Are PowerCem contractors?
We are not contractors. PowerCem promote and supply three core products, manufactured by the parent company in the Netherlands, to the UK construction sector. The application of the products is carried out by specialist contractors or manufacturers who either install soil stabilisation or manufacture concrete products or other cementitious based materials. Installation of our RoadCem soil stabilisation product is largely carried out by one of our authorised installation partners, however we can provide initial site assistance and guidance for contractors who may wish to become an approved installer.
How does RoadCem work at a nano-scale?
RoadCem acts as a catalyst within the cement hydration process, producing extended crystalline growths within the cement bound material. These nano-scale needle like crystals create a lattice matrix which binds the soil particles together. This contrasts with normal cement bonding where contact point gluing between adjacent soil particles occurs to develop strength. The RoadCem lattice binding produces much higher flexural stiffness and compressive strength of the end product, thereby making it more durable to repeated loadings. Want to know more? This Delft University Phd report may be of interest – Delft University – RoadCem Report
What evidence is there supporting the environmental benefits you mention?
The extent of the environmental benefits which can be attributed to the use of our products comes in many different forms: from reduced truck movements assisting in the well being of project neighbours who will benefit from better air quality and noise reduction through to the immobilisation of pollutants and toxic elements in the remediation of contaminated sites.
Why is soil stabilisation so sustainable compared to traditional methods?
Our RoadCem soil stabilisation involves the treatment of the in-situ subsoil. There is no need to import primary aggregates by truck or include geosynthetics such as geotextiles or geogrids. Our Technical Library contains a Life Cycle Assessment report which illustrates the low carbon footprint of a RoadCem solution over conventional road construction – the same benefits can be applied to temporary structures. Each project comparison will be different however generally we would expect to see a +50% carbon footprint benefit from using a RoadCem single layer stabilisation solutionover traditional methods.
Can you reinstate stabilised soils after stabilisation?
Yes you can – there are differing degrees of reinstatement depending on the objectives. The simplest being to just re-pulverise the stabilised layer in-situ; however cement soil stabilisation does raise the pH of the subsoils and if you want a full environmental reinstatement then that too is possible. You may want to take a look at our brochure which covers some of the important items. PowerCem Soil Reintstatment Process Summary
What is soil stabilisation?
Soil stabilisation involves the mixing of a ‘binder’ (cement or lime) into the in-situ soils. The more binder which is added the more strength is gained by the soils. Every soil is different and therefore requires differing %’s of binder; as a consequence, site soil sampling and laboratory testing are needed to determine the most appropriate binder mix to achieve stabilisation. There are a variety of soil stabilisation methods on the market and a wide range of soil stabilisation contractors – RoadCem focuses on soil stabilisation with cement binders.
How can I work with PowerCem?
What is lime stabilisation?
Can stabilised soil layers get wet after construction
Can RoadCem stabilise soils with high sulphate and organic contents?
Can RoadCem help prevent global warming?
Its a big question, but one with a simple answer…. definately YES!
The Soil Association tells us that in just one gram of top soil (a quarter of a tablespoon) there can be can up to 10 billion organisms! It’s important to remember that our surface soils are also a finite resource which we often take for granted, often forgetting the vital role they play as a major carbon repository. Our surface soils act as a huge carbon sink helping to absorb and store carbon in our complex global eco-system.
At PowerCem we are dedicated to enabling the retention of our top soils and subsoils on UK construction projects; reducing the default use of primary aggregates and the frequent disposal of these precious soils to landfill as a ‘construction waste’.