Abstract

Electrochemical stabilization is a promising technique to improve the engineering properties of weak soils by injecting chemical cementation agent(s) into the soil matrix during the electrokinetic process. The predominant mechanism of electrochemical stabilization is the combination of electroosmosis and electromigration, the movement of water and ions, respectively in the soil by applying a direct current (DC). In the meantime cementation is induced by electrochemical reactions. The technique has been implemented successfully in geotechnical engineering, including the increase of the shear strength and improvement of other geotechnical properties of weak soils. This paper presents an overview of the electrokinetic theory and state-of-the-art review of studies on electrochemical treatment of offshore and onshore soils. The review serves as a guidance for future research and applications of electrochemical stabilization of natural soils and other geomaterials.

Keywords:
electrochemical treatment, shear strength, drilling fluid formulation, upstream oil & gas, onshore soil, drilling fluid property, drilling fluid selection and formulation, drilling fluid chemistry, offshore, electroosmosis
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Environment, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties)
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2014. International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers
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