Monday, March 30, 2015

Las Vegas NV Soil Stabilization

By Iva Cannon


Any construction project involves a certain amount of advance planning, and many require remedial action long after the initial building process is done. Structures are only as strong as the foundation beneath them, and that foundation must rest on solid ground or take instability into account. Although many of us know that a building can be constructed to withstand earthquake tremors, fewer know that our own homes may be showing signs of shifting caused by less dramatic forces. Pre-construction soil stabilization is something to consider.

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.

This method is perfect for solving problems under existing structures, as well. When a structure is showing evidence of shifting or subsidence, steps must be taken or the whole building may be irreparably damaged. Chemical treatment will improve soil compaction and strength, making swelling a thing of the past.

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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