(https://www.urdesignmag.

com)

 


THE BEST SOIL STABILIZATION METHODS AND MATERIALS

On average, 35 construction workers (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172187/) are killed every year in excavation accidents. This is often the result of cave-
ins due to poor soil stabilization methods.

Fortunately, there are a number of things a company or crew can do to ensure the soil in a worksite remains stable enough for heavy machinery to operate without increasing the risk
of cave-ins.
(https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)
We’re going to look at just a few of those methods so you can see what options you have available as a worker, foreman, or business owner. Keep reading to learn more about the
methods and materials you can use to stabilize the soil.

Soil Stabilization Materials Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

First, we’re going to go over some of the materials used for soil stabilization. These may be used with the various methods that will be discussed later.

1. Lime Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
Slaked lime is most often used in the stabilization of subgrades and road bases, particularly in soil that is clay-like or highly plastic. As it’s added, it strengthens the soil to make it more
stable.

Lime also helps to remove water from the soil which allows it to compact more.

2. Cement Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

One of the most popular options for stabilizing soil is cement. Once the soil has been mixed with cement, it’s known as soil cement. This material can be used in a variety of soil types,
making it extremely versatile.

Often, other materials such as lime, sodium sulfate, or y ash are added to the cement and soil to improve stabilization. These additives are chosen based on the type of soil in
question.

3. Bitumen
Two examples of bituminous materials are tar and asphalt. These help the soil cohere, which improves stability and reduces water absorption. In turn, these things keep soil from
eroding away.

The four stabilization methods used with bitumen are:

• Soil bitumen stabilization

• Sand bitumen stabilization
• Oiled earth
• Water-proofed mechanical stabilization
Which method is used depends on the type of soil being amended.

4. Chemical Compounds
While there are many chemicals that can be added to the soil for improved stability, the three most popular are:

• Sodium chloride
• Calcium chloride
• Sodium silicate
All of these work in similar ways and help the soil to compact, making it more stable. They do this by increasing the water retention of the soil to help individual particles stick together
better.

There are two drawbacks to adding chemicals for stabilization— rst, they have to be applied several times because of chemical loss through leaching. Second, they must reach certain
levels of humidity during application to be e ective. Make sure you keep these things in mind when choosing to chemically stabilize your soil.

5. Geotextiles
Fabrics used in the building up of soil are known as geotextiles. They are porous and come in a wide variety of options depending on what type of project you’re doing and what type of
soil you’re working with.

One example is the EnviroGrid made by Geo Products (https://www.geoproducts.org/applications/). They have one of the best soil stabilization methods available today. The EnviroGrid
is a series of heavy-duty cells that prevent the lateral movement of your ller material.

These also have excellent drainage so they can be used even in wet areas without fear of soil erosion from rain or groundwater. It’s also typically less expensive than bringing in
additional materials needed to stabilize the ground.

Another advantage of using geotextiles is that there’s no fear of them eroding away over time. Once they are in place, they will stay there, o ering a long-term solution for soil
stabilization.
Soil Stabilization Methods
Now let’s take a look at some of the methods you can use to stabilize soil to prevent cave-ins and other accidents in the construction site.

1. Mixing Materials
By far the most common method for soil stabilization is mixing in the stabilizing material. Care must be taken to mix the correct percentage of additive for the amount of soil you have.

Soil depth is another concern. If you don’t have enough depth, the materials won’t be able to do their job and stability may still be an issue. Looser earth will require a deeper mixture of
stabilizing materials.

As we already touched upon, di erent materials work best with di erent types of soil. For that reason, it’s essential to accurately identify the type of soil being worked with so the
correct material can be used.

The cost can be prohibitive for this method when a lot of material is needed to provide the necessary amount of compaction for stability. This is in part because these materials typically
need to be transported to the construction site.

2. Grouting
A more expensive option for soil stabilization is known as grouting. This is most often used to reach areas of earth which are buried, making it di cult or impossible to mix materials
into it.

There are several types of grouting methods which may be used, including:

• Bituminous grouting
• Chemical grouting
• Polymer grouting
• Chrome lignin grouting
• Clay grouting
One of these stabilizers is injected into the soil where it’s allowed to permeate and mix enough to create a stronger and more compacted area.

While this method works for most soil types, it does not work for clay-like soils because of clay’s low permeability. Grouting is also best in small areas because of the limited ability to
add stabilizers to the soil.

3. Electrical Stabilization (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Another expensive form of soil stabilization that isn’t used as often is electrical stabilization. This is almost exclusively used in clay-like soils and can also be referred to as electroosmosis
(https://www.civil-engg-world.com/2008/12/electrical-stabilization-of-soil.html).
Click “Like” to read us on Facebook
Electrical stabilization of soil works by inserting metal electrodes into the earth. Then, a direct current is run through them and water moves towards one of the electrodes, most often
the cathode.

As water is removed from the soil, it is better able to be compacted

Likewhich
17K allows it to
people like provide
this. a more
Be the first of yoursturdy
friends.foundation for construction vehicles.

Want More Construction and Design Tips?

Now you know some of the best soil stabilization methods and materials you can use in nearly any construction site to ensure the safety of workers and equipment.

If you want more tips (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/tips) on construction and

Thanks, architecture,
don't beagain
show this thing sure please!
to keep reading our blog (https://www.urdesignmag.com/blog/). We have tons
of information that will help you do your job better.

Comments
0 comments

0 Comments Sort by Oldest

Add a comment...

