PROCEDING OF FINAL YEAR PROJECT (I)TECHNICAL REPORT FKAAS, SESSION 2010/2011 (2), April 2011

A Study on The Mechanical Properties of UTHM Soft Clay by Applying Low Applied Voltage
Mohamad H.M1, Mohd Yusof K.N2
Abstract Generally, in Malaysia distributed topography of these soils of clay is something
challenges in order to develop an area and the geographical earth surface in Malaysia redundantly distributed by soft clay soil in high different intensity and mostly exists and located in coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia, profile of Perlis and Kedah State, Teluk Intan to Bagan Datoh road and western Johor agricultural development project area. Strata and these clay soil profile consists layers of soft clay, stiff clay, sandy clay and sand with west coast region. Dealing with these situations, clay with its internal characteristic is the deposits has highly compressible, low bearing capacity, poor workability, high natural moisture content, high in void ratio behavior and low permeability. Soft clay soil is expansive problematic and invite a variety of problems to the construction on the soft clay. This paper describe electrosmotic consolidation laboratory test on soft clay and determine the index test and mechanical test before and after the treatment. The objective is to study the strengthening, consolidation and compressible of clay soil by using various electrode material and applied direct current in lower scale of voltage at 3.0 and 5.0 volt. Some laboratories experimental will be conducted such as Atterberg limit test to determine the plasticity index, moisture content, specific gravity, CILAS test and shear strength analysis and also consolidation test together vane shear test. The undisturbed sample taken at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM s) Research Center for Soft Soil (RECESS) deposition of soil will measure in pre and post-treatment. From this study, the undrained shear strength of the soil increased considerably after electro-osmotic treatment. The bearing capacity of the soil is increased while the compressibility proved to be in lower conditions. Copyright 2011 FKAAS Final Year Project (1). - All rights reserved.

Keywords: Electroosmotic, consolidation, engineering properties, soft clay

I.

Introduction

Clay is one of the compositions of soil in the earth crust layer. The existence of clay soil formed in marine and brackish environment and soft clay deposits from Holocene epoch is about 15 000 years ago according to Raheela Hussein, et. al (1997). Clays exhibit plasticity when mixed with water in certain proportions. Thus, clay soil determine as a kind of material that occurs naturally and consists of very fine grained material with very less air spaces according to Das (2007). There are various types of soil and each carries with itself different properties depend on the physical conditions of the soil. These diversity of soil contributes to a different problem depends of the soils types and its properties. The solutions of many geotechnical issues for different types of soils are very much directly or indirectly related to the understanding of the problematic soils. Soft clay soil is one of the types of soils. It comes with different properties from the other soil. Soft clay is one of the problematic soils which is commonly found along the coastal areas at West Malaysia and needed proper

understandings (Chen and Tan, 2003). The development of infrastructure and facilities in Malaysia recently rapid growth requires the preparation of development site intensively for sure the construction is appropriate with the proposed site. The physical development process requires land space with the quality of soil characteristics and understandings of basis properties and type of local soil should to be taken into account to ensure the effectiveness of structure. The characteristic of soft clay generated by its own factor from history, physical, mechanical and chemical properties that compose it into mineral deposits. Soft soils may be composed of loose sands, silts, wet clays, organic soils or combination of these materials. The difference between soft soil and soft clay soils by its own compositions of primarily of fine-grained minerals. Based on the properties of soft clay soils, its closely related to the typical failure behavior of highly compressible, having poor resistance to deformation and having very low shear strength. Constructions on soft clays are often affected by stability and settlement problems. These conditions of poor engineering properties contributes big problem to the engineers and need proper solutions of challenges they faced.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

Ground improvement to solve these problems need to be consider and any action refers to any procedures undertaken is necessary through a variety of studies and implementations of any method or stabilization concepts. Electroosmotic consolidation treatment for ground improvement on soft clay soil is one of the methods or technique used to improve the characteristic strength of soft clay soil. Electroosmotic consolidation simply means the consolidation of soft clays by the application of electric current. This study will conduct a study on the mechanical properties of UTHM soft clay by applying low applied voltage by using electroosmotic as soft clay soil stabilization to solve the problematic of soft clay soil that state inevitably causes the soil to undergo excessive and differential settlement. The settlement creates problem in the engineering works. Electroosmotic was originally developed as a means of dewatering fine grained soils for the consolidation and strengthening of soft saturated clayey soils. Due to its high compressibility, clay will consolidate and generate significant settlement when subjected to loading. This consolidation settlement causes detrimental effects on the overlying structures (Bergado et. al, 2003). Clay minerals are hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, sometimes with variable amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths and other cations. Depending on the composition of the tetrahedral and octahedral sheets, the layer will have no charge, or will have a net negative charge. If the layers are charged this charge is balanced by interlayer cations such as sodium (Na+) or kalium (K+). In each case the interlayer can also contain water. The crystal structure is formed from a stack of layers interspaced with the interlayers. These natural mineral properties of clay soil make it convenient to the electroosmotic improvement technique by the collaborations of positive and negative charge implementations in order to the applied electric potential the electrolysis of water occurs at the electrodes and soft clay soil according to Hu et al, 2004. The presence of water in highly concentration in soft clay may risk the structure that build or will be build due to the settlement and sink because of inadequately supported by the soil structure. Electroosmotic is a technique to improve the soil by concepts of the process where in positively charged ions move from anode to cathode. Water consists of positive charge moves from anode to cathode of negative charge where it can be collected accordance to Lim (2005). These process which results the improvement of strengthening and stiffening effects of soft clay soil while study the effects. Improvement of soft clay soil will ensure to decrease the compressibility, changes of index property and loadcarrying capacity may occur. Malaysia is a country located between 2 and 7 degrees north of the Equator and the geographical condition of Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the

South China Sea. Tropical climate with warm weather all year round, temperatures range from 21 C to 32C.

