What is soil stabilization? Type of soil Stabilization?

SOIL STABILIZATION

* Soil stabilization is a technique of increasing or maintaining stability of soil mass.

* Methods of soil stabilization:

1. Mechanical stabilization: It is by suitable grading or by compaction. Mechanical stabilized

construction needs retention of a certain amount of moisture. It is achieved by mixing calcium

chloride and sodium chloride.

2. Cement stabilization: Depending upon the type of soil 5 to 14 per cent cement is mixed to

stabilize the soil.

3. Lime stabilization: It is mainly used to stabilize subgrades of roads. In this process:

(a) Clay particles get flocculated into larger size.

(b) Shrinkage limit increases, Resistance to water absorption, capillary size and volume change

increases.

(c) Strength and durability increase.

4. Bitumen stabilization: Bitumen binds soil and reduces water absorption. Hence, it stabilizes soil.

5. Miscellaneous chemicals: Molasses, waterproofers up to 0.1 to 1 per cent help in stabilization.

6. Thermal stabilization: Heating a plastic soil to a temperature of 400° to 600°C makes the soil

less plastic and less sensitive to water.

7. Electrical stabilization: It is a process of draining fine grained soils by passing a direct current

through them.

* Thermal stabilization and electrical stabilization are relatively costly methods.