subject: Soil Stabilization 101 [print this page] If you are having your house built from scratch, one of the things that you need to make sure is the structural soundness of your foundation. This is basically one of the reasons why most home owners do soil stabilization. This procedure improves the strength of the ground on which the foundation of the house sits.
Soil stabilization is actually any process that improves the qualities and properties of soil. It is usually done for three purposes to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the soil, to control dust, and to preserve the natural strength of the soil by preventing entry of water. Soil stabilization could either be temporary or permanent. The methods used can be divided into three mechanical, chemical and electrochemical.
The mechanical method of soil stabilization increases bulk density of the soil by using dynamic or vibro-compaction. This means that, in order to improve the quality of soil, the contractors would roll, tamp or vibrate the soil. On the other hand, vibro-compaction involves the use of a vibratory poker inserted into the granular material. Usually, this method is not used in areas where there is heavily obstructed as well as highly combustible material.
The chemical soil stabilization methods, on the other hand, make use of lime and cement suspensions, among others although up to a hundred and fifty chemicals are now used as soil stabilization agents. The former, lime stabilization, involves the creation of strong bonds between the clay minerals and soil particles. Because of this, it is not recommended for soil with granular materials.
The last of the soil stabilization methods, the electrochemical method, makes use of electro-osmosis or the reduction of water content with the use of electricity. A pair of electrodes, usually an aluminum anode and a copper-graphite cathode is inserted into the soil and activated. This draws the water from out of the soil and causes it to become more compact.
To be sure that your soil stabilization is done properly, it is recommended that you get in touch with companies providing such services as well as those involved in foundation lifting. They would know which method will work best with the kind of soil that you have.
