What’s new in soil stabilization

Published on: 21 November 2018 Last Updated on: 13 December 2021
soil stabilization

With increasing urbanization, population growth and the need for reliable infrastructure, it’s not surprising that the need for a diverse set of soil stabilization techniques suitable for a variety of soil and project conditions has seen matching growth. In 2017, the global soil stabilization market reached a massive US $22 Billion, and is expected to reach US $29 billion by 2023. Here we take a look at some of the soil stabilization techniques leading the field in innovation and market growth.

Chemical stabilization through the addition of Lime:

The addition of lime, lime kiln dust or quicklime is a popular form of soil modification and stabilization for all types of soft soils, especially wet, fine-grained and clay soils. Essentially it reacts with clay molecules, which hardens and dries out the soil with which it is mixed, improving stability and soil compressibility.

Lime is the oldest soil stabilization technique still in use today and can be greatly advantageous for particularly muddy construction sites which make accessing the site difficult, and it’s also cheap. It does, however, have several disadvantages too. The production process is very energy intensive, resulting in large CO2 emissions, as high as 1.2 tons of CO2 per ton of lime produced. Achieving homogenous application is tricky, there is risk of environmental toxicity, and application over very soft soil is problematic due to the heavy earth-mixing equipment required for application.

Mechanical soil stabilization through the use of Geocell engineering:

Although geocells have been around since the 1970’s, the increasing global demand for more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective construction techniques has seen renewed interest in their use. Geocells – a type of geosynthetic – are constructed from strips of a novel polymeric alloy called Neoloy, which are welded together to form a honeycomb-like grid when stretched out on site. They are then filled in with local granular materials that are readily available, such as sandy soils or even recycled asphalt paving (RAP).

The main environmental benefits include the ability to utilize local granular materials for infill rather than hauling in high-quality aggregates from quarries, a reduction in the required pavement thickness, improved durability of projects, and the ongoing cost benefit of reduced maintenance requirements.

While awareness of this technology remains its biggest challenge, it is gaining a reputation as a good option for projects with poor soil or challenging environmental conditions. One prime example of this was the construction of an all-weather access road for MEG Energy in the Muskeg peat bog, which made use of geocell engineering in Canada. Some of the challenges facing the engineers on site included moving vehicles and materials around on the saturated, acidic soil, as well as subzero winter temperatures, extremely poor drainage and heavy rains which meant much of the site was essentially a swamp – described, in fact, as an ‘engineering nightmare’.

An example of the less than ideal working conditions – geocell layer visible in back

Because the peat bog soil was too deep and poorly drained for soil replacement, it soon became clear that the use of heavy-duty Neoloy geocells was the only feasible solution. Local geocell experts designed a reinforced road using one to three layers of Neoloy geocells, depending on the saturation level of the area in question. Once in place, the geocells were filled in with sand from locally available borrow pits and then compacted. The geocell layers formed a semi-rigid mattress, or a ‘floating road’ over the swampy soil. The benefits of geocell mechanical soil stabilization include: reducing stress by distributing vertical loads and extending the life of the road – meaning that even heavy rigs and construction equipment could now traverse the peat bog on a regular basis.

Compaction grouting for sinkhole remediation:

Building much-needed apartment housing is one thing but doing so on an area of land which is essentially one giant sinkhole is another matter altogether! This was the challenge facing contractors trying to put up a new five story complex in King of Prussia in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Understandably, no work on the apartment building could begin until the underlying dolomite subsoil was stabilized. The solution they arrived at was the use of compaction grouting, which involves drilling columns in a grid-like pattern, and then injecting a low-mobility soil-cement grout into the holes at high pressures. This process compacts coarse-grained soils and displaces fine-grained soils, allowing the construction site to withstand higher bearing pressures and reduce settlement – both very important in an area to prone to sinkholes.

