Influence of High Voltage Gradients on Electrokinetic Dewatering for Wenzhou Clay Slurry Improvement

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the feasibility and determine the optimal voltage gradient of electrokinetic consolidation of Wenzhou clay slurry with a small amount of fine sand. During the process of electrokinetic dewatering using high voltage gradients of 0.5-1.25 V/cm, the current, temperature, drainage, evaporated water, and electrolytic water were monitored in real-time. The results showed that a steady current was achieved under relatively lower voltage gradients (0.5 V/cm), while higher voltage gradients (1 V/cm) reduced the drainage time. Voltage gradients greater than 1.0 V/cm had no significant effect on the drainage rate. A greater reduction in temperature was achieved under higher voltage gradients than using lower voltage gradients, and the evaporated water and electrolytic water increased with increasing voltage gradient. Taken together, the results of this study can be used to optimize engineering practices during land reclamation efforts.