3 Types Of Lime Products That Aid In Soil Stabilization

Posted on: 20 September 2022

The quality of the soil on your property will have a direct impact on your ability to create the landscape of your dreams. As a result, soil stabilization is often the first step in any major landscaping project.

Lime stabilization is becoming a popular way to treat various soils. Learn more about the various types of lime products used in soil stabilization so that you will be able to decide which lime will work best to stabilize your own soil in the future.

1. Quicklime

One of the most popular lime products used in modern soil stabilization is quicklime. Also known as calcium oxide, quicklime is an affordable and efficient stabilizer.

Quicklime can be further broken down into two main categories: high calcium and dolomitic. The main difference between these two lime varieties is their purity.

High calcium products contain only calcium oxide, while dolomitic lime can contain trace amounts of magnesium oxide. Both high calcium and dolomitic quicklime can be effective in stabilizing soils that have a high clay content.

2. Hydrated Lime

The second type of lime used in soil stabilization processes is hydrated lime. This unique lime product is essentially a finer quality version of quicklime.

Hydrated lime is manufactured by taking quicklime and adding water. The mix is agitated until it becomes extremely fine.

Stabilization experts will typically choose hydrated lime in areas where the unstable soil is dry. Since additional water has been added to hydrated lime, the dry time of this stabilizer can be reduced if there is too much moisture content in the soil being treated.

3. LKD

LKD, which stands for lime kiln dust, is the third type of lime product used in soil stabilization. 

LKD is a co-product that is manufactured alongside quicklime. Particulate matter that winds up in the baghouse at a lime plant contains both calcium oxide and pozzolans that come from the fuel used to power a lime kiln. Pozzolans react with calcium to create stable compounds.

LKD acts as a bridge between lime and cement when it comes to soil stabilization.

Pure lime products work best with the finest clay and sand. Cement is designed to stabilize only coarse-grain soil. If the soil at a job site can be classified as medium-coarse, LKD contains the elements required to properly stabilize this soil.

Understanding the differences between lime products used in soil stabilization allows you to appreciate the unique role these products can play in any major landscaping project.

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