Soil stabilization is an important procedure for many industrial and manufacturing operations. Soil stabilization techniques ensure that the ground surface will hold up to various stresses to support construction needs.
Soil stabilization can sometimes be challenging if mistakes are made that compromise its effectiveness. The following are five mistakes that need to be avoided to ensure that soil stabilization efforts are as effective and reliable as possible:
Removing all of the overlying vegetation as part of soil stabilization
Vegetation on the ground surface can in many cases enhance the stability of soil. If vegetation is cleared off entirely, it can be expected that erosion will result. Erosion inevitably leads to unstable ground surfaces and can bring about costly consequences when it comes to managing a property.
It's important to remove vegetation strategically when it is necessary. It's also ideal to avoid the removal of vegetation when it's not absolutely necessary because ground cover helps to hold soil in place and absorb moisture that often leads to soil stability issues.
Excessively using sprinklers over soil with stabilization issues
Sprinkler systems help to irrigate vegetation; however, they can also increase stability problems as they break down soil and wash away possible soil stabilizers. It's important to remove excess water from the soil where possible if efforts are being made to increase stability. Sprinkler use should be minimized or stopped entirely to prevent unnecessary stabilization challenges.
Failing to recognize the potential gutter installation has for making soil stabilization easier
If stabilization is necessary, it's a good idea to look into how water is flowing over the ground first to see if some of the causes of instability can be eradicated. Gutter installation can often go a long way in making the job of soil stabilization easier. If water is unrestrained when flowing over or falling onto the unstable soil, gutters can be installed to channel moisture away and help the soil to stay fortified and retain its position. Then, any soil stabilization efforts that follow are likely to be more effective.
Not analyzing all applicable factors in choosing an appropriate additive
There are numerous factors that need to be carefully evaluated to determine which soil additive is best for a stabilization project in a given area. Among the pertinent factors are soil consistency, composition, project goals, and soil gradation. Overlooking any one of these pertinent factors could result in failed stabilization efforts.
Failing to explore all material options before selecting
Among the various materials that can be used for soil stabilization are bitumen, lime, cement, and geotextiles. It's important to analyze each of these options and consider the advantages and disadvantages of each to choose the ideal solution for the task at hand.
Learn more from a company such as T. Luckey Sons, Inc.