Soil Stabilization For New And Existing Structures

By Iva Cannon


All construction projects should be planned carefully in advance, but even then property owners may find they have unpleasant surprises down the road. A building is only as good as its foundation, and the foundation depends on the earth beneath it or must take into account inherent instability. Buildings in earthquake-prone areas are made to withstand tremors, but all ground everywhere shows the effect of less dramatic natural forces. Soil stabilization is important everywhere that people make their homes.

Most of us are unaware that the ground beneath our feet is continually expanding and contracting because of wet or dry weather. This natural swelling and subsidence of the ground may cause problems that go unnoticed, especially to the buildings we live or work in. The bigger the building, the greater the potential for expensive damage.

Soil is made up of organic material combined with minerals of many different types. Some minerals absorb moisture readily and lose it just as fast when drier conditions occur. Continual swelling and shrinking stresses structures that rest on the ground. If the stress is greater than the building materials can stand, cracks in foundation or structural walls may occur and structures may subside unevenly, causing interior problems.

Clay is especially prone to this natural phenomenon. Clay may have many different minerals in its composition, and scientists have identified which minerals are most affected by moisture. Geological experts have created maps that show which areas have the highest potential for problem soils. People should have an analysis done before beginning a new construction project. This is especially important for huge, expensive buildings, such as Las Vegas NV resorts or multi-million dollar estate homes.

Stabilization is required when an analysis reveals that the ground is prone to changes caused by moisture content. Traditional methods include adding lime to the soil, sinking pier foundations to bedrock to keep the structure from shifting with the ground, or excavating all the earth and replacing it with more stable material. Treatment with lime is not a permanent solution, and the other two methods are expensive and time-consuming.

Newer technology uses science to change the soil at the molecular level, causing a fundamental and permanent change. This method is also more environmentally friendly and more affordable. The formula for chemicals used will be tailored to the kind of minerals present in the ground, and the result is more solid, stronger ground. This means, for example, that a slab can be used rather than a more expensive foundation.

If a structure is already in place, this technique is more practical than other remedial efforts, and it can be a permanent fix that prevents further damage. Since steps must be taken or the whole structure may be damaged beyond repair, finding this sort of affordable, fast solution will save both time and money.

Find a company Las Vegas way that offers free site inspections and estimates. Prevent costly damage in future or take immediate steps to prevent further problems down the road. After all, even in the desert it's bound to rain sometime.




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