Influence of Dynamic Loading Activation Time on Electro-osmotic Consolidation of Soft Soil

Electro-osmosis is a suitable method for the consolidation of soft soil. However, the significant potential loss caused by the cracking of the soil near the electrode in the later stages of electro-osmosis hinders further improvement of its efficiency. Dynamic loading is applied to overcome this problem. The dynamic loading activation time is considered to strongly influence the performance of the combined electro-osmosis-dynamic loading process. In this paper, the maximum current ratio (MCR) is proposed as an index of the dynamic loading activation time. Laboratory tests were performed with different dynamic loading activation times to confirm the influence of the dynamic loading time on electro-osmosis consolidation. During the combined processes of dynamic loading and electro-osmosis, the current, electric potential, discharged water, and surface settlement were monitored. In the following testing, the water content and undrained shear strength were measured. Compared with the electro-osmosis method alone, electro-osmosis and dynamic loading was found to yield superior performance improvement. The method described in this paper to determine the optimal dynamic loading activation time as a function of the MCR, and electro-osmosis, exhibits potential as an improved approach for the consolidation of soft soil in engineering practice.