Experimental investigation on reducing the interface adhesion of concrete and formwork via electroosmosis approach

Slipform construction is widely used for building deep-buried vertical and inclined shaft concrete linings due to its efficiency and cost advantages. The adhesion of the interface during demoulding is crucial for the efficiency and quality of slip form construction. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to reduce the adhesion between concrete and formwork based on electroosmotic technology. A self-designed concrete electroosmotic demoulding device was developed to simulate the electroosmotic slip-form construction of the shaft lining. The variations in parameters such as current and permeability during electroosmosis were analyzed, and the impact of electroosmotic parameters on the adhesion and demoulding quality of concrete was investigated. The results indicate that the electroosmotic method can significantly reduce the adhesion. Concrete demoulding defects are significantly reduced and smoother after electroosmotic treatment. This study provides a scientific basis and technical support for optimizing concrete construction demoulding technology. •A novel approach using electroosmosis to reduce the adhesion between formwork and concrete is proposed.•An electroosmotic lift test device for simulating sliding form construction of shaft lining is designed and implemented.•The electroosmotic properties of interface between the concrete and formwork during electroosmosis was investigated.•The factors of the interface adhesion such as energization time, electrode and concrete age were considered.