Having a solid surface, without allowing water clogging is a challenging task in places with loose or sloppy surface conditions, and that’s where puddling plays a significant role.
Puddling is a proven soil stabilisation technique that has been in practice for many years and provides numerous benefits in maintaining structural integrity. This blog provides essential information about puddling and its importance.
What is Puddling?
Puddling is the process of compacting soil, sand, or other ground materials to provide a dense and stable ground surface to prevent water infiltration. It is essential for earthwork and for the construction of foundations, pavements, and roads. The accumulation of water creates an uneven surface that can lead to foundation instability, soil erosion, structural degradation, and water damage.
Causes of Puddling
Poor Draining of Water
The poor drainage system is one of the primary causes of puddling, where water clogging could lead to the formation of puddles on the surface. This could weaken the soil or underlying structure, resulting in erosion or structural damage.
High Water Table
Puddling can be caused in places where the groundwater level is high and sits near or above the ground surface. When the water table is too high, this could cause flooding or pooling of water, affecting the foundation and leading to structural damage.
Poor Waterproofing
Inadequate or poor waterproofing systems in foundations, basements and pavements could result in water penetration, leading to long-term structural damage like rusting of steel and the formation of cracks and mould in the concrete surface.
Materials Used in Puddling
Clay
Clay is the widely used material for puddling, providing a compact and non-penetratable surface due to its fine grains. It enhances the stability and functionality of the soil and helps withstand water clogging, resulting in the construction of stable foundations, embankments, dams, and canals.
Soil
Soil or earth that contains a high clay content is used in puddling due to its tight binding properties, ability to hold moisture, and ability to improve the stability of the structure. It is ideal for the construction of roads, embankments, and foundations, where water resistance is crucial.
Sand
Sand is often mixed with clay to improve the compaction and enhance the drainage system. It is ideal for constructing layers in road foundations, embankments, and bases for other waterproofing materials.
Gravel
Crushed stone or gravel can be used for puddling, especially for providing a drainage system and increasing the strength of the compacted layer. It provides high-load-bearing capacity and improves stability and density when combined with clay. It is most commonly used in the construction of roads, foundations, and drainage systems.
Process of Puddling in Construction
Soil Preparation
Clear the organic matter, debris, and other obstacles from the construction site. Excavate the area up to a certain depth, ensuring that the surface is uniform and level to avoid uneven compaction and water pooling.
Preparation of Materials
Select appropriate materials for puddling such as clay, soil, or gravel, to improve waterproofing. It ensures that the material is moist and uniformly mixed to make it workable and adhesive for proper compaction.
Compaction
Spread the materials in thin layers around 4 to 6 inches thick across the puddled area. Compact the materials using mechanical equipment to remove air pockets and increase the soil density. Continue adding materials layer by layer and ensure proper compaction.
Inspection
Once the puddling process is complete, check that the ground surface is impermeable by sprinkling water over the surface. Ensure that the surface is uniform and compacted to check weak spots and compact them properly.
Applications of Puddling in Construction
- Road Construction
- Building Foundations
- Earthworks for Soil Stabilization
- Dam Construction
- Sports Fields
- Waterproofing
- Lining Irrigation Pits and Wells
- Coating Drainage Trenches
Advantages and Disadvantages of Puddling in Construction
Advantages
- It provides a solid foundation at the ground level and reduces the risk of settlement and failure.
- The efficient puddling process can provide a good drainage system and minimise the risk of waterlogging and erosion.
- It reduces the risk of settlement and the occurrence of potential structural damage.
- Puddling the soil increases the load-bearing capacity, ensuring the safety and stability of the structure.
Disadvantages
- Overperforming the puddling process could lead to tightly packed soil, which hinders the underground drainage system.
- Poor execution of puddling can lead to structural damage and contamination of groundwater, especially in high water table areas.
- Puddling processes are expensive, due to the requirement of expensive equipment and skilled labourers.
- In rare cases, the excessing puddling method could lead to soil erosion and environmental degradation.
- It is a time-consuming process, as it relies on the weather conditions and is limited to certain soil types.
Conclusion
In summary, puddling is one of the efficient and essential soil stabilisation techniques that have been in use for centuries, offering numerous benefits such as improving strength, stability, durability, and waterproofing. It is effective in providing a compact and level ground surface, ensuring safety, and reducing the potential structural damage in the long run. However, over-puddling could lead to interrupting the underground water table, hindering drainage, and more.