Soil stabilization
Soil stabilization is a set of engineering measures aimed at improving the physical and mechanical properties of soils to ensure their adequate bearing capacity, stability, and durability in construction projects. The goal of stabilization is to prevent settlement, sliding, loosening, or other deformations that could compromise the safety or functionality of a structure.
Stabilization can be applied to natural soils (e.g. landslide-prone, weak-bearing, or saturated soils) or to man-made embankments, where long-term structural reliability must be ensured.
Scope of application
Soil stabilization projects are essential in:
construction of roads, railways, bridges, and airports on weak-bearing soils,
protection of structures in landslide-prone areas,
foundation of industrial and residential buildings,
remediation of settlements and slope failures,
reinforcement of embankments and slopes,
preparation of construction platforms in unstable environments (e.g. peat, clay, silt).
Types of soil stabilization
The choice of method depends on soil type, depth of treatment, project requirements, and economic considerations. The most common methods include:
a) Mechanical stabilization
compaction (vibratory, dynamic, static)
installation of geosynthetics (geogrids, geotextiles)
reinforcement with granular materials (sand, crushed stone)
b) Chemical stabilization
use of binders such as cement, lime, bitumen, or industrial by-products (e.g. fly ash)
improves shear strength, reduces plasticity, increases load-bearing capacity
c) Deep stabilization
installation of piles, jet grouting, deep soil mixing
suitable for deeper layers and demanding structures (e.g. tall buildings, embankments)
d) Stabilization with anchors and supports
installation of anchors, passive structures, or concrete retaining walls on slopes
e) Drainage measures
improvement of drainage and lowering of the groundwater table
reduction of pore pressure and increase in stability
Advantages of soil stabilization
enhanced structural safety: reduced risk of settlement, sliding, and collapse
cost-effective solution: often more economical than deep foundations
faster construction: especially with mechanical methods
environmental efficiency: reuse of in-situ soils and reduced material disposal
adaptability: adjustable to site-specific conditions (soil layers, water level, accessibility)
Limitations and challenges
limited effectiveness in extremely weak soils requiring deep foundations (piles, micropiles)
weather-dependent binder performance (e.g. cement-lime stabilization in freezing conditions)
need for precise geotechnical analysis – improper method selection may lead to further deformation
slow processes in some cases, such as lime curing or long-term consolidation
potential environmental impacts, such as changes in soil chemistry or leaching of binders.
Soil stabilization projects are a vital part of modern construction, enabling building on geotechnically challenging terrain, extending the lifespan of structures, and minimizing risks. Successful stabilization requires detailed geological and geotechnical assessment, careful method selection, and expert execution. Only through this approach can long-term safety, functionality, and economic viability of the project be ensured.
Our services in the field of soil stabilization:
Our works
Stages of work
- Final report and recommendations
- Preparation of the final technical report including analysis of results, long-term effects, and any additional required measures.
- Examples of work:
Our advantages
since 1946
we work in the field of geology and geotechnics
Laboratory
and its equipment for field and geological surveys
Full range of services
from drilling wells, field surveys, laboratory surveys to geological report and geotechnical design (slope, road and retaining wall reinforcement)
Standart ISO 9001
quality management system
Reviews
Jetmir Rakovec
Feedback from a construction company: “Working with your company left us with only positive impressions! The geological investigations for our project were carried out professionally and in the shortest possible time. All recommendations were clear and precise, which allowed us to avoid unnecessary costs during the construction phase. Special thanks for the detailed reports and your attentive approach to our requirements!”
Matej Kovačič
We required a geological report for the design of a residential house. The Geoinženiring team responded promptly, carried out the drilling and investigations smoothly, and without complications. Communication with the geologist was clear, professional, and timely. We are very satisfied with their approach.
Astrid Cvikl
I commissioned a geological survey for a house construction site and was very satisfied! The experts explained all the results in detail and provided clear recommendations regarding foundation selection. I was impressed by their high level of professionalism and friendly attitude. I highly recommend this company to anyone seeking reliable geological services!