Under normal conditions, a soil profile increases in strength with depth – but on this site, the dense clays were on the surface, with weaker soils above the bedrock – hence the tendency for sinkholes to form. Drilling down to reach the unstable layer was therefore the best solution in this scenario. To complete the stabilization, the contractor – Compaction Grouting Services, Inc. or CGS – needed to drill 626 separate holes, and pump in 820 cubic yards of grout at an average pressure of 300 psi. And despite a number of challenges, including snow, rain and muddy conditions as well as a small sinkhole which opened up in an area which hadn’t been grouted – they managed to finish a day ahead of schedule.

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Natural Gas

5 Uses of Natural Gas

We all are aware of the natural gas which is been used from last 19th-century consist of the methane and the naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas. All the gases that are present in the natural gas are naturally present in the atmosphere, after that it is converted into the usable form. There are several uses of the natural gas which we will discuss in this blog, so, just check out the information below: 5 Uses of Natural Gas: It can be used for the heating purpose: Firstly natural gas can be used for heating purposes in cold regions. In the region like America, natural gas is used for the purpose of the heating and its produced heat is warmer than the electrical pump. Used as the fuel: You must have seen vehicles that are operated by the CNG or compressed natural gas which is the compressed form of the natural gas. This can also be used as a coolant in the air conditioners so, that they can easily work efficiently. This is very much cheap as compared to the diesel as well as petrol. For producing electricity: Mainly, the natural gas is used for producing electricity and in the United States, around 25% of the population is having power supply generated by the natural gas. Moreover, the usage of natural gas is not as much harm to the atmosphere. It can use for the purpose of cooling: There are many air-conditioned units that are made by the natural gas, but on the other hand, this process is pretty much costly. Through, this the customers can easily save their electricity bills and can reduce the maintenance cost. It can use for the purpose of drying clothes: Last but not the least natural gas can also be used for drying clothes. If we talk about the advantage of using the natural gas for drying clothes then they can save a lot of energy as compared to the electric appliances.  If we talk about the storage then they are relatively easy to store and they can be easily transferred or taken from one place to the other with the help of the pipelines and the services providers who deal in providing such services are known as the Energy Assessment Services provider. What are the various advantages of Natural Gas? As we have already discussed that natural gas is not harmful to the environment as compared to coal and petroleum. The presence of the natural gas is more as that of the coal and the petroleum. The usage of the natural gas is completely safe as this is lighter than the air. The usage of the natural gas provides instant energy which means that there is no pre-heating required prior using this. This is the reason why the natural gas is used in microwaves Owens. Although, besides all these uses; the natural gas is also used for the industrial as well as commercial purposes. For availing all the benefits you must have the best Natural Gas Products that you can easily get from the online store or offline store. Read Also: Lubricating Gas Turbines Is Key To Performance Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype?

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how to plant grass seed on hard dirt