Fig.

1.

Peninsular Malaysia Clay Soil And Mineral Distribution Map (Malaysian highway Authority)

Annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm to 2500 mm according to the Ministry of agricultural Malaysia. The widespread of Malaysian paddy farming show the naked information of availability clay soils in large scale. This climate condition may affected to the clay properties and generally, temperature will increase uniformly by years according to Khairul Nizar, (2000).

II.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to predict the ability of Electroosmotic as soft clay soil stabilization improvement technique and effects of the methods. However, the more specific objectives of the study that needed to be achieved as below. (i) (ii) To determine the index test.

To study the strengthening and stiffening effects of electroosmotic treatment on soft clay soil. (iii) To study the effects of the electroosmotic consolidation on the index test, load-carrying capacity and its compressibility.

III. Scope
Scope of work will cover all appropriate necessary work and collecting important information in order to archive the established objectives of this study.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

and mechanical test will cover up based on the valid available literature review. However, by using electroosmotic as soft clay soil stabilization method is fixed to do as main technique in this study. UTHMs RECESS soft clay area will be used in this study. Where undisturbed soil samples will be dig at 0.5 m depth. An aluminum and or copper will be installed and applied as electrodes. A low voltage of less than 10 volts will be applied through the laboratory works in the range of 3.0 and 5.0 volts. The dimensions of the cell provide in cylindrical shape about 100 mm diameter and 300 mm high. Samples were gained from site instantly test, in-situ test for speedy moisture content and vane shear test. For laboratory works, tests will be conducted are index test for Atterberg limit, moisture content and particle size analyzer, mechanical test conducted for consolidation test and only pH test will be apply in order to measure the consistency. Load of 15 kPa will be apply, and then another 15 kPa will imposed with applied voltage and finally test for 50 kPa without voltage.

Research and study have to be done so that, these problems that occur along the site can be solve and help the engineer in to find the problem solving method to increase the performance of soft clay soil.

V.

Problem

IV. Expected Findings

In order to achieves the objectives and expected findings successful, all the tests need proper planning and handle with care. The undrained shear strength of the soil increased considerably after the electroosmotic treatment. Yet, the bearing capacity of the soil is increased while the compressibility proved to be in lower conditions. Form this study also, will compare the results before and after treatment to see the enhancement and effectiveness of treatment.

Soft clay soil is one of type of soil that consists of fine-grained soil. These conditions of clay soil always causing problems and need proper solutions to solve the problem that emerge. Soft clay soils may be composed of loose sands, silts, wet clays, organic soils or combination of these materials. The difference between soft soil and soft clay soils by its own compositions of primarily of fine-grained minerals. Based on the properties of soft clay soils, its closely related to the typical failure behavior of highly compressible, having poor resistance to deformation and having very low shear strength. The presence of water in highly concentration in soft clay will disturb the strength of soft clay soil and make it sensitive. These soils exhibit extreme variation in deformation such as heaving and loss of shear strength under certain moisture content and settlement. Thus, these kinds of problems will bother the structural stability, the settlement of clay soil also creates problem in the foundation engineering. These conditions of poor engineering properties contributes big problem to the engineers and need proper solutions of challenges they faced. By using the Electroosmotic technique for clay soil improvement, it may be a preventive action to the pre-treatment of clay soil to be more stable and the settlement will uniformly spread thus did not disturbing the structure. This study need to identify sustainable solutions so that, it can be implemented to constructions.

LITERATURE REVIEW VI.I Clay Soil

In this study generally, will discuss the purposes of behavior and properties of soft clay Soil and engineering characteristic. Broadly discusses the investigations that will be done by reflecting the literature review from valid resources and informations that support the study of electroosmotic method in soil stabilization especially for soft clay soil. Previous researchers findings also presented in this chapter. This study will focus and limited on the soft clay soil of Malaysia. As known, soft clay soil give it too much impact for the constructions industry and designer have to be faced and dealing with the problems that come up. Thus, a technical review will be conducted and come forward with literature and past study of soft clay soil to make some changes or improvement in soil stabilizations method. A proper study will handle with care intensive to ensure the aim of this study can be achieved. Soft clay soil has its own engineering characteristic and properties itself. Soft clay soil has a potential to be improved in order to increase the performance of its. Soft clay soil is well noted for its low shear strength and high compressibility according to Anagnostopoulus, 2003. Clay soil also marked as problematic soil and the exact definition to figured out clay is according to Meschyan (1995) where, clay soil are porous (discontinuous) bodies in which hard mineral particles occupy only part of the soil volume, the rest being pores filled with liquid (water) and gas (air.) Clay also becomes dense, hard, and brittle making it difficult for plant roots to grow through (Nagaraj and Miura, 2001). Particle size distributions of clay soil also determine by British standard of classification soil (BSCS) clay particles less than 0.002 mm. Some clay contains particles less than 1 mm in size which behave as colloids. Clay deposits are mostly composed of clay minerals. Clays are distinguished from other fine-grained soils by differences in size and mineralogy. In this study, all requirement and determination of clay soil will refer to BS 5930:1981.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

TABLE 1. CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS ACCORDING TO BSCS (BS 1377: PART 1: 1990) Very coarse soils BOULDERS COBBLES coarse G GRAVEL Coarse soils S SAND medium fine coarse medium fine coarse M SILT Fine soils C CLAY medium fine > 200 mm 60 - 200 mm 20 - 60 mm 6 - 20 mm 2 - 6 mm 0.6 - 2.0 mm 0.2 - 0.6 mm 0.06 - 0.2 mm 0.02 - 0.06 mm 0.006 - 0.02 mm 0.002 - 0.006 mm <0.002 mm

