Changes in electrical resistivity used as monitoring tool during the electrokinetic treatment of clayey soils

Author(s): Vikas Gingine, Rafaela Cardoso
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference on Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering Conference segment on Electrochemistry in Civil Engineering
Editor(s): Lisbeth M. Ottosen
ISBN: 978-2-35158-176-6
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-177-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 74-83
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: Electrokinetic, or Electrochemical treatment, is one of the possible techniques to decontaminate impervious soils such as clayey soils. Real time monitoring of the electrical resistivity of a soil can be a useful tool in controlling and assessing the removal of water and ions during decontamination using this technique. Field conditions were simulated in laboratorial environment using a Perspex box of dimensions 350 x 100 x 150 mm3 filled with compacted soil. Two tests were performed on compacted kaolin samples with void ratio of 0.9: one mixed with tap water and other with a 0.5 M NaCl solution. After the saturation, the soils were electrokinetically treated under constant voltage gradients. Electrical resistivity was measured during the course of the treatment. Properties like electrical conductivity and pH of the pore fluid were also measured. The profiles of these properties are indirect measurements of the amount of ions exchanged. They allowed to quantify changes in NaCl concentration during the course of EKT. The results show an efficient removal of water and salt from the soils, in particular in the areas close to the electrodes.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00