Electrically conductive geosynthetics for consolidation and reinforced soil

The concept of electrically conductive geosynthetics (EKG) materials has recently been introduced. These materials extend the traditional functions of geosynthetic materials by incorporating electro-kinetic phenomena. Electro-kinetic geosynthetics offer technical benefits over conventional electrodes in that they can be formed as strips, sheets, blankets or three-dimensional structures. They are light and easy to install and can be structured so as not to be susceptible to electro-chemical corrosion, whilst continuing to provide conventional functions of filtration, drainage, separation, reinforcement or to act as impervious membranes. This paper describes initial laboratory tests on different types of EKG materials which can be used as combined electrodes/drains in electro-osmotic consolidation and as conductive geosynthetic reinforcement used to improve and reinforced weak cohesive soil. Results of the consolidation tests showed that the EKG electrodes were as efficient as a copper electrode and that the filtration and drainage characteristics did not deteriorate under electro-osmotic conditions. Results of the reinforced soil tests showed that EKG reinforcement can be used to increase the undrained shear strength of cohesive fill and that reinforcement/soil bond increases in proportion to the increase in shear strength.