Increasing of Fine-Grained Soils Drainage using Electrokinetic Method in Laboratory Scale

Every year, many structures are being constructed on fined-grained soils. Drainage of these soils is necessary for constructing new or maintaining existing structures. Considering low drainage capacity of these soils, it is required to use appropriate methods. Electrokinetic is one of these methods, which can be used for increasing drainage in fine-grained soils effectively. In this method, two electrodes are placed in the soil and then electrical current is established in the electrodes using a power source. As a result, charged particles move to the electrodes with opposite charge. This mechanism causes rapidly drainage of the soil. In this research, soil’s drainage investigated using electrokinetic method. The charged particles moving, was investigated within the soil using mathematical equations and soil drainage was tested in a laboratory reservoir with dimension of 180×60×60 cm3 serving electrokinetic method. This was made by applying different voltage levels in the soil and acidic environment. Results showed that soil bearing capacity, drainage and consolidation were increased in the Saturated fine soil by applying electrokinetic method.