December 21, 2023
With the crucial vitality of construction projects, one of the most significant challenges faced by builders is the presence of expansive soil on the site. Such soil is very harmful to any construction project that has an excessive swelling clay material to it that holds the tendency to swell to an excessive amount when in contact with water and to an extreme shrinkage when kept void of water. Such soil can bring huge mishaps in any situation and put loads of foundational problems that come with it. This blog is an extensive guide on how one must deal with expansive soil in any type of construction project.
What Is Expansive Soil?
Expansive soil as discussed is a type of soil that contains a clay material to it that swells in contact with water and dries harshly when void of water. This fluctuation in the properties of such soil brings various problems to construction projects of any type. This problem comes only because of the clay minerals present in the soil that hamper the soil’s strength and quality and hence a subsequent swelling in land or shrinkage brings a heavy problem for projects.
Problems With Expansive Soil
Expansive soil is indeed a pain in the neck that needs the management of serious problems. These problems hold a plethora of range because expansive soil faces a volume increase due to the absorption of water that pressurizes the foundation of soil making it harder for it to withstand foreign object damage. Moreover, the forces implied due to the change in volume result in serious damage to the structure of the soil. Such harsh situation brings various difficult situations like cracked concrete, tilted structure, uneven surfaces, or bowed walls to the project in time.
Necessary Laboratory Determination Of Expansive Soil
Determining the characteristics and behavior of expansive soil involves both field and laboratory assessments. Expansive soils, like clay-rich soils, tend to significantly swell or shrink due to changes in moisture content, posing challenges for construction and infrastructure stability. While various factors like soil moisture content, clay mineralogy, and soluble sulfates can impact the soil’s swelling potential, the soil samples must be tested through laboratory determination for an appropriate action plan. These tests must include:
Atterberg Limits Test
The Atterberg Limits test is the most crucial and needful test among all to determine the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index to understand the soil’s plasticity so that the right application of soil solutions must be used.
Oedometer Test
The oedometer test is used to measure soil consolidation and settlement under controlled loading and moisture conditions so that the apt moisture potential of the land must be ascertained.
Soil Classification
Employ standard tests (like the Unified Soil Classification System) to identify soil types and their properties to apply the right soil solution for the right soil.
Triaxial Testing
Triaxial testing assesses the soil’s strength and deformation characteristics under various stress conditions.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis follows various tests to identify the mineral composition and any reactive materials present in the soil.
Expansive Soil Fixing Techniques
Moisture Control
Managing moisture content is fundamental in controlling expansive soil. Implementing proper drainage systems, grading to direct water away from structures, and regulating irrigation helps prevent excessive water accumulation and subsequent soil swelling.
Chemical Stabilization
Chemical stabilization is a highly effective methodology to solve and curb the problems that come with the properties of expansive soil. These solutions can include lime treatment, polymer soil stabilization, and cement treatment.
- Lime Treatment: Introducing lime into expansive soil can alter its properties, reducing plasticity and enhancing stability.
- Cement Treatment: Adding cement modifies soil characteristics, improving strength and reducing susceptibility to expansion and contraction.
- Soil Stabilizers: Polymer-based soil stabilizers are effective additives used to mitigate the expansive nature of soils. They work by altering the soil’s characteristics, reducing its tendency to swell and shrink with changes in moisture content. These polymers modify the soil’s behavior, enhancing its load-bearing capacity and reducing the potential for damage to structures.
Mechanical Stabilization
Mechanical stabilization can be a decent methodology to increase the strength of the soil and lessen the likelihood of volume changes occurring.
- Soil Compaction: Employing appropriate compaction methods enhances soil density and diminishes volume changes caused by moisture fluctuations.
- Aggregate Pier: Inserting compacted stone columns provides reinforcement and support to structures, reducing the impact of soil movement.
Geosynthetics
Utilizing geotextiles and geogrids aids in stabilizing soil, controlling erosion, and managing moisture migration, thus curbing expansive soil’s adverse effects.
Foundation Design
Implementing deeper or pile foundations that surpass the depth affected by soil moisture changes. Moreover, adapting construction methods to accommodate soil movement without compromising structural integrity.
Chemical Additives
Certain polymer additives, when mixed with soil, decrease its swelling potential and enhance load-bearing capacity, providing an effective treatment approach.
Vegetation Management
Encouraging vegetative cover helps regulate soil moisture, mitigating the impact of expansive soil by absorbing excess water and minimizing erosion.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges posed by expansive soil demands a multifaceted approach. Combining these treatment techniques tailored to site-specific conditions and soil properties is crucial. Consulting the right soil stabilization company or soil specialists ensures the selection of the most suitable and effective treatment strategy, safeguarding constructions against the detrimental effects of expansive soil.
Applications - Dust Control & Soil Stabilization Products
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