VI.III Characteristic
British Soil Classification System state soft clay soil as the soil with fined grain particles size less than, <0.002 mm or 2m. Based on Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) soft clay as fine-grained soils 50% or more passes No.200 sieve and the clay will drop to organic or inorganic clay soil if Liquid limit less than 50 or more than 50 depends on the Plasticity Index. Most clay particles behave as colloids, both because of their small size and because they have unbalanced surface electrical forces as a result of isomorphous substitutions within their structure (Wiley and sons, 2005). Clays are distinguished from other fine-grained soils by differences in size and mineralogy. Depending on the academic source, there are three or four main groups of clays: kaolinite, montmorillonitesmectite, illite and chlorite. Dry clay is normally much more stable than sand with regard to excavations. Clays exhibit plasticity when mixed with water in certain proportions. When dry, clay becomes firm and when fired in a kiln, permanent physical and chemical reactions occur. Table 2 shows the highest water content along the West Coast region is about 124.60% in Tanjung Karang Selangor. While the highest plasticity index also recorded in Tanjung Karang, Selangor about 101% off to lowest in 7.38 at Mersing, Johor. Chemical tested done and results show the the pH rate in highest node is 5.1 7.9 in Tanjung Karang, Selangor.

The classification of soils according British soil classification standard, BS 5930:1981. For clay its determine as fine soils with particles size distribution less than 0.002 mm. Particles are greasy and sticky when wet and hard when dry. the classification of soil by BSCS system where clay grouped to the symbol of C with narrow down to other small group symbols. If the range fine coarse grained in percent (%) around less than 35% its recommended name is clay of low plasticity and if its down to the range of 70 90%, recommended name is called clay of very high plasticity and if over than 90% it called for clay of extremely high plasticity.

VI.II Properties of Soft Clay

Most of the deposits in Peninsular Malaysia are quaternary and occupies more than 20 % of the land area. Balasubramaniam (1985) described that, numerous projects are planned and underway in the coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia which comprise mainly of soft alluvial deposits of Cezonoic age. In recent study by Shahul Hameed et. al (2004) the thickness of these layers are said to be up to 100 m thick along the coast and this poses major problem to construction and maintenance due to low bearing capacity and high deformation behavior. The design and constructions of tidal control structures in the coastal clays of Peninsular Malaysia is very important to measure and select the soil parameters for geotechnical design according to Tan et. al (2004) hence, the deep studies need to be handled to enhance and updating the soft clay data in Malaysia. Poorly determine parameters can have significant safety and economical consequences for a project with difficult subsoil conditions.By the recorded published information were reported by Balasubramaniam et. al (1985), 20% of land area in Peninsular Malaysia is quaternary and cover by soft clay soil including extensive deposits of unconsolidated to semi-consolidated gravel, sand, mud and clay occupying the coastal low lands and the floors of some inland deposits.

VI. Clay Profile

Soft clay soil commonly located in the watery area such as mine, river and coastal according to Aminaton Marto (2007). The thickness of clay soil may various from different area and its proved by Abdullah and Chandra (1987) that were discussed the changes of thickness clay soil may vary from different place. It has different from West Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia clay thickness compare with the East Coast region. According to Azmi and Taha (1990), moisture content of marine clay especially in Muar, Johore reached to 120% and over than 5 to 10% of liquid limit. Table 3. shows the strata of soft clay soil in the West Coast region in Peninsular Malaysia and the East Coast region of Peninsular. From the table, can be concluding that West Coast region thickness of clay soil is about 5 to 35 m thick from surface to the underground. While, in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia the thickness of clay soil is about 3 to 20 m thick. Generally, soft clay soil consists of the range of thickness where the site located. According to Lee (2004), the stratum has grown to a thickness exceeding 10 m in some locations.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

TABLE 2. PENINSULAR MALAYSIA CLAY SOIL CHARACTERISTIC Researcher Area Ip Haizam (2005) Saiful (2004) Joehan et. al (2004) Fauziah et. al (2004) Shahul et. al (2004) Lam (2003) Tan et. al (2004) Hafiza (2001) UTHM Tjg. Karang Bunga Raya Duyong Teluk Intan Carey island UTM Klang Muar Mersing 45.99 101 39 39 18 21 - 63 28.3 20-100 7.58 23.11 Atterberg Limit (%) wL 8.99 137 26 65 59 33 - 104 83.02 40-100 43.8 27.9 wP 35 36 65 26 42 24 - 41 54.7 20-60 20.6 19.7 52.45 124.60 69.5 69.5 83 28 - 93 54.72 25- 20 35.04 50.28 2.56 2.65 2.67 2.55 2.55 2.69 2.56 2.56 2.50 wc Gs c (KN/m2) pH

0 - 1.1 5-8 5-8 8 0.5 1.25 0 1.2 0.5 1.5

5.1 -7.9

6.5 47 4.9 4 -7 4.8

wc : water content, Ip : Plasticity index, wL : Liquid limit, wP : Plactic limit, Gs : specific gravity. c : effective cohesion, pH : power hydrogen : - nil

TABLE 3. THE THICKNESS OF SOFT CLAY SOIL IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (Aminaton Marto, 2007) Locations Thickness (m) 5 12 8 12 12 12 25 5 15 10 5 11 8 30 37 10 35 3 20 5 12

Perlis Kedah Kedah river dam area Alor Setar Airport area Prai and Penang bridge area Butterworth Changkat Jering highway Kerian river basin area Bagan Datoh Teluk Intan highway Port Klang area Kg. Acheh Pengkalan Merin area West Coast Johore agricultural Development Project Kuantan

