The Main Steps of the Lime Stabilisation Process
Many homeowners are now using the lime stabilisation method to create firmer subsoil beneath the foundations of their homes. This article discusses the main steps that you should follow in case you would like to use lime stabilisation at the construction site of your home.
- Taking Samples
Lime stabilisation involves adding a binder, such as quicklime, to the expansive clay at the construction site. However, the amount of binder to be added is not selected arbitrarily. Soil samples need to be taken from the site for analysis at a laboratory. You should ask a professional to take these samples from your site if you lack the skills to pick the right samples for analysis.
- Spreading the Lime Powder
The laboratory tests will reveal how much lime will need to be added in order to make the soil at your construction site stable. The quantity to be applied will be based on the volume of water that needs to be removed, as well as the degree to which the soil particles should be bound in order to reduce their ability to absorb more water and expand.
The lime powder may be spread on the site manually or using a machine. The specific method used may depend on the size of the area to be covered and the quantity of lime powder that needs to be spread in that selected area.
- Mixing the Powders
The next step that needs to be performed is mixing the binders into the existing soil at the construction site. This mixing can be done using hand tools, such as a spade. It can also be done using a machine that can be rented from companies that hire out construction equipment.
- Soil Compaction
The last step of the stabilisation process is the process of compacting the soil that has just been mixed with lime powder. This compaction should be performed using motorised equipment so that the stabilised soil is compressed to the desired thickness. Any error that is made during soil compaction may reduce the effectiveness of the lime stabilisation process because the soil will not form an impervious surface at those points where compaction was poorly done.
As you can see, the process of lime stabilisation is not complicated once the amount of binder to be added to the soil has been established. You should therefore have no hesitation about having the soil at your site stabilised in case the engineer who assessed your site advises you that it will be helpful towards preventing future foundation shifting problems.
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