When we talk about being “on solid ground,” we usually mean something reliable and dependable. But in the real world, even “solid ground” can change without warning. This is of significant concern to builders and contractors who have to be able to count on the earth under their projects. This means one of the most challenging conditions when it comes to sitework is expansive soil, which can wreak havoc on foundations and roadwork. Fortunately, there are some techniques for the stabilization of expansive soils that provide much-needed stability.
Expansive soil refers to any type of clay or soils prone to expanding or contracting as their water content changes. As they take on moisture from rainfall or runoff, they can swell. But when that excess water evaporates away, those same soils can shrink to a considerable degree. Any structure built on these is at risk of settling or rising to varying degrees, creating a serious risk of damage to the foundation. This is why contractors should be aware of the expansive clay/soil stabilization techniques available to them.
There are two main types of expansive soil stabilization methods — mechanical and chemical. Mechanical techniques involve using heavy equipment to change the physical properties of the soil. For example, a compacter may be used to apply significant amounts of force onto the soil, causing particles that were once loose and free flowing to lock together to provide greater stability. However, because mechanical techniques require a lot of time and effort to achieve proper compaction, they are rarely the only techniques used on a jobsite.
More common are chemical means of soil stabilization. This process involves applying a chemical compound to the affected area to change the properties of the soil, typically to affect its moisture content in one form or another. One of the most frequently utilized techniques is the application of chloride to the site. As a salt, chloride bonds easily with water and effectively traps it, drying out the soil while also adding more mass. Other methods that fall into this category include adding special polymers to the soil to create longer molecular chains that are more stable. Perhaps the most frequently used method of chemical stabilization is adding lime or cement to the soil to increase its strength and resiliency.
It has been estimated that 25% of buildings in the United States have experienced at least some foundation damage as a direct result of expansive soils. Even in dry climates, the constant changes in moisture content in the ground can create some serious concerns for builders. Because these soils don’t expand or shrink at a uniform rate, they can put stress on building foundations, causing them to sink or even crack. This leads to a whole host of structural issues, including misaligned door and window frames as well as groundwater leaking into basements and crawlspaces. This makes proper soil stabilization performed by expert contractors a necessity before any actual construction work begins in these areas.
Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc., has partnered with countless contractors to provide expert services for stabilizing expansive soils. We have experience with the most successful techniques and the right amount of expertise to ensure the best possible results. If you would like to learn more about our full range of capabilities and what they can do to ensure the success of your next project, contact us today.
