When you have a construction project coming up, one factor to be concerned of is the
soil condition. The soil needs to be stable enough for the project. Working with unstable
soil can be challenging and may cause the whole project to fail.
The type of soil, its composition and characteristics are going to have a huge impact on
your project particularly on your foundations. Unstable soil means unstable foundation
or aggregates. However, not all areas we work on have perfect soil. Construction
companies might be needing to implement solutions to make the gain more favorable
soil conditions.
Before heading on the ways to fix unstable soil issues, here are the possible causes of
soil instability.
1. Soil composition is the first thing to consider when assessing its stability to
handle a certain project. There should be a proper balance of the minerals and
other nutrients. For example, depending on the soil type, certain levels of
moisture should be taken into consideration.
2. The presence of organic matter can loosen soil contributing to its instability.
Decomposing plants and other organics when combined with water become
agents in turning soil unstable.
3. There is an evidently reduced compaction in the soil. This type of soil is
commonly found in elevated lands like hills where soils are not compacted in thin
layers. You may observe that these soils don’t have uniform appearance.
What are the available solutions when dealing with unstable soils?
Since soil moisture plays a major role in determining the stability of soil,
contractors may drain excessive moisture from the soil using drainage tiles.
Similar to agricultural fields, the soil may be tilled to make it dry if it is too moist.
Utilizing piles for support without removing soils. These are used commonly in
large-scale projects in poor soil conditions.
Chemical treatments that enhance soil stability are applied.
Construction companies may also use foamed asphalt injection to strengthen the
base.
Is unstable soil also your concern with your construction project? We at Eagle Rock
Excavating will be glad to be of service to you.