Soil stabilisation is a kind of Bulk Earthworks that means the process of strengthening and improving the physical and mechanical properties of soil to increase its bearing capacity and resistance to various loads. This method is widely used in construction, road and landscape design, mining and other areas where it is necessary to ensure the reliability and durability of structures erected on soils with unfavorable characteristics.

Soil stabilisation can be achieved in a variety of ways, including mechanical treatment, addition of binders or the use of special technologies. The correct choice of method depends on the type of soil, its original properties, the expected load and operating conditions. Soil stabilisation has several main objectives.

• Increasing bearing capacity

One of the main objectives of stabilisation is to increase the compressive, shear, and tensile strength of the soil so that it can withstand higher loads from building structures, vehicles, etc.

• Reducing deformability

stabilised soils have a lower capacity to compress and settle under load, which is critical to ensuring the stability of buildings and structures.

• Preventing erosion

In the case of exposed soils, stabilisation helps bind soil particles together, protecting them from being washed away by wind or water.

• Increasing water permeability

Some stabilisation methods reduce the permeability of the soil, preventing moisture penetration and protecting foundations from deterioration.

• Controlling seasonal changes

Soil stabilisation helps minimize the negative effects of seasonal changes such as drying, freezing, or heaving.

Achieving these goals ensures the reliability and durability of foundations, prevents premature failure of structures and increases safety during operation of facilities.

Soil stabilisation Methods

There are several basic methods of soil stabilisation that can be used separately or in combination depending on the specific conditions and requirements of the project.

Mechanical stabilisation

Mechanical stabilisation includes the processes of processing and compacting the soil to increase its density and strength. The most common techniques are:

• Tamping – compaction of the soil with heavy rammers or vibratory machines.
• Rolling – rolling the soil with heavy rollers.
• Vibration compaction – transmission of vibration vibrations into the soil using deep vibrators.

These methods are effective for cohesive soils (clays and loams), but may be less effective for non-cohesive soils (sands and gravel).

Addition of binders

Soil stabilisation by adding binders allows you to change the physical and chemical properties of the soil and improve its characteristics. The most commonly used are:

• Cement – provides high strength and water resistance.
• Lime – increases plasticity and reduces sensitivity to water.
• Bituminous binders – make the soil resistant to water.
• Other additives: ash, slag, chemical stabilisers.

Strengthening with reinforcing elements

In this method, reinforcing elements are introduced into the soil, such as:

• Geosynthetics: geogrids, geotextiles, geonets.
• Fibers: steel, fiberglass, polypropylene.

Reinforcing elements prevent soil shear and movement, increasing its tensile strength.

The choice of a specific method or their combination depends on the type of soil, design loads and operating conditions of the foundation.

Soil stabilisation is an important process that ensures the reliability and durability of foundations for the construction of various objects. The correct choice of method and materials, as well as competent design, allow achieving the desired soil characteristics, such as high bearing capacity, low deformability, water resistance and resistance to adverse effects.

Soil stabilisation requires a comprehensive approach and the involvement of highly qualified specialists. However, if all necessary requirements are met, it provides significant advantages, allowing the construction of reliable and durable structures even on weak or problematic soils.