Stabilization of Chinle Clay by Electro-Osmotic Treatment, Phase II: Fid-Bau Portal

Stabilization of Chinle Clay by Electro-Osmotic Treatment, Phase II

C. E. O'Bannon / D. M. Niese / J. Kuhn / V. Lee

The report presents the results of laboratory studies on the electro-osmotic treatment of Chinle clay, as well as the installation and operation of a full-scale field test. Laboratory model studies indicated that optimum treatment of the Chinle clay is obrained under the following conditions: steel electrodes; saturated potassium chloride solution; a voltage gradient of 0.5 volts per inch to the extent that one gallon per cubic foot of KCl solution is introduced into the clay. Leaching tests indicated that the stabilization effects are permanent. Results of compaction, compressive strength and consolidated undrained triaxial tests indicate that electro-osmotic treatment in the laboratory, either remolded or in the undisturbed state, improves the Chinle clay as a construction material. The 150-ft. 2-lane test section is located on Interstate 40. The Anodes serving as injection wells were 8-inch slotted steel pipe, placed at 15-ft. intervals along the edges of the pavement. Cathodes were No. 6 reinforcing bars, driven in the centerline of the pavement at 10-ft. intervals. The report presents data indicating the amount of solution used and the amount of electrical energy required. The major shortcoming of the field technique was that a large proportion of the solution was wasted into the shoulders of the road. (Author)