How To Plant Grass Seed On Hard Dirt? – Latest Update 2022

Are you are giving up on the idea of having a lush and healthy lawn because your yard is full of rocks and hard dirt? I almost did but thorough preparation, hard work, and patience enabled me to have a beautiful lawn that was the envy of my neighbors. Let me share the ideas about how to plant grass seeds on hard dirt. Ask any of the homeowners who have successfully planted grass on hard dirt how she did it and her answer would be as simple as using a shovel to break up the dirt or soak it in water to allow it to loosen then plant the grass seeds. Another option may be to plant grass seeds on a layer or 2 of potting soil laid over hard dirt. Easier read than done. Also Read: 5 Best Vegetables You Should Try Growing In Your Garden What Are The Best Grass Seeds? Here some of the best grass seeds are given below that may be very useful for cultivation in 2021. These seeds are enough good for growing in hard dirt. 1. Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed is 100% pure seed and suitable for those People in Drought Prone Places. On the other hand, It is quite expensive but it is dense and coarse. It includes two pounds of seed without fillers. 2. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue is best for reaching huge areas. It is more useful than other versions of cool-season grass. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue produces grass that has broad leaves. It is good for big lawns or parks. 3. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade is suitable for shady areas.These types of seeds are using a less amount of water compared to ordinary grass seeds. On the other hand, It will not grow in direct sunlight as it is suited for the areas which have less sunlight(direct sunlight). You May Also Like: All You Need To Know About Resurrection Plant and its Facts 4. Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty is suitable for regions with sandy fill. It holds naturally insect repellent grass and preserves moisture. It preserves moisture in the leaf and is drought resistant. Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty also includes Fine Fescue. 5. X-Seed Ultra Premium X-Seed Ultra Premium is suitable for sun and shade areas. It is a mixed seed option that germinates fast. It is well for Central and Northern United States climates. This seed can be the best if you want to plant grass seeds on hard dirt. 6. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed These Bermuda seeds are pretty tough. As a result, the heat and drought-bearing potentials are high in comparison to the other types of grass.It will create a very thick and durable lawn.Seeds are uncoated, so the water absorption potentials are much higher.High drought tolerance is the most significant benefit of having these seeds on your lawn. 7. X-Seed Moisture Booster Plus Bermuda Grass These seeds are entirely imported from Japan. And these grass seeds have a modest growth rate. It can grow under the full sun and also have better water-resistant coatings.But you require immense patience to grow this grass on the lawn.Using the single pack, you can cover 2 000 square feet of your existing lawn. Here Are The Tips On How To Plant Grass Seed On Hard Dirt: There are certain steps that you need to follow if you want to know how to plant grass seed on hard dirt. 1. Collect All The Debris Gather rocks, sticks, and all debris you may find on your lawn. Soak dirt in water or use a shovel to break them up so they will loosen and be easier to pick up. 2. Get Rid Of The Weeds Cut old sod with a sod cutter or till the remaining grass in the soil. Tilling the remaining grass though will not get rid of the roots of unruly weeds. 3. Loosen Up The Soil Blanket Use a rototiller to loosen the soil to as deep down as 6 inches. Do this only with dry soil. Till 1 to 2 inches of compost or peat moss all over the soil to as deep as 18 inches. The amount of compost to use should be equivalent to about 25% - 50% of the weight of the soil. 4. Level Out The Soil Use a rake to level out the soil and remove any debris that has been tilled up. Fill up your lawn roller with water and run it across your tilled lawn. This will make your ground firm. 5. Drop The Seeds Load your grass seed into a drop seed spreader. Follow the directions on the bag of grass seed regarding the amount of grass seed to spread for every 1,000 square feet. Set the dial of your spreader accordingly. Evenly spread the grass seed over your entire lawn. You can also use a rake to spread your grass seed making sure it is within the ¼ inch top of the soil. Press the grass seed more into the soil using a lawn roller (empty). 