Lime spreading
Apply the selected lime product at the rate specified for the soil and treatment depth.
Practical help for construction sites across the UK
Ground Problems
& Solutions
Wet ground. Difficult working conditions. Time lost on site. Start with the problem and find out how Furlong GS can help.
Your problem
Waterlogged site?
Ground too wet to work?
Heavy rainfall can leave your site covered in wet muck and slop. Working conditions deteriorate, the programme slips and costs rise. With more rain possible, simply waiting may not be a practical option.
Scraping up wet material, stockpiling it or carting it away can be expensive and disruptive. Before committing to removal and replacement, find out whether the soil can be treated on site.
- Wet soil that is difficult to compact
- Muddy working areas and haul roads
- Rainfall disrupting site preparation
- Time and money lost handling unsuitable wet material
The solution
Lime drying for suitable wet soils
Lime treatment can improve the workability of suitable wet clay and silt soils, helping them to be compacted into a firm working platform. It can provide an alternative to excavating and removing wet material.
Quicklime and hydrated lime are options for wet-soil treatment. The choice of product, treatment rate and method needs to suit the soil, its moisture condition and the intended use of the treated layer.
Start with a site assessment. Where standing water or continuing water ingress is present, water management also needs to be considered; soil treatment should not be assumed to solve every cause of a waterlogged site.
How We Assess and Test Your GroundFrom wet soil to a working platform
How lime treatment works
Following assessment and selection of an appropriate treatment, work on site involves three main operations.
Mixing lime and soil
Mix the lime into the soil to treat the material through the required layer.
Compaction
Compact the treated material to form the working layer required for the project.
What it could mean for your site
Less disruption from wet material
Where treatment is suitable, improving the soil in place can reduce the need to scrape up, stockpile or remove wet material.
A practical route back to work
A firmer working layer can help contractors progress site preparation and construction activities. The achievable programme depends on the conditions and scope of treatment.
Planning ahead for wet weather
Treatment can also take place after initial grading: mixing lime into suitable soil and compacting it to create a working platform before wet conditions disrupt the project.
Explore Ground StabilisationBefore you decide
Your wet-ground questions
Can you help if my ground is too wet to compact?
Furlong GS can assess whether lime drying or another ground treatment is suitable. Send the site location, photographs and any available ground investigation information so the team can understand the conditions.
Do I need to remove all the wet soil?
Not necessarily. Lime treatment can be an alternative to scraping up and removing suitable wet clay and silt soils. Suitability needs to be established for the material on your site.
How much does lime drying cost?
Lime drying can be a lower-cost alternative to other ways of handling wet ground. A project quotation depends on the area or volume, treatment depth, soil condition, access, mobilisation and testing requirements.
How quickly can work restart?
The aim is to improve working conditions and reduce wet-weather delays. Furlong GS will need to review your site and programme before advising on timing.
Is this suitable for working areas and haul roads?
Applications include construction sites, floor foundation areas and haul roads. Treatment and verification must reflect the intended use and the requirements for the particular layer.
Tell us what is happening on site
Wet ground holding up your project?
Share your site location, photos, approximate area and programme with Furlong GS. Include any ground investigation or testing information you already have.
