Sunday, 5 April 2015

Soil Stabilization In Las Vegas NV

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 go through life never thinking about the ground beneath our feet - and our homes - because it feel so solid. However, the ground is constantly changing as it absorbs moisture or loses it in times of dry weather. Our homes may show the effects of this by developing cracks in the foundation or the basement walls, or by subsiding on one corner as the foundation sinks.

All soils contain minerals as well as decomposed organic material. Some minerals absorb more water than others. When moisture in the ground decreases, these minerals shrink again. It is this continual swelling and shrinking that causes stress on building foundations and the structures they support. Cracks in basement walls are signs that the process is going on to a greater extent than construction materials can withstand.

Clay soils are noted for their tendency to swell when wet; this is evident to all who have seen their garden surfaces harden and crack when wet clay dries out. Scientists know which minerals in the clay absorb moisture readily and can judge the potential for disaster by an analysis. It is especially important to get an expert opinion on soil composition before construction starts when the project is huge, like a Las Vegas NV resort or a mega mansion.

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.

There is a scientific way to address the problem of swelling at the molecular level. This causes a fundamental change to the soil. Using environmentally-friendly chemicals, experts can tailor the fix to the exact nature of the problem and achieve permanent results in a faster, more affordable way. For instance, construction can be done on a slab, rather than on pier foundations - if the ground is stable.

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.

Companies in Las Vegas have interactive websites that provide a lot of information and can get you in touch with expert help. Site inspections and estimates are free. Get the help you need to save money and prevent problems in the future.




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