How Do Paving Companies Perform Soil Stabilization In Atlanta?

When most people think of asphalt paving, they picture ultra-reliable solid surfaces. While properly constructed surfaces meet that description, pavement is only as strong as its foundation. Weak subsoil can create many problems for pavement. To ensure that finished surfaces last, contractors often perform Georgia soil stabilization. In this blog, we’ll explore soil stabilization in Atlanta and how contractors use it to achieve durability, strength and structural integrity.

What Is Soil Stabilization in Atlanta?

Before we discuss soil stabilization methods, let’s define this procedure. Soil stabilization is a process that aims to improve the quality of the soil under future asphalt paving. It’s similar to other techniques like full depth reclamation, which recycles the entire pavement structure to create a stronger base layer. However, soil stabilization is a broader term for how contractors treat subsoil to strengthen it.

Typically, paving companies perform soil stabilization services before paving. This critical part of the large site preparation process confirms that the soil has the load-bearing capacity and stability to support pavement and its intended traffic.

Why Is Georgia Stabilization Necessary?

Not all sites need soil stabilization services. However, most need some amendment. Bare soil is rarely ready for asphalt. While weight varies based on engineering and thickness, the weighted density of a typical asphalt parking lot is around 145 pounds per square foot. That’s not even counting the vehicles that drive over it. That’s a lot of weight for soil to support.

Without stabilization, soil can settle, opening the floodgates for cracking, buckling, water damage and foundation damage. Soil stabilization services can also minimize the risk of issues like erosion. Ultimately, stabilization secures the soil in place while preventing damage and failure. Properly stabilized soil can prolong the life of the pavement, avoiding premature reconstruction and more extensive repair work like full depth reclamation.

What Does This Process Entail?

Before proceeding with stabilization, contractors perform comprehensive soil tests. These tests provide insight into the soil’s density, load-bearing capacity, etc. From there, experts can compare the soil’s qualities to the pavement’s engineering plans, considering its intended use, thickness, etc.

The information gleaned from in-depth testing guides contractors in the right direction, allowing them to strategically choose the right soil stabilization method to achieve the desired results.

What Soil Stabilization Methods Do Contractors Use?

Techniques like full depth reclamation use existing material to strengthen soil. However, contractors can approach soil stabilization in many different ways.

One option is soil cement stabilization. With soil cement stabilization, teams mix water and cement with the subsoil to create a stable base. It’s a form of chemical stabilization that employs additives to strengthen the soil. Alternatives to soil cement stabilization utilize materials like lime or ash.

Another common method is mechanical stabilization. It involves amending the soil with additional aggregate, the material of which will vary. Some stabilization projects use recycled concrete or asphalt, similar to full depth reclamation.

Finally, contractors may rely on compaction. Compaction removes air voids from the soil, significantly increasing its density.

If you need Georgia soil stabilization to set your new paving project up for success, The Surface Masters is here to help. The Surface Masters is an award-winning paving contractor recognized for its commitment to excellence and great customer service. We apply our years of experience to do things right, never cutting corners or sacrificing quality. Our goal is to provide solutions that last, and we go the extra mile to ensure the soil on your site is ready for decades of pavement support. The Surface Masters offers many services to meet your needs, including new asphalt paving, milling and reclamation, crack sealing, repairs, pavement markings and more.

Contact us today to learn more and request a free quote for your project. You can reach The Surface Masters through our online contact form below, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or call (770)250-6392.