Improvement of sensitive silty clay by electroosmosis

Abstract

A laboratory test program was undertaken in order to assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment in the field in reducing the water content and sensitivity of a deposit of soft sensitive silty clay. The results of treatment on tube samples indicate that substantial reductions in water content and liquidity index would be expected, particularly close to the anode. Static and dynamic triaxial tests on both treated and untreated specimens indicated major improvement in both static strength and the resistance to cyclic loading of the soil. Both of these are necessary if construction of a major embankment on this material is to proceed. Key words: electroosmosis, soil improvement, sensitive soils, cyclic testing.