Electro-Osmotic Consolidation Experiments on an Organic Soil

A series of electro-osmotic consolidation experiments were carried out on an organic soil from the central Sarawak region of Malaysia. Commercially available EVD was used to induce electro-osmosis and drainage of pore water. The influence of the method of drainage and pumping interval of drained water on electro-osmotic consolidation was investigated. The combination of electro-osmotic consolidation and chemical stabilization techniques was investigated by installing lime or cement columns near the anode end of the test bed. The binder factor in the lime and cement columns was varied. The paper presents the experimental set-up, test procedures, experimental program, results and conclusions of the study. Electro-osmosis, using EVDs, was effective in the electrokinetic treatment of the organic soil. The two types of drainage, namely drainage at bottom and drainage tubes, were effective. Electro-osmotic consolidation improved with decrease in pumping interval. The lime and cement columns, used in combination with electro-osmosis, increased the undrained strength further.