Stabilization

A Definition of Stabilization:

"Stabilization is the permanent physical and chemical alteration of soils and aggregates to enhance their engineering properties thus improving the load bearing capacity of a sub-grade or sub-base to support pavements and foundations."

-Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association

The Benefits of Soil Stabilization:

A PRO-ACTIVE SOLUTION:

Addresses underperforming sub-grades prior to construction rather than reacting to the problem afterwards with costly repairs to pavements, building slabs, and foundations.
Improved resistance to frost penetration in sub-grade.

IMPROVED PROJECT SCHEDULE:

Allows for immediate access to sites that otherwise might not be accessible due to poor sub-grade conditions.

CONSERVES ENERGY:

In-place process means no hauling away or importing of new engineered material.

CONSERVES MATERIAL:

Recycling existing materials saves natural resources and energy.

COST EFFECTIVE:

Existing materials stay on site eliminating unnecessary trucking and disposal costs.
Increased load bearing capacity means reduced need for over designed footings, slabs and pavement sections.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY:

Eliminates material disposal concerns.
Pollution resulting from material hauling is practically eliminated.

The Soil Stabilization Process:

STEP 1: TESTING Lab tests analyze the aggregate and soil selected for the project and a custom combination of depth, additive and water is designed to meet the load-bearing capacity required for the use of the site.
	STEP 2: SPREAD/MIXING In most cases, the soil and aggregates are pre-existing on site and the proper quantity of additive is applied onto the surface with a calibrated spreader. Then, in one step, a reclaimer/stabilizer blends the soil/aggregates, additive and the optimum amount of water to the required depth.
STEP 3: COMPACTION/CURING The blended mixture is then compacted using vibratory rollers. Once hardened, the modified material does not compact further under traffic and is resistant to settling. This results in a ready-to-use, durable, subgrade or base.
	STEP 4: CONSTRUCTION The entire stabilization process can be completed over large areas in one day. From there, further construction operations can then continue on top of the improved surface.