6. Use The Fertilizer Divide 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer (slow-release type) into 4 equal parts. For every 1,000 square feet, apply 1 pound of fertilizer throughout the entire year. Do the application in 8-week intervals starting with the growing season and through summer, spring, and fall. 7. Watering Your Lawn Water your lawn for 15 minutes each time, two to three times a day. You may need to adjust your watering schedule as applicable because your goal is to have moist and not soggy soil. After the first moving session, cut down on the watering by limiting it to 1 inch each week broken down into 2 watering sessions. Tips To Maintain The Grass Seed On Hard Dirt As your grass grows to be about 3 inches, start mowing your lawn making sure to keep warm-season grass at about 1-2 inches tall and cool-season grass at 2 inches tall. 1. Cutting And Trimming Depending again on the grass variety, this may be about every four to six days. Keep on moving regularly until you are able to cut less than 1/3 of the grass at each mowing process. It is also ideal to mow grass with sharp mower blades. 2. Fertilizer Use Lime & Fertilizer Spreaders to evenly supply the required nutrients to your grass. Proceed further to know more about how to plant grass seeds on hard dirt. 3. Soil Aeratetion Aerate the soil when the soil is dry and during active growth, meaning two times a year. Aerate to as deep as 3 inches. As you can see, it is feasible to plant grass seeds on hard dirt. While hard dirt is not the best environment to grow grass seeds, improving the soil is highly possible. Of course, you will be in for some hard work, but the resulting lush green lawn will be all worth it. It will be as if you grew your grass seeds on rich soil and this will solve your issue on how to plant grass seeds on hard dirt. You May Also Like: How much does a yard of topsoil weigh? When Is The Best Time To Plant Grass Seed? Planting seeds symbolize an expenditure of money, time, and hope. Planting grass seed depends on the type of lawn you are planting and the place you live in. Whether you grow warm or cool-season grasses, timing plays a vital role. When the temperature of the soil is between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit, Cool-season grass seed grows fast. Freshly planted seeds need consistent soil moisture. For warm-season grasses, Spring Season is best. In natural germination seeds, grass types and varieties vary. In the underground, new grass seedlings take place in their initial growth. You can also do research that when is the best time to plant grass seed or you can take advice from professionals before you start seeding. However, if you are unable to grow grass seed on hard dirt then you can focus on installing artificial grass in your garden. Also Read: Amazing Ways to Maximize Your Profit at Trading How Long Does It Take For Grass Seed To Grow? Depending on the type of variety, the growing time for grass seed varies from five to thirty days. In cold temperatures, it can be even extended than this. How long does it take for grass seed to grow? See, it depends on which place you are living in and what kind of grass seed you are growing. If you are looking for a low-maintenance grass seed then centipede grass seed is your best option. There are mainly some of the factors that play a key role in grass seed to grow: 🌡Temperature - The temperature of the air and the temperature of the ground are the primary ingredients for seed grass to grow. It increases the growth rate of the seed grass.☁ Season - The season also has an impact on the seed as it plays a vital role in seed germination. In the cool season, the grass seed does not grow and it remains dormant for a certain period of time. But as soon as the warm season arrives, the seed grass begins to grow.☀ Sunlight - Sunlight also plays some role in the germination of the grass seed, whether directly or indirectly. Also Read: 4 Must-Have Ingredients for Homemade Beauty Products Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. How Do You Plant Grass Seed On Hard Soil? There are several steps involved while you want to plant grass seed on hard soil. Some of the essential steps are as follows:-1. Aerate the topsoil.2. You need to do soil testing.3. The hard ground you need to tilt.4. Mix the soil with fertilizer.5. Make a selection of the right seed.6. Cover the topsoil by planting the grass seed over it. 2. Can You Grow Grass On Hard Dirt? You can easily grow the grass on the hard dirt. In most cases, the particles are so compactly pressed and tightly packed that it fixes the grass on air. 3. Will Grass Seed Grow On Compacted Soil? Grass grows well on loose soil, not on compacted soil. Keep your concept clear about it. 4. Can You Just Throw The Grass Seed On Dirt? The easy answer is Yes you can throw the seed on the dirt. You have to make your arrangement in the correct order. Conclusion! Do you also have a lawn with hard dirt? Have you tried planting grass seeds on them? I hope the instructions I shared above can also allow you to have a green lawn just like what I have now despite starting off with soil with hard dirt. 'How to plant grass seed on hard dirt' seems to be tricky but believe me it's far easy and simple. If you have additional suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments section on how to plant grass seed on hard dirt. Read Also: How To Select A Weed WackerHow To Grow Tomatoes From SeedClicka Jobs USA – Why It Is Making Headlines?

