Cement-stabilised soil

What is cement-stabilised soil?

Cement-stabilised soil is a careful mixture of natural soil with cement and water. This mixture gives the soil a higher strength while keeping its natural flexibility.

What is it for?

Cement-stabilised soil is used under any circumstances where improvement of the mechanical performance of soils is sought. The application of this constructive solution allows locally sourced natural soils to be used in structural layers of roads and in some cases as surface layer of low traffic municipal roads, forest trails, private drives, etc.

Which cement should I use?

Any common cement can be used to stabilise soil, though the most popular choices are CEM II/B-L 32.5 N and CEM II/A-L 42.5 R.

How to make stabilised-cement soil?

Stabilised-cement soil can be made in a plant or “in situ”. Regardless of the method, the process consists of 4 main phases:

Reclamation of natural soil and mixing with cement;
Addition of water as to get the desired moisture content for good compaction;
Levelling and shaping;
Light or heavy compaction of the stabilised-cement soil layer.

Stabilised-cement soil: A more economical solution?

This technique uses natural soils usually available at the construction site, reducing the volume of borrowed materials and the related transport.

Increasing the mechanical performance of soils allows the construction of thinner structural layers. This, in turn, means a smaller volume of all-in aggregate is required, as well as less excavation.

When used as a final solution (municipal roads, private drives, etc.) cement-stabilised soil can be used instead of bituminous layers, therefore reducing the costs of construction materials.

Stabilised-cement soil: A more eco-friendly solution?

Stabilised-cement soil is an environmentally friendly solution for many reasons.

This technique increases the durability of road surfaces, reducing maintenance and extending longevity, which, in turn, decreases the need for raw material.

A decrease in transport needs of borrowed and excavated soils means a decrease in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As a final solution for roads, cement-stabilised soil provides environmental benefits by eliminating the need for of bituminous mixtures and minimising the visual impact of the road.