Stabilised soils with lime can be used to build embankments, bases and motorway sub-bases, shape layers on railways and surfaces in general.
The geotechnical properties of soil immediately improves with the addition of lime (reduces plasticity rate and increases load capacity (CBR), improving soil compaction, due to pozzolanic reactions, which occur spontaneously resulting in nature to increase its carrying capacity.
Below are listed the main three effects which the addition of lime brings about in soil especially for its stabilisation:
DRYING
Calcium oxide, when added to soil immediately reacts with the existing moisture, drying it out, either through its chemical hydration (calcium hydroxide formation) or by evaporation, derived from heat during the exothermic hydration reaction.
FLOCCULATION
Calcium oxide allows breakage of the laminated clay structure, making it lose its water retention capacity, and acquiring an easy compacting granular structure.
STABILISATION
Pozzolanic reactions between quick-lime calcium cations and the silica and alumina in soil form silicates and calcium aluminates, which provide strength and stability.
Prior to starting stabilisation, we recommend taking a sample from the ground and making a quick and simple analysis to determine the exact percentage of quick-lime or calcium hydroxide needed. The soil sample can be sent to Calcinor for the test at its central laboratory.
Calcinor has wide experience and qualified staff who can offer advice on all aspects of client`s queries, before and whilst the test is being carried out.
Below are the four fundamental steps to achieve a correct stabilisation:
3. RIGHT SOIL MIXING
