A STUDY ON STABILIZATION OF SOIL BY ELECTRO KINETIC METHOD

Geeta A Megur, P G Rakaraddi

Abstract: The application of chemical ground improvement using the electro kinetic stabilization (EKS) method has the potential to overcome problems soft highly compressibility soil. This technique has the potential to enhance the strength and reduce compressibility of a wide range of soils. It is comparatively new methodology is being investigated in some parts of the world as a viable in situ soil remediation and treatment method. The principles of EK treatment method involve applying a low direct current or a low potential gradient to electrodes inserted in the low permeable soils that cannot readily drained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of EKS as an effective method to strengthen soft clayey soil. The investigations were carried out in the laboratory using locally collected Red soil is used as it possess different mineralogy and geotechnical properties. The chemical substances used as electrolytes in the experiments were sodium silicate (Na), calcium chloride (Ca) in addition to distilled water (DW), The combined effect of these processes together with various geochemical reactions alters the chemical composition of the soil porous medium and thereby alters the physicochemical properties of the soil. Three different anode and cathode electro kinetic systems were employed in this study, namely DW-DW, Na-DW and Ca-DW, under voltage gradients of 30V for periods of 3, 7, and 14 days. After electro kinetic processing, soil was tested for shear strength test. The experimental results suggest the potential of developing electro kinetic treatment technique to stabilize shear strength of expansive soils effectively and efficiently.

Keywords: Electro kinetic stabilization; chemical injection; clayey soil; shear strength

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2014.0318017