Dielectrophoretic consolidation of clays

The authors present laboratory test results for a method of consolidation of clay soils by means of dielectrophoresis. A system of electrodes consisting of an array of insulated, AC high-voltage electrodes, interspersed with electrodes maintained at ground potential, and mounted in holes drilled in clay mass of 27*27*27 cm/sup 3/ was shown to achieve excellent consolidation. Water was extracted dielectrophoretically at rates which were sufficient to increase the shear strength of the respective clay as much as 900% in 26 days. The corresponding settlement was 9 mm for a 22% decrease in water content. The method uses substantially less electrical energy than the well known electro-osmotic method, which could lead to more economical ways of construction in or on soft soils.<>