lime stabilization is compatible with all soil types and extremely wet soil.

During application, lime is added in powder form and mixed thoroughly to attain compactness. This technique is cheap, and the results are permanent and long-lasting.

Biological Soil Stabilization

The biological soil stabilization technique is used for erosion control and is achieved through afforestation and planting vegetation cover. Roots from vegetation cover play an essential role in enhancing the physical and chemical components of soil to enable stability. This technique is appropriate for steep terrains exposed to water and extreme winds.

Compaction Soil Stabilization

This method involves the expulsion of air spaces in soil particles resulting in soil that bears load without further compression. In the compaction method, a heavy-weight object is repeatedly dropped on the ground, eliminating all air spaces within the soil to attain an equally packed surface. 

Polymer Soil Stabilization

Adding polymers to the soil improves the soil's physical properties. Polymers are chemicals with molecules that bond together, creating repeated chains, thus binding soil particles together. Polymer stabilization is ideal for unpaved surfaces. The commonly used types of polymers are synthetic and biopolymers.

Soil stabilization enhances the physical and mechanical properties of soil. To effectively carry out stabilization, the above techniques come in handy. Lime stabilization is a cheap and environmentally friendly option, while biological soil stabilization is useful when you need to prevent soil erosion.

To learn more, contact a company that provides soil stabilization.