For Perma-Zyme to work effectively, the soil must meet certain requirements for compatibility and particle size, which you can identify through soil evaluations.
Compatible Soil Types
Soil in the planned treatment area should contain approximately 15-80% fine particles, usually organic clay content. Clay-based soils are plastic, so if the soil is plastic, it will most likely contain enough clay to be compatible with Perma-Zyme. Depending on the soil type and/or project, soils with more or fewer fines may also work.
Soils containing limestone or decomposed granite are also Perma-Zyme compatible. (See Recommended Soil Evaluation below to learn more about determining soil's level of Perma-Zyme compatibility.)
Incompatible soils will need amendments prior to application. Your sales representative will help you determine the most efficient and cost-effective soil amendments for your project, as these vary.
Particle Size Distribution
The next requirement is the soil’s particle size distribution. It is good to have a variety of different size particles in the soil, as this gives the Perma-Zyme something to bond to for greater shear strength. If it contains too many fines or rocks, the Perma-Zyme may not cure fully. In that case, we recommend importing compatible material so the soil can compact properly and the Perma-Zyme can cure.
Recommended Soil Evaluation
For most customers, we will conduct a complimentary #200 Finder Soil Evaluation prior to your Perma-Zyme purchase. This evaluation includes a sieve analysis that will determine their soil’s particle size distribution and ensure that approximately 15-80% are passing the #200 sieve.
We offer the #200 Finder Soil Evaluation to any U.S.-based public entities or private commercial customers. Due to importation laws, we cannot offer this service to international customers; however, international customers may request a free at-home soil evaluation kit. Homeowners in the U.S. may also request a free at-home soil evaluation kit.
Contact us here to begin your soil evaluation, or scan the QR code to learn more about the at-home soil evaluation kit.
Optional Soil Tests
ASTM C117 and C136 - Sieve Analysis Tests
The ASTM C117 and C136 are standard sieve analysis tests. Like the #200 Finder Soil Evaluation, they will reveal the soil type and particle size distribution. Working with a geotechnical firm generally takes longer than the #200 Finder Soil Evaluation, and you will have to pay for them. However, sieve analysis tests can be a good option for international customers.
ASTM D1557 - Proctor Test
The ASTM D1557 proctor test measures the soil’s optimum moisture content. During construction, maintaining optimum moisture allows the soil to fully compact and reach its maximum dry density. This test improves the likelihood that the soil will be as strong as possible once it fully cures.
ASTM D4318 - Atterberg Limits Test
The Atterberg limits measure the critical water contents of fine-grained soils to determine their shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit.
Depending on its water content, a soil may appear in one of four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic, or liquid. In each state, the soil’s consistency and behavior are different, and consequently, so are its engineering properties. The Atterberg limits, or consistency limits, are the boundaries at which the soil changes from one state to another.
The Atterberg limits test can distinguish between silt and clay, as well as between different types of silts and clays. It also determines the soil’s plasticity and, thus, its compatibility with Perma-Zyme. Soils that score greater than seven on a plasticity index are Perma-Zyme compatible.
Hand Compatibility Test
The best way to determine the soil’s plasticity is to conduct a laboratory Atterberg limits test. If a laboratory test is unavailable, you may perform a hand test. Although this is not the most accurate, it is a good, quick determination of the soil’s possible compatibility.
To perform a hand compatibility test, wet the soil enough to roll it into a ball. Then, roll it between your hands, attempting to form it into a ribbon. Generally, soils with higher clay content will stretch into a more elongated shape, while soils containing more silt and sand will break apart or remain rounded.
IMPORTANT: The hand compatibility test and the laboratory test might show different results.