Electrokinetic geosynthetics in hydraulic applications

In use most geosynthetics play a passive role. New applications for geosynthetics have been identified if they can provide an active role, initiating biological, chemical or physical change to the matrix in which it is installed as well as providing the established functions. This can be achieved by combining the electrokinetic phenomena of electro-osmosis, electrophoresis and associated electrokinetic functions such as electrolysis with the traditional functions of geosynthetics of drainage, filtration, containment and reinforcement to form electokinetic geosynthetics (EKG). Electrokinetic geosynthetics can be made singly or from combinations of woven, non-woven, needle punched knitted, extruded or laminated materials and can be formed in any 2D or 3D shape. The majority of the uses of EKG are in hydraulic applications or applications with a significant hydraulic component. These can be grouped in separate engineering categories such as civil, mining, and water engineering. The concept of electrokinetic geosynthetics is described and details of applications and case studies are provided in the paper. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.