Abstract:

In order to optimize the electroosmotic method, the consolidation effect of soft soil under different potential gradients is studied and the energy consumption is analyzed comprehensively. A total of 6 groups of potential gradients (1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25V/cm) were set up from V1 to V6. The optimal potential gradient of soft soil reinforced by electroosmosis was comprehensively analyzed by comparing the drainage ratio, contact resistance and average energy consumption coefficient in electroosmosis, as well as the water content, bearing capacity and shear strength after electroosmosis. The results show that, except V1 and V2, the drainage ratio and final water content of the soil after electroosmosis have little difference. However, in the later period of power-on, the contact resistance of V1, V3 and V6 increased by 15.76, 25.65 and 35.39 times respectively, and the average energy consumption coefficient increased by 5.07, 6.12 and 10.98 times respectively. The soil strength of all groups increased with the increase of potential gradient, in which the average bearing capacity of V1~V6 soil increased by 2.79~4.89 times, the average shear strength increased by 5.7~12.2kPa, mainly because the soil can consolidate quickly under high potential gradient. Therefore, if the energy consumption is not considered, the optimal potential gradient is 2.00 ~ 2.25V/cm, but considering the energy saving, the optimal potential gradient is 1.50 ~ 2.00V/cm.

Key words: soft soil, electro-osmotic consolidation, voltage gradient, drainage ratio, energy consumption coefficient, soil strength