Ground stabilisation is a method used to transform soft or weak soils into the ideal construction grounds. Stabilisation saves money and resources by improving soils that would otherwise be useless during a construction process. This method is used to build roads, railways and even homes.
Any structure requires sturdy soil. The stabilisation process will add minerals and cement to the soil in order to transform it into a rock-like substance. It usually takes no more than 24 hours for the soil to become hardened. Roads built on stabilised soil can be up to 400 times stronger than roads built on naturally sturdy soil.
Cost Benefits Of Ground Stabilisation
There are plenty of benefits that come with using stabilised soil. For instance, a stabilising treatment costs far less than it would to completely replace the weak soil. Since stabilised soil is so sturdy, it eliminates the need for detailed layer designs. Traditional granular foundation building requires an exhausting amount of effort to design and construct.
Road shoulder stabilisation is a technique used to increase the life expectancy of a road. Shoulders take plenty of pressure. Lime may be used to quickly dry and strengthen the soil under and around the shoulder. Using lime saves money by delaying the need for complete reconstruction.
A More Efficient Construction Method
Ground stabilisation eliminates the need for site preparation. This also cuts down on tipping and the importing of materials. Roads can be constructed in a fraction of the time that it would take using traditional methods. The stabilising method will also dry wet soils so that they may be used immediately. This allows for construction to continue regardless of the weather and the season. The materials chosen for the stabilising process will depend upon the area.
- Cement is the most common soil stabilisation material and can be combined with other substances.
- Fly ash is the byproduct of coal. Using fly ash is an efficient use of resources.
- Clay is particularly cohesive. This material is used in areas that would experience extreme pressure.
The Environmental Impact Of Soil Stabilisation
Reducing the amount of vehicles needed to complete a construction project will save money, but it will also have an environmental impact. Construction vehicles consume large amounts of fuel. Soil stabilisation uses situ mixing and cement powders that are easy to transport. It is hard to argue against the benefits of soil stabilisation. From the reduction of fuel consumption to the avoidance of tipping charges and landfill taxes, soil stabilisation is a better way to build.