Soil Stabilization | Stable Soils

What Is Soil Stabilization?

Soil stabilization is a process through which physical properties of soil are transformed in order to provide long-term stability and strength to the soil grains. This is achieved by increasing the rigidity, durability, and overall bearing capacity of the soil. Soil stabilization can be physical, chemical, mechanical, or biological in nature or a combination of multiple methods. Soil stabilization locks the soil in place, preventing instability in the future.

During the pre-construction phase of a project, stabilizing the soil can effectively consolidate loose soils, fill any voids, and even stop water from migrating through the soil. This is achieved with the use of a polyurethane product that contains ultra-low viscosity polyurethane resins. Once the soil is effectively stabilized and the bearing capacity of the soil is heightened, then new construction can commence.

Stable Soils offers an array of services for soil stabilization, including the following soil stabilization services:

Coastal Soil Stabilization
Elevator Pit Stabilization
New Infrastructure Soil Stabilization
Pre-Construction Excavation
Slope Stabilization
Zero Lot Line Excavation
SAFE – NSF Approved
Zero Excavation

What Causes Soil Instability?

When soils are unstable, they can migrate and shift, making any structure built above at risk of damage and failure. As such, unstable soils need extra support through the process of soil stabilization. In addition to hefty property damage and a delayed construction timeline, unstable soil can threaten the safety, stability, and longevity of a property, even resulting in the potential destruction of regularly used structures such as roads, buildings, and bridges, among others.

There are three main causes of soil instability in Florida: the presence of organics in soil, a lack of proper soil compaction, and improper soil composition. For more information about soil instability and the soil stabilization services provided by Stable Soils, please contact our office.

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Presence Of Organics

Plant matter, such as topsoil, can quickly make soil unstable. As organic materials decompose, they render the soil unstable and unsafe for construction, particularly when greater amounts of moisture is introduced into the soil. Organic material changes form and mass as it decomposes, creating cavities, depressions, and voids in the soil. Additionally, the presence of organics can cause the soil to soften, likewise destabilizing it.

A Lack Of Soil Compaction

There are a variety of causes of poor soil compaction, though oftentimes, it occurs due to poor soil texture and soil properties. All soils are unique, and, as such, some soils are more prone to compaction than others. Soils with excess contents of salt, those with a high clay fraction, soils with a low pH, and soils containing high contents of water or moisture tend to compact poorly. Soils that are not compacted may appear varied and without a uniform appearance.

Poor Soil Composition

What is your soil made from? Soil composition is a major factor in assessing the stability of your soil. Stable soils typically have a proper balance of minerals and nutrients as well as the right amount of moisture. Clay soil, for example, with the correct moisture content, may be incredibly stable (think, bricks made from clay). Yet, introducing too much water into clay soil can cause it to become unstable, which extends the duration of construction and soil stabilization.