Applications of Mass Stabilization at Baltic Sea Region

Abstract

Mass stabilization is soil improvement method to increase the strength and stiffness of soft soils (e.g. peat, mud, clay, silt) by using an admixed binder agent. In the demanding soil conditions of Baltic Sea region shore line and interior soft soil areas, cost effective soil improvement methods are needed in the foundation engineering and earth construction. Methods are also needed in the handling of soft and/or contaminated sediments (clay, mud, etc.), which are not allowed for off shore dumping. For these applications, mass stabilization has been proven to be a cost effective method and the effectiveness of mass stabilization has been demonstrated in laboratory and in field conditions during last decades. Especially good results have been reached with contaminated dredged sediments, which enable harbours to reuse sediments for construction. Better cost effectiveness has been achieved when by-products or waste materials have been utilized as a binder. Numerous mass stabilization projects have been carried out around the word and in the Nordic countries since beginning of 1990’s. In this article is presented: the principles of mass stabilization method, case examples of using mass stabilization in harbour and road construction projects, utilization of by-product or waste based binders and the cost effectiveness of that kind of binders.