VII. Technology

VII.I Electro-osmotic Improvement Technique

Casagrande (1941, 1959) first applied the technique of electro-osmosis to strengthen and stabilize soft silty clays in the mid-1930s. According to Rittirong and Shang (1998), Electro-osmotic a technique used for the consolidation and strengthening of soft, saturated clayey soils. There are many papers that prove past researchers studies in electroosmotic soil stabilization field. Many proven data were described in order to show the ability of electroosmotic method. Soil properties of subsoil modified from Chappell and Burton, (1975). They try to show the benefits and advantages of using electroosmotic by comparing the data untreated soil and after treatment soil. The type of soil above state as clayey soil and Electroosmosis applied to an unstable embankment field test in Singapores cofferdam. This is show, the ability of electroosmotic as soil improvement method is high

potential and the increasing properties characteristic of soil proven by past researchers. In Malaysia especially in Peninsular region has been recorded the data of improvement soft clay soil by using Electroosmotic technique. It was applied in the Malaysian Highway on the over embankment construction on soft marine clay layer that was conducted by Malaysian Highway Authority. According to Rosli Hamir (2004), the primary consolidation of clay layers may take a long time due to its very low permeability. This study will implement the Electoosmotic as soil improvement technique to enhance the engineering property of the soil conditions. There are several types of soil improvement technique such as mechanical, hydraulic, physical and chemical together inclusions of confinement soils. Electroosmotic technique was selected in this study because of the many possible advantages that electroosmotic techniques might bring to the problem solving of soft clay. Electroosmotic able to enhance the property of clay soil and solve the problem that might be occur along the process of constructions. There are several techniques that common use in soil improvement such surface compaction, drainage methods, vibration methods, precompression and consolidation, grouting and injection, chemical stabilization, soil reinforcement together geotextiles and geomembranes.

VII.II Fundamentals of Electro-osmotic

The magnitude of a soils settlement depends on several factors, there are state as density, void ratio, grain size and shape, structure and past loading history of the soil deposit. These factors might be effected the soil conditions. This phenomenon was applied due to the electroosmotic method. There are many studies was carried out of electro-osmotic strengthening of soft sensitive clay in order to stabilize soil conditions combined by the fundamental of compressibility and consolidation concept. If the soil is saturated before the

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

load is applied, some water must be forced from the voids before settlement can take place. This process is called consolidation. The rate of consolidation depends on how quickly the water can escape, which is a function of the soils permeability. So, the electroosmotic technique act by dewatering process and carried out water from soil to reduce duration time of consolidation and quickly stabilize (Reddy, 2010).

The most widely accepted theory for electroosmosis is based on the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski model, which assumes that the flow rate through soil capillaries is governed by the electrical force causing flow and the frictional force opposing flow by Mitchell (1993). The equation of electroosmosis shown as below Equation 1 and is given by

qA = keieA

(1)

Where qA (m3/s) is the electroosmotic flow rate, ke (m / sV) is the coefficient of electroosmotic permeability, ie (V/m) is the electrical potential gradient, and A (m2) is the total cross-sectional area normal to the direction of flow. In equation 2 below, the principle of electroosmosis water flow develop simplest form is
2

Fig. 2. Electroosmotic flow Schematic (www.wikipedia.com, 26/2/2011, 1.10 p.m)

ve =ke V L

(2)

Figure 2.3 above show that, the electroosmotic flow schematic when direct current is applied to a fine grained soil or clay, pores water start to flow from the anode towards the cathode. The negative charge will attract the positive charge. The electroosmotic treatment technique may be used to increase the strength of the soil and load-carrying capacity and reduce the potential of settlement by Naggar and Routledge (2004). The basis of electroosmotic theory is that cations are attracted to a cathode an anode. These ions (cations and anions) exert a viscous force on the water surrounding them as they migrate towards their respective electrodes. A soil containing negatively charged clay particles has a number of cations far exceeding the number of anions. Thus the net water flow is in the direction of the cathode (Mitchell, 1991).

Where, ve is water flow discharge velocity, V is electrical potential, L is distance and ke is the coefficient of electroosmotic permeability.

VII.III Principles
Electroosmotic is the movement of water from the positive electrode to the negative electrode in a saturated soil mass under a direct current (DC) electric potential. According to (Mitchell, 1993), the movement of water from the anode to the cathode results in consolidation between the electrodes, proportional to the quantity of water removed. The application of a direct current electric field will continue to consolidate the process until the hydraulic force balances the elctroosmotic force driving the pore water towards the cathode. Electro osmotic essentially involves an applying of a small electric potential for dewatering process across the clay layer.

Fig. 3. Schematic of capillary tissue (www.chemicool.com. 2/3/2011, 11.30 p.m)

Figure 3. above show that, since the direct current applied to the electrode, the positively-charged ions migrate towards the negative electrode and carry solvent molecules in the same direction. In practical aspects, therefore, interactions of electroosmosis, ion migration and other parameters have an impact on the electroosmotic treatment by Brian (2000). Mitchell and Soga (2005) reported that, in order to achieve the main objectives and reasons of electroosmotic treatment, assumptions has to be made, there are;

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

(v) (vi)

A one-dimensional flow condition where the electrodes are semi-infinite plates. The physical and physiochemical properties of the soil are uniform and constant with time. There is homogeneous and saturated soil. The velocity of water flow by electroosmosis is directly proportional to the voltage gradient. The electrical field is constant with time No soil particles are moved by electrophoresis.

