Soil stabilization involves changing the components of soil to improve its shear strength and manage its shrink and swell properties. It's often an essential step before construction to improve a soil's load-bearing capabilities. To help you understand why, T Luckey Sons, an experienced soil stabilization company in Harrison, OH, explains below how soil quality affects the foundation and stability of a construction project.

How Soil Affects Site Construction & Foundation Stability

Soil Type

The type of soil supporting a building has a considerable effect on the strength and stability of the foundation. For instance, because of their strength, bedrock, limestone, sandstone, and other types of rock are particularly suited for bearing heavy loads, but must be carefully leveled before construction begins or the foundation must be anchored into place. However, clay tends to shrink and expand with its moisture content, which makes it less predictable and thus less desirable. A compacted mix of sand and gravel does not expand because it does not retain water, but the materials can wash away over time and leave gaps beneath the foundation. Finally, loam—a mixture of sand, silt, and clay—is perhaps the most ideal soil type for construction. It requires no soil stabilization, since its component properties balance out and it neither expands nor contracts enough to damage a foundation.

Shear Resistance

Shear resistance is also important when analyzing soil for its suitability for construction. This is a measure of how well a soil's particles interlock and create friction against movement. The grain size, grain shape, and granular distribution contribute to shear resistance, as does its density. A mix of sizes and shapes is best, and denser soil offers more stability and security. Finally, soil that expands with the addition of water has less shear resistance because particle density drops with soil expansion.

The type of soil you have and the amount of shear resistance it offers affects the foundation and stability of your building. Thus, if you are planning a construction project, soil analysis is crucial. If you need soil stabilization, contact T Luckey Sons, a slab jacking and foundation repair service in Harrison, OH. They've handled ground and surface problems across the country for more than 40 years. Visit their website to schedule a free consultation or call (513) 353-2345 to discuss your options.