Electrokinetic dewatering, consolidation and stabilization of soils

Abstract

The experimental results obtained by the authors showed that shear strength and angle of internal friction can be increased on application of direct electrical current in conjunction with addition of electrolytes, such as calcium chloride, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum acetate. As a result of application of direct electrical current alone, water is driven from the positive to the negative electrode, where it can be pumped out and discarded. If, in addition, electrolytes are added, new minerals form which cement the weak rocks. Expansive clays (such as Na-montmorillonite) can be treated on using aluminum electrodes (source of Al 3+ ions) and direct electrical current. As a result of base exchange (Al 3+ for Na +, for example), the clays swell considerably less after treatment. A review of literature and theory on dewatering and electrochemical stabilization of weak rocks is also presented here.