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Gratitude

Gratitude: A Journey to a Happier You (…Or So What Experts Say)

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. In other words, it means seeking out what’s good and appreciating it. Think of the time when someone thanked you for something or maybe gave you a gift or token of appreciation.   How did it make you feel? Pretty good, right?   This is how the other person feels when you acknowledge their support by showing gratitude.   Gratitude is the greatest of all gifts. While this feeling of gratefulness won’t come in a day, here are some simple ways you can practice expressing gratitude towards others. Express in words Words are the most underrated way to express gratitude. But also, the simplest and the most direct.   When we don’t say the word, like a simple thank you, unknowingly, we are taking the other person for granted.   Not expressing how grateful you are to them will give them the wrong idea, that they are not enough, or they are doing something wrong.   Do you know it costs you nothing to express your compassion? Start at home; be grateful to your family first.   Think about what and how to be grateful, and then adopt the actions and habits that will support this thinking.   Tell someone how much you appreciate them and their efforts and see the life-changing effects your words bring. A Token of Gratitude Expressing gratitude is a gift, as said above. Words are indeed important, no doubt, but gifting something thoughtful is more permanent.   Going out of the way and buying something meaningful that can be kept and treasured for life will surely put a smile on anyone’s face.   When choosing a gift, the monetary value shouldn’t be the priority. Cards and other personalized gifts will be enough to make someone feel warm inside. Even a little something can make anyone feel special. Listen to What they Have to Say Not everyone is open about their emotions; sometimes, you need to ask. Actively participating in the conversation and listening to what they have to say is enough to make them feel good. A sense of belonging is all one wants from the other person. A simple conversation, a little of your time can make their day better, so why not? Start it from this moment, call someone you haven’t talked to in days, text someone, leave them a gratitude note, or write them a letter and put a smile on their face. In the end, gratitude makes you feel good too. Take nothing for granted Your domestic help, the server in a restaurant, the usher in a movie hall, and many more such unsung beings help you in your regular life.   How often have you acknowledged their efforts? Don’t answer it, think about it.   Drop a tip in the jar, tip your server, or give a cup of tea for your domestic help — these small gestures will fill their heart with joy.   We are taught, ‘Count Your Blessings.’   Today’s world, we are so busy complaining that we lose sight of what we have.   The study says grateful people are happier with high self-esteem and life-satisfaction. Random acts of kindness take you a long way, be kind. Give Compliments Often One of the easiest ways to show gratitude is through sincere compliments. If someone looks nice, tell them. If they did a good job, let them know. Compliments don’t have to be grand gestures; they can be small, simple words that make someone’s day brighter. The more genuine you are, the more impact your compliment has. People appreciate being seen and acknowledged for who they are and what they do. Be the person who notices the good in others and expresses it freely.  Be Present We live in a world of distractions, with our attention often divided between various screens, tasks, and worries. Sometimes, you can offer someone your greatest gift is your full, undivided attention. When someone is talking to you, truly listen. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and engage in the conversation. Being fully present shows respect and appreciation for the other person’s time and presence. It’s a form of gratitude that requires no words, just your attention and focus.  Write it Down Sometimes, words are more powerful when written down. Write thank-you notes, letters, or even a quick message. It doesn’t have to be formal or lengthy. A simple note saying how much someone’s actions meant to you can be incredibly meaningful. Journaling is another way to express gratitude. Every day, take a moment to jot down a few things you’re thankful for. It’s a small habit that shifts your mindset toward positivity and appreciation over time.  Give Your Time Time is one of our most valuable resources, and giving it freely is a powerful way to show gratitude. Whether helping a friend move, volunteering at a local charity, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, your time can be the most meaningful gift. In today’s fast-paced world, giving your time shows that you care deeply about someone or something. The best part? It often leads to creating memorable moments that you and others will cherish.  Final Thoughts Gratitude isn’t just a word! It’s a lifestyle choice that can transform your relationships and overall well-being. From expressing it verbally to small acts of kindness, practicing gratitude enriches both the giver and the receiver. When you start looking for reasons to be grateful, you’ll find them everywhere—in everyday moments. In people you interact with, and even in challenges. Getting caught up in what we don’t have or what’s going wrong is easy. But shifting the focus to what’s good in your life and expressing it often creates a ripple effect of positivity. Remember, showing gratitude isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity. It’s okay if your expression isn’t polished or perfectly timed. People appreciate genuine efforts over flawless execution. Gratitude grows with practice, so take small steps, and be mindful.  Read Also: Love in the Air with the Beautiful Flowers 7 Interesting Gifts for Your Best Friends Adorable Gift Ideas to Create Some Memories on Mother’s Day

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