what is soil stabilization ?
Soil stabilization is the addition of binders to the soil to improve its load bearing capacity (strength and durability). There are many binding agents but cement/cement blends are by far, the most widely used binder.
Cement stabilization drastically improves a road's load bearing capacity and will retain its strength despite the ingress of water As such, the road becomes very durable, it inhibits potholes formation, and it does not get muddy. In many cases, cement stabilization will obviate the need to import/use gravel resulting in huge savings. Imagine . . . . there is no need to import gravel/base course ! ! !
Cement stabilization is widely practiced in western countries because stabilized roads are:
· Harder, stronger, and much more durable compared with a regular gravel/dirt road, or base.
Faster to construct - Only 2-3 days/km
· Better for the environment - No need for gravel (i.e. no more quarrying), no need for dump trucks.
· Cheaper to build and much cheaper to maintain
As mentioned earlier, cement stabilized road surfaces will remain very hard despite water ingress. However, during heavy and continuous rain, water seeping into the stabilized layer (typically 15cm-30cm) will eventually reach the unstabilized subgrade. A water saturated subgrade will soften and will not be able to support the stabilized layer (much like a weak base which caused concrete pavement deterioration). Thus, supplementing soil stabilization with a form of surface waterproofing is vital. Surface waterproofing can be achieved via chip seals, or Terrasil waterproofing.
Cement stabilization drastically improves a road's load bearing capacity and will retain its strength despite the ingress of water As such, the road becomes very durable, it inhibits potholes formation, and it does not get muddy. In many cases, cement stabilization will obviate the need to import/use gravel resulting in huge savings. Imagine . . . . there is no need to import gravel/base course ! ! !
Cement stabilization is widely practiced in western countries because stabilized roads are:
· Harder, stronger, and much more durable compared with a regular gravel/dirt road, or base.
Faster to construct - Only 2-3 days/km
· Better for the environment - No need for gravel (i.e. no more quarrying), no need for dump trucks.
· Cheaper to build and much cheaper to maintain
As mentioned earlier, cement stabilized road surfaces will remain very hard despite water ingress. However, during heavy and continuous rain, water seeping into the stabilized layer (typically 15cm-30cm) will eventually reach the unstabilized subgrade. A water saturated subgrade will soften and will not be able to support the stabilized layer (much like a weak base which caused concrete pavement deterioration). Thus, supplementing soil stabilization with a form of surface waterproofing is vital. Surface waterproofing can be achieved via chip seals, or Terrasil waterproofing.
Click to see video
Unsealed/unstabilized roads on the other hand, easily lose their structural integrity in the presence of water, and load. Layers, and layers of gravel may be added and compacted but, since the surface is unbound, these deteriorate easily in the presence of water, and heavy loads. As such, a never ending cycle of road maintenance is needed.
Cement stabilization (also referred to as "Soil Cement"), have many uses from urban streets with asphalt or concrete top, provincial/country roads, national highways, to parking lots, industrial storage facilities, and airports. In fact, the “family” of soil-sements pavement products can actually be divided up into three main components – each with their own unique contribution to a pavement structure. These components include Cement-Modified Soils (CMS), Cement Treated Base (CTB), and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR). For more information, click the following links:
Soil Cement Video
Full Depth Reclamation Video
Stabilization using cement is already approved by the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and is already included in their Blue Book.
WARNING !!!
There are suppliers offer liquid stabilizers for use in soil/road stabilization. Be careful! Not all liquid stabilizers perform well. Moreover, certain liquid stabilizers work only with certain soil types. As such, we recommend to our clients to request for a small sample of the liquid stabilizer (for testing). We will be happy to show our clients how to conduct a simple test to determine the effectiveness of such "stabilizers" with simple water+load tests.
Cement stabilization (also referred to as "Soil Cement"), have many uses from urban streets with asphalt or concrete top, provincial/country roads, national highways, to parking lots, industrial storage facilities, and airports. In fact, the “family” of soil-sements pavement products can actually be divided up into three main components – each with their own unique contribution to a pavement structure. These components include Cement-Modified Soils (CMS), Cement Treated Base (CTB), and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR). For more information, click the following links:
Soil Cement Video
Full Depth Reclamation Video
Stabilization using cement is already approved by the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and is already included in their Blue Book.
WARNING !!!
There are suppliers offer liquid stabilizers for use in soil/road stabilization. Be careful! Not all liquid stabilizers perform well. Moreover, certain liquid stabilizers work only with certain soil types. As such, we recommend to our clients to request for a small sample of the liquid stabilizer (for testing). We will be happy to show our clients how to conduct a simple test to determine the effectiveness of such "stabilizers" with simple water+load tests.
specialized equipment for soil/road stabilization
Self propelled units
These units (350Hp-500Hp) are ideally suited for large areas such as Expressways and Highways.
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tractor trailed units
These units (90Hp-300Hp) are more maneuverable and are more suited for Philippine conditions (urban, provincial, rural roads)
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