Soil Stabilisation

Soil Stabilisation has many attractions in today’s construction market.  Cost and environmental benefits figure largely in the appeal of the soil modification process which enables granular and cohesive soils to be upgraded by the in-situ mixing of binders with the host material. Typical applications of soil stabilisation include;

  • Waterlogged sites (rapid reduction of moisture content)
  • Car and lorry parks
  • Foundations for floor slabs
  • Highway pavement construction
  • Airport runways, taxiways and aprons
  • Reclamation and remediation of contaminated land

There are three levels of treatment in the soil stabilising process;

Modification/Improvement

The reduction of high moisture content in otherwise acceptable materials to enable the excavation, placing and compaction of general fill to be carried out in an efficient and economical manner. This is commonly done by the introduction of small amounts of quicklime, typically 0.5% to 2.5% by dry mass. The required amount is usually determined by basic laboratory monitoring and testing.

Stabilising

The mixing of binders and water with the host material to give a lightly cemented product with long term strength and durability. The proportions of the mix constituents are designed and proved by laboratory and engineer checks.

Enhanced Stabilising

A development of stabilising, giving a higher quality material with better performance. Commensurate with this are more stringent design requirements and tighter on-site control and testing.