Cement and lime play an important role in geotechnically improving areas of weak soil for all forms of construction within the UK, and are endorsed by the Highways Agency. Rising landfill cost have made soil stabilization an increasingly important and desirable option.

Both in situ and precast piling systems provide fast and effective foundation solutions. In situ piles can be varied to suit ground conditions, and using cement with high early strength properties and increased sulfate resistance enhances speed of installation and durability. Large diameters and long pile lengths can be achieved. Precast concrete piles suit all applications and ground conditions, and are highly cost effective – quick to install, no spoil, and reduced waste disposal costs.

Deep foundations are required where there are large design loads and poor soil conditions at shallow depth, or other site constraints such as boundary lines. Using cement with a high ash or slag content reduces risk of sulfate attack and alkali-silica reaction, and increases durability in aggressive ground conditions.

The most cost-effective retaining solution providing strong soil and hydraulic support. Diaphragm walls are especially relevant where watertightness and a stiff retaining structure are needed to control and protect the surrounding environment against settlement, and for water blocking. Using cement with fly ash or slag content increases the durability in aggressive ground conditions of reinforced concrete waterblocking diaphragm walls close to open water, where the ground water table is high, or where there are surrounding tunnels and open cuts.

Sprayed concrete – Cement with good admixture reactivity and consistent quality produces sprayable, high-performing concrete, which is ideal for the tunnel lining. Injection grouting – Ultrafine cements with narrow particle size distribution produce fast-setting mixes that can be injected to seal and strengthen the bedrock and control the flow of underground water.

Repair – Microfine cements are specially engineered to produce concrete for repair of damaged areas, tunnel segments, and to protect steel reinforcement in precast concrete segments.