At Gray & Son, we have been serving Maryland for over a century. With comprehensive service offerings, our team has been able to become experts in a variety of construction fields, including soil stabilization. If you haven’t heard of soil stabilization, we’re here to give you the low down. Soil stabilization is a vital part of any construction job, setting the foundation for a successful project. Learn more about the benefits and importance of proper soil stabilization from our team below.
What Is Soil Stabilization?
Soil stabilization is a powerful and cost-effective technology, used when the soil available for a construction project is not suitable for its intended purpose. As a result, the soil is permanently altered physically or chemically to meet a specific engineering purpose and provide a strong base for the remainder of the construction process. Not only does soil stabilization increase the strength of the soil, but the shrink-swell properties as well, improving the load-bearing capacity of the area so that you will not have to worry about the size and weight of your construction project. When beginning your construction job, it is vital that you have a team that caters to each and every section of the project, like Gray & Son. We know that good construction begins with a strong foundation, which is why our team focuses on innovative and effective soil stabilization techniques to ensure that your project or development is strong from the start.
What Are the Types of Soil Stabilization?
It is important to note that when it comes to soil stabilization, there are multiple techniques that can be used, all of which provide differing benefits. One of the most popular is soil cement stabilization, in which a geotechnical firm determines the application rate of the property prior to delivery. Gray & Son takes pride in innovative project strategy, which is why our team uses a computer-controlled material spreader on the delivery truck that places the cement at the appropriate application rate. In addition to soil cement stabilization, soil mixing and soil compaction are two other forms of soil stabilization. Soil mixing occurs when a rotary reclaimer mixes cement material into existing soil with multiple passes to ensure thorough mixing. Soil compaction occurs when a heavy roller is placed over the desired area, and left for multiple days to dry thoroughly. At Gray & Son, we understand that every project is different, which is why our team has thorough knowledge and experience in all soil stabilization techniques so that we can cater to your individual needs.
What Are the Benefits of Soil Stabilization?
When it comes to the benefits of soil stabilization, there are many! From financial to environmental benefits, soil stabilization is a great choice to help save time, money and energy. First, soil stabilization is cost-effective, generally costing less than a traditional “dig and dump” method. Additionally, the variety of soil stabilization techniques provide the upper hand when it comes to long term design and strength. By focusing on a specific soil stabilization technique to create a strong foundation, the remainder of the construction project will be just as strong, so that you will not have to worry about future quality issues.
Benefits of Lime and Calcium in Stabilization and Reclamation
Additionally, Gray & Son utilizes lime in many of our soil stabilization projects, which when added to reactive soil causes a pozzolanic reaction. This reaction takes the reactive soil and calcium from lime to provide extensive strength benefits, generally lessening the cost of the overall project, and providing an extremely durable base to last for decades.
A similar process is also carried over in asphalt reclamation, in which many of our projects utilize calcium chloride to create a strong and cost-effective base. By using calcium chloride in our asphalt reclamation projects, the structurally-sound base that this mix provides helps to prevent extensive damage such as uneven settlement and ruts, thus lessening maintenance costs in the future. Furthermore, calcium chloride’s properties work wonders for both paved and unpaved roads. This mix holds moisture, providing dust control and weather resistance for many sites, as it has a very low freezing point.
Environmental Benefits of Gray’s Soil Stabilization
Finally, soil stabilization is a more environmentally friendly option. At Gray & Son, we know the importance of sustainable construction practices, and soil stabilization utilizes and adjusts the soil that is already present, not requiring substantial materials to be moved or removed from a given area. This saves both time, waste and transportation costs in many areas, providing you with a safe, strong and effective worksite.
See How Gray & Son Can Help With Your Next Soil Stabilization Project
Whether you are looking strictly for soil stabilization, or would like to include this process into your full site contracting package, our team is here to assist you. We know that every part of your site project deserves equal care and attention to foster a successful, high-quality site. To see how Gray & Son can help you take the next steps in beginning your soil stabilization project, contact our Baltimore County office today.