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10 December 2014

Tips On Chemical Soil Stabilization

By Claudine Hodges


This is the process that is used to enhance the engineering properties of soil in order to improve its stability. Chemical soil stabilization usually entails the use of chemical components in enhancing soils. Stabilizing soils is necessary whenever the available soil for construction is unsuitable for the needed function. It usually entails compaction, drainage and preconsolidation among other processes.

An overview at some of the specific methods used in making the soils stable, their benefits and disadvantages are explained later in this article. In addition, reasons as to why global road technologies and polymer-based admixture program are of superior level for various applications are also noted. Among the most commonly methods that are used to stabilize soils all over the world include;

Cement stabilization - This is a very common method used in this process since it is relatively cost effective and cement is widely available. Here, soil is basically mixed and combined with cements to enhance its strength and sturdiness. The final results are fairly long lasting and resistant to most types of weathers making it an ideal choice for environments that are sandy.

This process however is relatively intensive on labor and may also be harmful to the environment. To add onto this, while the soil cement mixture that is resulted is highly durable, it is sometime also still susceptible to getting cracks.

Lime stabilization - It is another widely popular method for stabilizing soils. The method normally is not cost effective when compared with that of using cement. It is actually made expensive due to costs incurred in burning limestone which is a requirement in the process. It poses harm to the environment. It does not however increase stability and strength especially in environments that are dry. This makes it important to increase compressive strengths in certain situations.

Chemical stabilization - These are mostly of wider groups since there are multiple applications which are unique of each other. Major benefit posed by this approach is the possibility of developing solutions which can made in such a way that they fit specific environments which are in need. Consequently, this leads to enhanced performance in addition to the reliability of this method. The chemicals adopted in this procedure are costly and are also pollutants.

Polymer stabilization - The polymer based methods are the most up to date methods. They do present various advantages over the more traditional methods. They usually involve combining the soils with unreactive, environmentally friendly polymer based materials. One great advantage of these methods is that they fail impact the environment negatively while also creating waterproof, semi flexible pavements. Advantages are offered in terms of strength and also by being very affordable options.

Based on the above, it turns out clear that several benefits are presented by each method. Majority of them are cost effective, less prone to physical damage, durable, easy to maintain and may be used in correct proportions to maintain healthy environment. Innovative products can be employed to boost properties of the methods in order to get ideal final products.




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