Electro-Osmosis Chemical Treatment of High-Salinity Soft Marine Soils: Laboratory Tests

Abstract

The electro-osmosis chemical treatment (ECT) is a useful method for improving soil strength. Some laboratory tests on ECT for strengthening high-salinity soft marine soils were investigated using self-designed laboratory facilities in this research. This study focused on improving the mechanical properties by using ECT method and analyzed the effects of using CaCl₂ solution on soil strength owing to the electrolyte is an important factor for improving the bearing capacity of the high-salinity marine soils. Three groups of tests with different time for consolidation were performed to analyze the effective consolidation time on the ECT. In addition, several practical issues, including the current, voltage, energy consumption and the bearing capacity of the treated soils before and after experiments, were considered in the tests. The laboratory tests results demonstrated that the ECT technique is an effective method for improving the high-salinity marine soft soils. Furthermore, the definition of the effective time for consolidation was proposed for the ECT of high-salinity soft marine soils to improve the feasibility and economical efficiency of the ECT. This study provides some references and suggestions for practical application of the ECT technique for marine soft soils.