Lime and lime kiln dust fines can be used to improve soil conditions in construction situations. Lime can be used to extend the construction season by drying soils and minimizing the impact of weather-related delays. The lime—calcium oxide—will react with some of the water in any type of wet soil. This reaction releases heat, further drying the soil being treated shortly after lime application.
Lime and lime kiln dust (LKD) can modify soil, transforming clay-based soils in a relatively short period of time into a more friable and workable consistency. It also reduces plasticity and conditions the soil for additional treatments. When used at high enough levels, lime can permanently stabilize the soil, thus increasing soil strength, eliminating expansion, and creating excellent freeze-thaw resistance.
Lime stabilization differs from modification in that stabilization requires the maintenance of a high pH over a long period of time, causing chemical reactions which form cement-like areas in the soil. Stabilization provides a harder, stronger, firmer base for construction.
Specialty Minerals Lime and Limestone Products for Soil Stabilization
Specialty Minerals Inc. (SMI) offers granular lime, also known as quicklime, and LKD products for various construction and soil treatment applications. The products are manufactured in the SMI plant in Adams, Massachusetts. We recommend:
- High Calcium Chemical Quicklime – Calcium oxide
- Eco-Cal® LKD GCC – Lime Kiln Dust
Click on a product name to download the technical data sheet for the product.
Learn more:
- Specialty Minerals products for environmental applications
- Download technical data sheets for SMI minerals
- Request a sample
- Tell us about a special product you need
- What is Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)? A minerals introductory webpage.
- What is Lime / Quicklime / Calcium Oxide? A minerals introductory webpage.
- About Specialty Minerals Inc.
- Specialty Minerals plant profiles: Adams, MA
- Quality and ISO at Specialty Minerals
