Effect of electric field intensity on electro-cementation of caissons in calcareous sand

Effects of the electric field intensity on electro-cementation of offshore calcareous sand are studied via large-scale model tests and electric field analyses. In the experiments, the model caissons were embedded in noncemented calcareous sand recovered from the Western Australia coast, and a DC intermittent electric field was applied via a central electrode placed inside the caisson. The development of cementation in soil during electrokinetic treatment was monitored through soil shear wave measurements. After 7 days of electrokinetic treatment, the pullout resistances of the caisson model embedded in calcareous sand increased up to 105%. Significant soil cementation was observed in the vicinity of soil-caisson interfaces, which was confirmed by electro-microscopic images. The results of the performed electric field analyses show that the formation of cementing constituents in soil is directly related to the intensity of the applied electric field.