VIII. Applied Voltage

Direct current is an electric current that flows in one direction steadily. Electrics currents that moves in one direction with constant strengths. The more appropriate meaning of direct current is a flow of electricity from a positively charged terminal to a negatively charged terminal. Direct current is the continuous movement process of electrons from the negative () charges to the positive (+) charges through a conducting material such as a metal wire. Direct current or (DC) can be generated by common batteries and also usually supplied by a transformer, or photo voltaic cells for Solar cells. Flow of electricity from positively charged terminal to a negatively charged terminal. Direct current installations usually have different types of sockets, switches, and fixtures, mostly due to the low voltages used, from those suitable for alternating current. Micic et. al (2003) were implemented of direct current and its state that, the anodes and cathodes were connected to a direct current power supply with a maximum capacity of 60 V respectively. The unit of direct current is measure as Volt (V).

identify the significance of electroosmotic method in soil improvement technique. Index properties testing will be conducted to a few tests such as sieve analysis, natural moisture content, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, and hydrometer analysis. These tests are described by BS1377:1990. Mechanical test leads for Shear strength testing. S a m p l e s for tests included in this chapter and described in detail requirement. Soil sampling and testing will be done in UTHMs RECESS center and laboratory. The methodological process of implementation this study conducted as in APPENDIX 1. The APPENDIX 1 show the overall process of methodological and laboratory works that will be conducted as well. The APPENDIX 2 shows, the process of sampling and in-situ works during exploration of samples till the laboratories works and the generating of data and collecting, recording and flowchart of steps.

IX.I Soil Preparation

For this study, samples of soil will be explored in the UTHMs RECESS center area. Sample of soil collected and needed as Soft clay soil. RECESS center is an acronym of Research Centre for Soft Soils which is a new Research and Development (R & D) initiative by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Batu Pahat, Johor. Samples collected from the area of RECESS center and the ability to extrapolate the laboratory results to the field depend on proper soil sampling techniques. For this sample, undisturbed sample obtained to determine the necessarily test results. Area of soil samples will be dig at 0.5 m depth. Soil sampling technique used is thin wall sampler or Shelby to obtain relatively undisturbed samples of soft clay soil for strength and consolidation testing. 105 mm diameter of tube sampler used and penetrate to the ground. In order to guarantee the integrity of soil samples affected by any substances, a special intensive care procedure applied to prevent the expose of samples in to the air conditions. Proper storage and transportation of soil will be considered and samples sealed and wrap tightly as prevention and controlling samples. Backhoe will be used in soil sampling to assist field test and sampling works.

IX. Process
A study on the mechanical properties of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) soft clay by applying low applied voltage is one of the important study to pay attentions and give concern in order to produce quality and effective study to achieve the goals and objectives for better results. In this chapter, the relevant laboratory works and tests will be applied accordance to BS1377:1990, British Standard Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes and all necessary part in this study briefly discuss in more detail to ensure the effectiveness of study. The specified methods are generally elaborated. This research was conducted in order to study the strengthening and stiffening effects of electroosmotic treatment on soft clay soil. Descriptive research method was employed so as to

IX.II Index Test

Soil index properties are used extensively to discriminate between the different kinds of soil within a broad category. Classification tests to determine index properties will provide the important data and information in designing sub structures process. Soil properties basically are the moisture content, Atterberg limit to determine liquid limit, wL, and plastic limit, wP,

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

moisture content, particle size distribution and onedimensional oedometer test. The water mass must be determined by drying the soil to constant weight and measuring the soil sample mass after and before drying in oven at temperature between 100 1100C. This testing according to BS1377: Part2 : 1990 : 3.2, Oven-drying method. The samples will be taking from the middle of the mass of soil and not from the outside where the soil may have partially dried by exposure to atmosphere. In order to estimate the engineering properties of a soil, basic measurement of the nature of a finegrained soil were used and it call Atterberg limit. Atterberg limits are the limits of water content used to define soil behavior. This test of Atterberg limit consistency state will be handled according to the BS1377: Part 2 : 1990. Depending on the water content of the soil, the properties of soil divided into three types of parameters that will be found by Atterberg limit test and there are liquid limit, wL, plactic limit, wP, and plastic index, Ip. Soil samples should not be dried before testing it might be cause irreversible changes of soil physical behavior. Water that will be used for mixing soil sample is distilled water. The determination of soil particles distribution is often using the particle size distribution analysis of CILAS. The apparatus of CILAS used to determine the density of soil. In this study, the distribution of soft clay soil samples that passing through sieve 63 m will be preceded to the test. The modified oedometer test procedure is outlined in British Standard (BS). The conventional oedometer test specified in BS 1377: 1990: Part 5: 3 of Determination of the one-dimensional consolidation properties. The standard oedometer test can be used to conduct consolidation test on soft clay soil specimen. Consolidation is defined as the reduction of the volume of a soil due to the expulsion of water. Undisturbed sample will be used as soil specimen in order to generate the consolidation test. Method and requirement will be followed as state in the British Standard (BS). The data that obtained from consolidation test will be performed in graph where, the data from all load increments will be combined to draw the graph settlement Vs log time and to obtain the compression index (Cc). Particle size distribution will measured by using CILAS.

shear test, fall cone test and vane shear test. The test will be conducted accordance to BS1377: Part 7: 1990. Represent chemical testing, pH testing conducting accordance to BS1377: Part 3: 1990. Electrometric method is use in determination of the pH value of a clay soil. This test requires for three samples to ensure the accuracy of test and samples are prepared by passing through 2 mm sieve analysis.

Fig. 4. pH meter

Fig. 4 show the pH meter used to measured the chemical conductions in clay soil. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution in the soil condition.

IX.IV Electro-osmotic Method

According to Chen et. al (1999), water will flow through a porous medium under an electrical gradient, a process known as Electroosmotic. The magnitude of electroosmotic flow is a function of the applied electrical gradient, just as the rate of hydraulic flow is a function of the hydraulic gradient. Under an applied electric field, anions are attracted towards the anode while cations are attracted towards the cathode. These conditions will lead to dewatering process which is water drag out by hydration. Soil sample will be charged with small electric current.

