Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the ground improvement efficiency driven by electroosmosis for different electrode materials. Many studies have examined the ground improvement efficiency with respect to ground characteristics, grouting, pH, and salt concentration. However, few studies based on electrodes types have been reported. In this study, metallic (steel and aluminum) and non-metallic (nanocoated-plastic drain board (Nano-PDB)) electrodes have been used to determine the ground improvement efficiency for each type of electrode materials. For this purpose, a small model box was made for the tests in which Kaolin clay was used to form the ground. The various tests were conducted over 24 h with different voltages and inter-electrodes distances in order to analyze settlement, consolidation drainage, water content and shear strength. The results showed that the ground improvement efficiency was greatly increased when the distance between the electrodes was decreased while the voltage was increased. Furthermore, ground improvement efficiency was significantly enhanced by the Nano-PDB electrode. The ground improvement efficiency varied greatly depending on the electrode material.

Key words: Ground improvement efficiency, electroosmosis, nanocoated-plastic drain board, steel bar, aluminum bar, electrode.