Facebook Comments Plugin

business (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/business/) Construction (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/construction/)

constructors (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/constructors/) Guides (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/guides/)

tips (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tag/tips/)


(https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2019/09/26/mi-mix-alpha/)
Xiaomi Introduces The All-Screen Smartphone Mi MIX Alpha (https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2019/09/26/mi-mix-alpha/)


(https://www.urdesignmag.com/architecture/2019/09/26/how-to-improve-your-homes-air-quality/)
How to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality (https://www.urdesignmag.com/architecture/2019/09/26/how-to-improve-your-homes-air-quality/)

R E L AT E D P O S T S
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

5 Tips to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hacking (https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/12/5-tips-to-keep-your-smart-

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
home-safe-from-hacking/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/12/5-tips-to-keep-your-smart-home-safe-from-hacking/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

Instructions to increase Follow Instagram with GetInsta (https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/12/instructions-to-

increase-follow-instagram-with-getinsta/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/12/instructions-to-increase-follow-instagram-with-getinsta/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.

How to Relax in Your Spare Time (https://www.urdesignmag.com/lifestyle/2020/11/11/how-to-relax-in-your-spare-time/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/lifestyle/2020/11/11/how-to-relax-in-your-spare-time/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

What to Ask Before Engaging a Professional Cleaner (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/what-to-ask-before-engaging-a-

professional-cleaner/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/what-to-ask-before-engaging-a-professional-cleaner/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Basic Guide and Brilliant Ways To Liven Up Your Basement (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/basic-guide-and-brilliant-

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
ways-to-liven-up-your-basement/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/basic-guide-and-brilliant-ways-to-liven-up-your-basement/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

Transform These Spaces Into Dedicated Dog Haven (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/transform-these-spaces-into-

dedicated-dog-haven/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/transform-these-spaces-into-dedicated-dog-haven/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

What To Know About Digitizing Your Home Movies (https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/11/what-to-know-about-

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
digitizing-your-home-movies/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/11/11/what-to-know-about-digitizing-your-home-movies/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

Bathroom Design Tips to Make It Fancy and E cient (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/bathroom-design-tips-to-make-it-

fancy-and-e cient/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/bathroom-design-tips-to-make-it-fancy-and-e cient/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

A Crash Course in Taps Give Your Bathroom the Finishing Touch It Deserves (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/a-crash-
Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
course-in-taps-give-your-bathroom-the- nishing-touch-it-deserves/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/a-crash-course-in-taps-give-your-bathroom-the- nishing-touch-it-deserves/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

Top Tips: How do I get rid of Unwanted Stu from your Home? (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/top-tips-how-do-i-get-
rid-of-unwanted-stu -from-your-home/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/11/top-tips-how-do-i-get-rid-of-unwanted-stu -from-your-home/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Five Lucid Tips: Invest in your Home Aesthetics (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/10/ ve-lucid-tips-invest-in-your-home-

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.
aesthetics/)
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/10/ ve-lucid-tips-invest-in-your-home-aesthetics/)

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

LED Under Cabinet Lighting – Make Your Kitchen Glow (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/10/led-under-cabinet-lighting/)

(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/11/10/led-under-cabinet-lighting/)
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

POPULAR THIS WEEK

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/26/starting-a-new-business-things-to-consider/)

Starting a New Business – Things to Consider (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/26/starting-a-new-business-things-to-consider/)

Starting a new business brings with it many considerations - you can expect a lot of late nights with a laptop open on y...
 (https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.

(https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/10/30/building-a-greener-future-with-eco-friendly-technologies/)

Building a Greener Future with Eco-Friendly Technologies (https://www.urdesignmag.com/technology/2020/10/30/building-a-greener-future-with-eco-friendly-technologies/)

Over the years, more and more people have become environmentally aware due to the loom of climate change. Looking for gr...
Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

COPYRIGHTS INFO

All material published remains the exclusive copyright of urdesignmag. No contents, including text, photographs, videos, etc. may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written
consent of urdesignmag. In addition, no material or contents may be reproduced on the world wide web by techniques of mirroring, framing, posting, etc. without the written consent
of urdesignmag.

ABOUT US

urdesignmag is a daily updated web magazine that features captivating news from the creative world, covering spheres such as design, architecture, art, technology and fashion.
(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/30/home-improvement-tips-to-enhance-safety-for-the-aging/)

Home Improvement Tips to Enhance Safety for the Aging (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/30/home-improvement-tips-to-enhance-safety-for-the-aging/)

Every person wants to improve comfort at home, especially as one is growing older. It is critical to make the house adap...

TALK TO US

submit ur work or press kit (https://www.urdesignmag.com/submit/)

advertise (https://www.urdesignmag.com/advertise/)
contact us (https://www.urdesignmag.com/contacts/)
privacy policy (https://www.urdesignmag.com/privacy-policy/)

© copyrights 2009 - 2020 urdesign

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ok

Read more (https://www.urdesignmag.com/privacy-policy/)

(https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.

(https://www.urdesignmag.com/lifestyle/2020/10/30/5-tips-on-buying-supplements-online-according-to-antonio-carluccio/)

5 Tips on Buying Supplements Online, According to Antonio Carluccio (https://www.urdesignmag.com/lifestyle/2020/10/30/5-tips-on-buying-supplements-online-according-to-

Thanks, don't show this thing again please!

antonio-carluccio/)
Are you looking for di erent supplementation to achieve more health bene ts? Do you want something that can help you w...
 We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ok

Read more (https://www.urdesignmag.com/privacy-policy/)

(https://www.facebook.com/urdesignmag)

Click “Like” to read us on Facebook

Like 17K people like this. Be the first of your friends.

(https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/30/what-to-look-for-in-a-moving-company/)

What To Look For In A Moving Company (https://www.urdesignmag.com/tips/2020/10/30/what-to-look-for-in-a-moving-company/)

A professional mover will pack, move, and o oad your possessions. So, if you’re planning to relocate to a new locati...
Thanks, don't show this thing again please!