IX.III Mechanical and pH Test

Mechanical test will be conducted in this study is just for Shear strength and its defined as of a soil mass is the internal resistance per unit area that the soil mass can offer to resist failure and sliding along any plane inside it. The measurement of shear strength value can be determined in laboratory testing by using common test methods such direct shear test, triaxial shear test, simple According to the Lo et al (1990), the test consists of two stages. First is the consolidation stage and second stage is electroosmotic treatment. In this study, 15 kPa pressures will be applied to start the consolidation process for effective overburden pressure and then, the second stage of test is electroosmotic will be started. After the consolidation process, the applied current will be switched on and 15 kPa will be applied until the process complete. Treated soil sample after

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

that, carried out to determine the post treatment change properties from physical, mechanical and chemical parameters of the soil. After 15 kPa in line with applied voltage, 50 kPa loading pressure will be imposed to the soil while along the electroosmotic process is running. Table 4 tabulated of final applied voltage parameters from various researcher also show the differences before and after treatment. These data obtained after Electroosmotic treatment and summarizes in the following table 5. From the table 5 can be concluded if, the highest water content is decrease after soil treatment from 147% down to 129%. So, this is can show the ability of electroosmotic in order to solve the properties problem of soil, where the plasticity index from lowest rate before treatment 4% move to 21%.

The physical properties of soil also show the ability in enhancing rate where the highest unit weight is about 145 kg/m3 and the lowest is about 54 kg/m3. Moreover, the dry unit weight for lowest is about 19 kg/m3 and rose up to 1230 kg/m3. From those tables 4 and 5, we can conclude that, the undrained cohesion after treatment also has different results. Undrained cohesion after treatment in highest is about 421 kPa and the lowest is 16.5 kPa by Micic et. al (2002) where the samples taken and tested in Western Ontario. The effective cohesion just shows 96 for overall samples as lowest effective cohesion rate. This is show, the different place were samples of soil taken may affected the results and the comparison results before and after treatment showed the different data and results is typical different for soil after treatment as show in the table 4

TABLE 4 TABULATED OF CLASSIFICATION PARAMETERS FROM VARIOUS RESEARCHERS.

Atterberg Limit (%) No Researcher wc 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Bergado et. al (2008) Tjandra and Wulandari (2007) Fouri et. al (2007) Reddy et. al (2006) Glendinning et. al (2005) Naggar and Routledge (2004) Micic et. al (2003) Bergado et. al (2003) Kassim et. al (2003) Bergado et. al (2003) Micic et. al (2002) Hong and Hu (1994) Srinivasaraghavan and Rajasekaran (1994) Lo and Ho (1991) Lo et al (1991) Morris and Caldwell (1984) Eggetad and Foyn (1983) Chappell and Burton (1975) Soderman and Milligan (1961) Fetzer (1967) Bjerrum et. al (1967)
35 68.19 147 78.60 32 70 28.9 36.5 97 65 1 65 90 41 82 29 37 40 24 29.5 30.8 31

Physical wP
33.2 36 32 35 26 32 33.2 49 33 38.5 23.5 22 21 25 22.22 18 19 - 22 38 28 19.1 14

Shear Strength d
43 26 1100 59 52 60 116 1243 1980 97 121 89 -

Ip
61.3 7 35.41 26 13 25 31 28 61.3 25.5 62 41.2 31 33 22 32.22 4 4-6 38 26 13.2 5

wL
94.5 28.41 62 45 60 57 60 94.5 74.5 95 79.7 54.5 55 43 47 54.44 30 25 - 27 76 54 32.3 19

(kg/m3)
48 56 79 1230 45 54 96 66 1257 16 19 19.6 112 97 1.94

d
79 29 1.3 5 141 5 71 116 96 89 76

cu (kPa)
183 67 89 43 35 71 551.2 34 17.6 19.7 40 3.56 8.13 332 250 -

c
78 45 37 10.5 31 49 27 15 32 20 144 90

u ( )
43 37 45 25 30 23 31 33 21 43 19 44 -

' ( )
29 31 23 25 19 31 18 29 38 23 37 43 36

Voltage (V)

30 30 30 120 5.2 20 6.2 30 30 20 25 20

Note : wc : water content, Ip : Plasticity index, wL : Liquid limit, wP : Plactic limit, : Density, d : Dry density, : Unit weight, d : Dry unit weight, cu : undrained shear strength, c : effective cohesion, u : Undrained friction angle , ' : effective friction angle, - : Nil.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

TABLE 5 TABULATED OF FINAL APPLIED VOLTAGE PARAMETERS FROM VARIOUS RESEARCHER Atterberg Limit (%) No Researcher wc Physical After Treatment Ip wL wP (kg/m3) 1273 67 127 98 69 89 91 145 134 87 76 54 57 d d cu (kPa) 421 337 26.7 52.5 99 141 16.5 300 79 337 476 38 354 167 289 96 321 525 241 341 Shear Strength

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

. Bergado et. al (2008)

Tjandra and Wulandari (2007) Fouri et. al (2007) Reddy et. al (2006) Glendinning et. al (2005) Naggar and Routledge (2004) Micic et. al (2003) Bergado et. al (2003) Kassim et. al (2003) Bergado et. al (2003) Micic et. al (2002) Lo and Ho (1991) Morris and Caldwell (1984) Eggetad and Foyn (1983) Chappell and Burton (1975) Soderman and Milligan (1961) Fetzer (1967) Bjerrum et. al (1967)

59.3 129 74 23 48.4 27.7 33.2 88 74.2 70.6 11 34 35 21 27.6 29

70 44 30 18 25 32 25.5 70 28.1 65 21 5 28 15 9

102 89 71 55 60 59 63 96 74.5 96 66 90 42 27 76 57 34 19

29 45 41 37 35 27 49 26 37.9 25 21 22 29 19 14

37 32 45 64 53 37 29 27 23 29 19 31

1230 124 274 57 89 64 87 124 94 87 56

Note : wc : water content, Ip : Plasticity index, wL : Liquid limit, wP : Plactic limit, : Density, d : Dry density, : Unit weight, d : Dry unit weight, cu : undrained shear strength, c : effective cohesion, u : Undrained friction angle , ': effective friction angle, - : Nil.

