Dixie
Construction has been able to implement the use of soil stabilization
to bring wet and unyielding soils down to within optimum levels,
keeping the earthmoving operations proceeding at a steady pace.
Soil stabilization is generally considered a more cost efficient
option compared to importing and undercutting.
Working
along with the Geotechnical Engineer, we are able to assess the
proper lime product to apply. Once the product has been selected
we have it delivered and pumped into our application equipment pneumatically.
Once we have the application rate determined, we use a blending
machine blend the soils anywhere from 8”-10” deep. Once
the soil has been blended, we allow the lime to chemically react
with the dirt which generally alters the composition of the dirt.
Depending on the soils, this process could take one to several hours
to react. When we feel the chemical has reacted to the soil, we
proceed with rolling, compacting the dirt, check moistures, thus
allowing us to place the next lift. We have had moisture contents
of 35-40% and have been able to achieve a moisture content of 15%
within a matter of hours.
Another alternative to wet sub-grade conditions on road sub-grade
is the application of Portland powdered cement which is the same
process as the lime applications. Soil cementing is an application
we use prior to placing the stone. Instead of undercutting and
refilling with stone and/or fabric to stabilize the road sub-grades,
we find it more cost effective to place soil cement. Dixie adds
70-80 lbs. of cement per square yard of roadway sub-base and blends
the cement with the dirt. We add water throughout the process,
immediately roll it up, add water as needed, blend dirt and fine
grade. We find within 24 hours of what was pumping and yielding
the day before will pass any proof roll thus allowing us to place
stone and prepare for paving.
