Authors: Laura Gabrieli Akram N Alshawabkeh
Publish Date: 2010/02/23
Volume: 40, Issue: 6, Pages: 1113-1121
Abstract
Application of electric currents through saturated silt and clayrich soils induces electrochemical effects that influence the mechanical and hydraulic behaviour of soft soils The transient effects of electro and geochemical changes on pore pressure evolution in soil are poorly understood A major issue the transient development of nonlinear geo and physicochemical conditions between the electrodes is evaluated in this study An experimental investigation was conducted to provide an understanding of the mechanisms that affect pore pressure or suction development along the sample and consequent transient and nonlinear changes A natural silty soil was used because it accounts for the complex physical and chemical interactions that originate during treatment in the field Tests were conducted with free drainage at the boundaries and under constant current intensity The experimental investigation results highlighted the importance of the boundary chemical conditions on the development and transient changes in excess pore pressure along the sample In particular the generation of high potential gradients in the first few millimetres of the soil sample dominates the overall pore pressure distribution and behaviour A relationship between the maximum pore pressure developed and the applied current density is evaluated
Keywords: