Lime / Cement Stabilization
Lime Stabilization
Is the process of adding hydrated lime or quicklime to soil in order to reduce its plasticity, shrinkage, and swelling potential. This also increases the bearing capacity and resistance to erosion of the soil as it reacts with clay minerals to form cementitious compounds. This technique is suitable for soils with high clay content and low organic matter, and can be used for subgrade stabilization, road base construction, and slope stabilization. The benefits of lime stabilization include reducing the need for soil excavation and replacement, enhancing drainage and frost resistance, and lowering the carbon footprint of soil improvement. However, it requires quality control and testing to ensure proper mixing and curing of the soil-lime mixture. Additionally, it may cause adverse effects on the soil pH, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, as well as health and safety risks for workers and communities due to lime dust.
Cement Stabilization
Is the addition of cement, usually in the form of Portland cement or blended cement, to soil to increase its strength, stiffness, and durability. Cement acts as a binder that coats and glues the soil particles together and forms a hard and rigid matrix, making it suitable for soils with low clay content and high organic matter. This can be used for subgrade stabilization, road base construction, and foundation support, offering advantages such as providing high strength and stability for soil, improving resistance to water, chemicals, and weathering, as well as allowing for faster construction. However, cement stabilization also has some disadvantages such as consuming a large amount of energy-intensive and CO2-emitting material, increasing brittleness and cracking potential of soil, as well as affecting the soil permeability, hydrology, and ecology.
