Influence of Conductive Jute Geotextile-Encased Stone Column in Soft Clay

Abstract

In this work, impact of conductive geotextile as encasement for stone column (SC) in soft clay was assessed using a laboratory test setup. The encasement in this study was suitably designed to work both as an encasement and as a cathode for coupling the encased stone column (ESC) with the electrokinetic process (e-ESC). For the encased stone column coupled with the electrokinetic process (e-ESC), mild steel bars were selected for anodes. The application of voltage gradient (i.e., 1 V/cm) across the anode and cathode initiates the electrokinetic processes. The use of e-ESC in enhancing soft clay behavior was evaluated compared to unreinforced soft clay and column (i.e., SC/ESC) reinforced soft clay. The findings of the study show that integrating stiffer member (i.e., SC/ESC) in soft clay has considerably enhanced the settlement response equated to unreinforced soft clay. Applying a voltage gradient among the electrodes significantly increased the consolidation rate of the reinforced soft clay compared to SC/ESC. It was also witnessed that water content and pH of the soft clay changed significantly when a voltage gradient was applied.KeywordsSoft clayElectrokinetic processVoltage gradientEncased stone column