Model test of slope reinforcement through electro-osmosis and its numerical simulation based on energy analysis method

Model test of slope reinforcement through electro-osmosis is conducted; the electro-kinetic geosynthetics (EKG) was adopted as electrodes in the test. Isolines of water content of the soil after 15.5 days of electro-osmosis were tested. Test result shows that electro-osmotic consolidated zone extended from anode to cathode gradually. Soil around EKG anode near the wire holder of electrode positive had the strongest effect of consolidation; on the contrary, soil around EKG cathode far away from the wire holder of electrode negative had the weakest effect of consolidation. Energy analysis method for electro-osmosis is presented. This method is applicable for both saturated and unsaturated soils during the drainage consolidation process, if only the soil is saturated at the beginning of consolidation process. Numerical simulation method for electro-osmosis based on energy analysis method is presented. Numerical simulation result shows good accordance with the tested result.