Table 5 shows the tabulated of past study researchers where they use electroosmotic in their study with various objectives and findings. According to Fouri (2007), the objectives of his study is using newly developed electrokinetic geosynthethics as electrodes for the in-situ dewatering of mine tailings and type of soil were used is soft clay soil. The more closely to this study, is by Sasanakul et. al (2003) where the objective is to assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment. From this, this study can be as references due to support my study and comparison results in order to find the proven review and he also encourage knowledge and idea in soft clay soil behavior. Morris and Caldwell (1984) has conducted research on soft clay soil with the objective To assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment in the field in reducing the water content and sensitivity of a deposit of soft sensitive silty clay. This study also use as references due to his idea and conceptual in highlighting Electroosmotic. From his results and conclusion also show the consistency between his objectives and result where his concluded and discuss, it is clear from the results that the application of electroosmotic for extended periods of time in the laboratory has a significant beneficial effect on the strength and consolidation characteristics of this silty clay.

TABLE 6 TABULATED SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF ELECTRO-OSMOTIC CELL FROM VARIOUS RESEARCHERS
Researcher Rittirong et al. (2008) Zhuang and Zhao, (2007) Tjandra and Wulandari (2007) Shape Cylinder Box Cylinder Dimension = 575mm w-100cm, l-100cm = 500mm 300mm H= Types of electrode Copper rods Copper rods Silver Platinum Iron Copper Iron Steel Stainless steel copper Metal

Fouri et. al (2007)

Square

L = 300mm W= 200mm H = 200mm

Reddy et. al (2006)

Cylinder

= 100mm 191mm = 600mm = 575mm

H=

Glendinning et. al (2005) Rittirong et al. (2005) Naggar and Routledge (2004) Micic et. al (2003)

Cylinder Cylinder Cylinder Cylinder

Stainless Steel Copper rods Steel Steel

= 1343mm H = 1524mm = 320mm H = 400mm = 300mm (small) = 450mm (large) = 100mm L = 265mm W= 119mm H = 254mm L = 246mm, w= 100mm, H= 180mm = 75mm H = 500mm

Bergado et al. (2003) Kassim et al. (2003) Micic et. al (2002) Micic et. al (2001) Chen and Murdoch (1999)

Cylinder Cylinder Square plate Cylinder

Copper rods Carbon rods Copper rods Steel Steel PVC

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

TABLE 7 TABULATED OF PAST STUDY RESEARCHERS Author / Researcher Asadi and Bujang (2009) Asadi et. al (2009) Rittirong (2008) Tjandra and Wulandari (2007) Type of soil Peat Soil Organic soil Soft soil Marine clay Objective (s) to find out the feasibility of these techniques on different soils To study the changes of zeta potential due to the effect of HCL and NaOH. indicate that the soil improvement induced by electroosmosis is sensitive to the electroosmotic conductivity and the voltage distribution in the soil. To evaluate the effect of electrokinetic on marine clay improvement. Focused on the use of electrokinetic to enhance the soil bearing capacity of marine clay by improving index properties of the marine clay. A study using newly developed electrokinetic geosynthetics (EKGs) as electrodes for the in situ dewatering of mine tailings. To investigate the feasibility of using an electroosmotic dewatering technology tp accelerate dewatering and concolidation of sediment. To study effects of the electrode configuration, polarity reversal and and chemical stabilization agent. describes the design, construction details, and analysis of a reinforced soil wall using Electrokinetic Geosynthetics and wet cohesive fill Focused on the use of polymeric for soil stabilization. Stabilization and dewatering of soil. verify this physically motivated approach using a matched asymptotic expansion to the electrokinetic equations in the thin-double-layer and low-potential limits to increase the axial and lateral capacity of piles installed in a soft sensitive clay in a laboratory experimental programme to investigate the effects of electrical treatment on the capacity of model piles Focused on electrokinetic of soft marine deposits surrounding skirted foundations of offshore structures. to stabilize and treat the soil with the three different electrokinetic systems. Focused on electrokinetic of soft marine clays adjacent to skirted foundations. To assess the probable effectiveness of electro-osmotic treatment. to ensure designs are safe, economical and construction friendly. to improve the bearing capacity of subbase foundation for road construction in Thailand to discuss the performance of electro-osmotic consolidation in Singapore Marine Clay via prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) manufactured with electrically conductive polymer to using electrokinetic processes for strengthening of marine sediments in order to enhance the performance of skirted foundations To shorten the consolidation time, prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) are installed together with preloading by surcharge embankment. To induced and to characterize the effects of electroosmosis on soil properties. To evaluate the possible degree of improvement in the most accurate way possible, short of a full-scale field test, laboratory tests were carried out on borehole tube samples To evaluate the use of electrokinetic as an effective method to strengthen soft clay soils. To assess the probable effectiveness of electroosmotic treatment in the field in reducing the water content and sensitivity of a deposit of soft sensitive silty clay.

