Do you have a question about this application? Ask our specialists
Contact us
The Importance of Quality Soil in Construction
During construction projects, many unknowns can occur that have the potential to derail a project including inclement weather and wet conditions. Wet, weak, fine-grained soil can prove to be a major challenge at many construction sites. Muddy site conditions make for difficult working conditions and can make the site difficult to access for construction vehicles, slowing down progress and elongating timelines. This is why it is important to understand the proper process to dry, modify, and stabilize soil as needed to keep construction projects on time and on budget.
Our Role in Soil Drying, Modification, & Stabilization
What We Do
Lime products are frequently used to dry, modify, and stabilize soil to ensure that construction projects are uninhibited by changes in the weather, prolonged wet or snowy conditions, or other extenuating circumstances. Lime products are employed to reduce the moisture content in overly wet or clayey soils. This process involves spreading lime over the soil and mixing it thoroughly. The lime reacts with water in the soil, forming calcium hydroxide, which in turn helps to dry out the soil by facilitating drainage and reducing moisture content. This is especially crucial for improving the workability of the soil and preventing issues like slumping during construction.
Lime can be used as a soil modifier to enhance the engineering properties of soil. By incorporating lime into the soil, it can improve its plasticity, reduce its plasticity index, and increase its load-bearing capacity. This is particularly beneficial in areas with expansive or unstable soils, where soil modification with lime enhances its stability, making it more suitable for construction applications.
Lime also plays a key role in soil stabilization. By mixing lime with soil, it creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of calcium silicates and calcium aluminates. These compounds bind soil particles together, increasing the soil's strength and durability. Soil stabilization with lime is a common practice for constructing roads, highways, and other infrastructure projects, as it not only improves soil performance but also reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of the construction.
Calciment LKD is provided by Mintek Resources, a member of the Carmeuse Group. For more information about Mintek Resources, visit their website.
How it Helps
- Moisture Reduction – Lime products are used to reduce excess moisture in soil, improving its workability and preventing issues like slumping.
- Soil Modification – Lime enhances soil properties, reducing plasticity and increasing load-bearing capacity, making it more suitable for construction.
- Soil Stabilization – Lime forms compounds that bind soil particles together, increasing strength and durability, especially in road and infrastructure construction.
- Reduced Plasticity – Lime reduces plasticity in highly plastic soils, mitigating the risk of soil expansion and shrinkage.
- Improved Cohesion – Lime enhances soil cohesion and bearing capacity, making it ideal for subgrade stabilization in road construction.