How Soil Grouting Prepares The Land For Construction

Before construction begins on a plot of land, the soil must be stable. If the native soil isn't strong enough to bear the load of a building, or if it can't be compacted well enough to pour a foundation, construction won't be possible unless the soil can be stabilized in some way. Soil grouting is often the solution for this problem. Here's a look at how soil grouting is done.

Why Soil Grouting Is Necessary

Soil grouting fills in voids under the soil and fills cracks in underground rocks. This makes the soil and rock stable so they can withstand the weight of a building without collapsing and causing foundation damage. Soil grouting can also be used to harden loose soils that are unable to bear weight without shifting. The grout combines with the soil to create a hard mass of cement that prevents problems with soil shifting and that creates a sturdy base for construction purposes.

How Soil Grouting Is Done

Soil grouting can be done with little disruption to a construction site. It's necessary to drill into the soil to a depth that depends on the underground conditions. Drill holes are spaced as needed so the grout can be added uniformly across the space. Once the holes are ready, a cement grout mixture is made and then pumped into each individual hole so the grout flows and spreads out to create a solid mass after filling in voids and cracks in rocks and the soil. Just like concrete for a slab, the grout hardens under the surface of the ground to form a hard and stable surface for building upon.

The steps of soil grouting seem simple, but the process leading up to pumping in the grout can be quite involved. Grout can be made in different ways, and it's necessary to determine the nature of the underground soil conditions first so the right type of grout can be used for the application.

When the right grout is mixed and pumped in correctly, then soil grouting is very effective and the results can last for many decades making it possible to construct buildings that have a long life. While soil grouting is often used before construction begins, it's also possible to use this method of soil stabilization for existing buildings that have developed foundation trouble due to problems with the soil underneath the building. Another good aspect of stabilizing the soil with grout is that it is a relatively affordable option that is made even more valuable because of its effectiveness and long-lasting results.