Fouri et. al (2007) Reddy et. al (2006) Rittirong and Shang (2005) Glendinning et. al (2005) Paczkowska (2005)

Soft clay Dredged sediments Calcareous sand Clay Clayey soil

Todd et. al (2004) Naggar and Routledge (2004) Naggar and Routledge (2004) Micic et. al (2003) Kassim et. al (2003) Micic et. al (2003) Sasanakul et. al (2003) Yean-Chin (2003) Jaritngam (2003) Karunaratne et. al (2003)

Soft clay Soft clay Soft clay Silt clay Tropical residual soil Marine clay Soft soil soft ground and hill-sites Soft clay Soft clay

Micic et. al (2002) Bergado (2000) Chen and Murdoch (1999) Morris ( 1999 )

Clay soft clay Silt clay Silt clay

Azhar and Tajudin (1999) Morris and Caldwell (1984)

Soft clay soft clay

Table 7 presented as past researchers tabulated shape and dimensions of Electroosmotic cell from various researchers. Rittirong et. al (2008) were using cell in the cylinder shape and the electrodes used is copper rods. The dimension of cylinder is about 575 mm inner diameter. In this study, the shape of cell will be used is cylindrical shape where the dimensions is about 100 mm inner diameter and electrodes were used is copper and aluminum. Almost all researchers used the cylindrical shape in their cell study and a few researchers were used square and box and also plate shape. The biggest cylindrical diameter has been used by Glendinning et. al (2005) where the diameter is about 600 mm with electrode used is stainless steel. There are few types of electrode used, copper, aluminum, silver, platinum, stainless steel, PVC and carbon rods and almost researcher were used copper and steel rods.

X. Current and Voltage

In this study, direct current (DC) will be applied to the sample under the voltage below 10 volt its about 3.0 and 5.0 volt. Direct current will flow both of side electrodes in different test of plate copper and aluminum electrodes. According to Gray and Mitchell (1967) and Lockhart (1983) the strength of the electric field applied may have to be reduced to prevent excessive power consumption and heat generation during the process.

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

XI. Electrode and Cell Preparation

Electrodes of copper and aluminum will be used in this test. According to past researchers, they are using copper as their electrodes, Rittirong, et al. (2008). The electrodes placements in horizontal condition and close to cell while the contact of soil to be test is direct. Preparation of electroosmotic cell need proper planning and design to ensure the effectiveness of experiment by using incompetent design cell. Non conductive material will be used in order of prevention in short circuit phenomenon. PVC plate is use as cover at the bottom of cell and hollow in cell made as drain system. The cells already prepared by previous researchers with same dimensions. Fig. 5 above shows the electroosmotic cell unit that will be used in this study while during the test and conducting experiment. The electroosmotic cell unit dimension to be used in the actual cell that was developed by previous researchers

XII. CONCLUSION
This study certainly gives an impact to the research to overcome the problematic in soft clay soil. The effectiveness of this study will cover the applications and implementations of electroosmotic technique in the laboratory testing. Scope of project will determine the directions of study in order to better in result. The electroosmotic improvement technique is expanding of the past study to find the suitability of characteristic that needed in this treatment technique of soil improvement. The correlation of electroosmotic as soil improvement technique will help the engineer to solve the problems of soft clay soil that may occur as an effective method. The result who will be found after the tests, will cover up the conclusion and recommendation.

Acknowledgements
The author is extremely grateful to his supervisor, Mr. Khairul Nizar Mohd Yusof for him enthusiastic guidance, invaluable help, and encouragement in all aspects of this Bachelors Project. He numerous comments, criticisms and suggestions during the preparation of this project are gratefully acknowledged. He patience and availability for any help whenever needed with her heavy workload is very much appreciated. I would like to thanks also to the other researchers for their writing and technical paper who used as references for this study. The experiments reported later in this paper will be performed in the RECESS centre laboratory of the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) at Batu Pahat, Johore.

References
[1] A. Asadi, B.B.K. Huat, M.M. Hassim and T.A. Mohamed, (2009). Electroosmotic Phenomena in Organic Soils. Department of Civil Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor. American Journal of Environmental Sciences 5 (3): 310-314. Aminaton Marto and Fauziah Kasim, (2007). Performance characteristics of embankment on soft ground. Faculty of civil engineering, UTM. A.S. Balasubramaniam, D.T Bergado and C. Sivadran, (1985). Engineering behavior of soils in Southeast Asia. Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand. Baba Musta, khairul Anuar kassim, Mohd. Razman Salim and Zaba Ismail, (2004). Lime stabilization of heavy metals in clayey soil from Telipok, Sabah. Malaysian Geotechnical Conference 2004. Bergado D.T., Sasanakul and Horpibulsuk, (2003). Electroosmotic consolidation of soft Bangkok clay using copper and carbon electrodes with PVD. Geotechnical Testing Journal, Vol. 26, No.3 by ASTM international. West Conshohocken. Braja M. Das (2007). Priciples of Geotechnical Engineering. 6th edition Asia: Thomson. 8 17. Braja M. Das (2011). Priciples of Foundation Engineering. SI edition Asia: CENGAGE Learning. 1 57. British Standard Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes. British Standard Institutions (1990). BS 1377:Part l:l990: General requirements and sample preparation.

[2]

[3] Fig. 5. Electrosmotic cell unit

[4]

in diameter of cell is about 100 mm with drainage port and the drainage hole is about 10 mm diameter. The height of cell is about 250 mm and soil will be filled in 230 mm. Electrode copper and aluminum used as electrode because it essential value as electrical conductor material with effective flow according to the modified cell Rosli Hamir (2004) as show in APPENDIX 3.

[5]

[6] [7] [8]

Mohamad H.M, Mohd Yusof K.N

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