Soil Stabilization
What is soil stabilization?
Soil stabilization is a process that aims to enhance the long-term stability and strength of soil by transforming its physical properties. By increasing rigidity, durability, and overall bearing capacity, soil stabilization prevents future instability and provides a solid foundation for construction projects.
The process of soil stabilization can involve various methods, including physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological approaches, or a combination of them. These methods are employed to improve the soil's characteristics based on its specific needs and project requirements.
During the pre-construction phase, soil stabilization is particularly important. It helps consolidate loose soils, fill voids, and prevent water migration through the soil. One common method of soil stabilization involves using a polyurethane product that contains ultra-low viscosity polyurethane resins. This product is injected into the soil, where the resin reacts with water and expands, effectively stabilizing the soil and increasing its bearing capacity.
Once the soil is properly stabilized and its bearing capacity is improved, construction can proceed with confidence, knowing that the foundation is strong and stable.
BlueLadder Builders offers an array of services for soil stabilization, including the following soil stabilization services:
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Slope Stabilization
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New Infrastructure Stabilization
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Pre-construction Excavation
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Elevator Pit Stabilization
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Coastal Soil Stabilization
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Safe - NSF Approved
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Zero Excavation
What causes soil instability?
When soils are unstable, they can migrate and shift, making any structure built above at risk of damage and failure. As such, unstable soils need extra support through the process of soil stabilization. In addition to hefty property damage and a delayed construction timeline, unstable soil can threaten the safety, stability, and longevity of a property, even resulting in the potential destruction of regularly used structures such as roads, buildings, and bridges, among others.
There are three main causes of soil instability in Florida:
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Presence of organics in the soil - Plant matter, such as topsoil, can quickly make soil unstable. As organic materials decompose, they render the soil unstable and unsafe for construction, particularly when greater amounts of moisture is introduced into the soil. Organic material changes form and mass as it decomposes, creating cavities, depressions, and voids in the soil. Additionally, the presence of organics can cause the soil to soften, likewise destabilizing it
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Lack of proper soil compaction - There are a variety of causes of poor soil compaction, though oftentimes, it occurs due to poor soil texture and soil properties. All soils are unique, and, as such, some soils are more prone to compaction than others. Soils with excess contents of salt, those with a high clay fraction, soils with a low pH, and soils containing high contents of water or moisture tend to compact poorly. Soils that are not compacted may appear varied and without a uniform appearance.
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Improper Soil Composition - Soil composition is a major factor in assessing the stability of your soil. Stable soils typically have a proper balance of minerals and nutrients as well as the right amount of moisture.
For more information about soil instability and the soil stabilization services provided by BlueLadder Builders, please contact our office.
