Soil Stabilization

Creating better bases to build on

Stabilizing soils prior to the construction of building foundations and pavements offers a number of advantages that increase the overall value of the project. Blending additives such as lime, fly ash or cement creates an upgraded, homogenous base, up to 20 inches deep, that dramatically increases the strength and load capacity of the soil. This usually leads to less base stone and surface paving required. By reducing materials and eliminating the need to replace existing soils, stabilization cuts site preparation costs by 20-40%. Stabilization also benefits

overall project management. First, the efficiency of the process reduces initial construction times. Second, the completed base is more tolerant of adverse weather, reducing impacts to other construction activities.

Stabilization Highlights:

•  Increases the structural capacity of existing soils

•  Reduces construction times and unworkable days

•  Improves life expectancy of pavements by up to 25 years

•  Decreases future issues caused by base failures

•  Eliminates plasticity and shrink-swell challenges

•  Reduces the environmental impact of operations

Documents:

Soil Stabilization Information Sheet

Lime-Treated Base Courses Specifications

Soil Stabilization Specifications

NCDOT Design Build Cement and Lime Specification