Different methods of Soil Stabilization

Soil is the most important ingredient for road construction and for infrastructure as well. However, soil cannot be directly used for construction as it remains loosely coupled. The soil must go for some treatment for enhanced stability, durability and compatibility. The process of soil treatment is generally called as Soil Stabilization. It is also referred as the Soil compaction. Since many years people in construction business are following multiple methods for soil stabilization and many of these are followed even now. Here are the methods that are followed for the Soil Stabilization.

Mechanical Process

This is probably the most common and easiest method for soil stabilization. This is also the traditional and oldest way for compaction. The process of mechanical stabilization involves physical pressure on the soil. This helps to change the physical properties of the soil. The gradation, solidity and other similar characteristics are generally changed to due to mechanical pressure. The most common process in mechanical method is dynamic compaction. Heavy weight is generally dropped on the soil in periodical intervals. It removes the deformity of the soli and makes it uniform throughout under a packed surface. There are other methods that are used for mechanical stabilization like Vibro Compaction. It is similar to dynamic compaction but vibration is used for the stabilization.

Chemical Process

This is another common method to stabilize the soil for construction. There are additional materials that are used to increase the solidity of the soil. The chemical materials react with the soil and change the physical characteristics. These materials are very helpful in stabilization especially when large amount is used. This needs lesser manpower and also can be achieved very easily. The most common chemical agents for soil stabilization are Cements, Lime, Fly Ash, Kiln Dust and others. The material is chosen on the basis of soil and the quality. Depending upon various places and soil, the constructor may change the chemical agent.

Polymer

This is the new and the latest methods of all and is driven by latest technologies. The Polymer is generally added to the soil that initiates the change the physical properties. The polymer can be very effective for compaction. There are many substances that are available in the construction technology. These are mixed with the soil and that in turn makes sure that soil is stabilized. Polymer based techniques are generally followed in the modern age. There are many significant advantages of the latest technology. It is cheaper in cost. However, the best part of the methodology is that it is eco-friendly. It can also be used in a wide scale.

These are the major three methods for compaction. These compaction methods are not only used for the road construction business but also it takes care of many other construction businesses. None of the methods can be judged on the basis of popularity. The compaction process is followed as per the requirement of the soil, condition and other factors. The process of stabilization requires analysis of the soil as well.

The basic question to be asked while construction of roads in any area, is the stability of the soil over which it is to be built. The question of soil stabilization becomes even more important in case of road construction over deserts, ports, railways, landfills, reservoirs and hill slopes, where the soil is not as stable as it needs to be.