Analytical solution of one-dimensional electroosmotic consolidation considering the thermal effect

In recent years, electro-osmotic method is an effective foundation treatment method for dredged silt; however, few studies have focused on the influence of temperature on the electro-osmotic consolidation. To explore the influence of temperature field on electroosmotic consolidation characteristics, based on the thermos-elasticity theory and the Esrig’s electro-osmotic consolidation theory, the governing equations of coupled heat balance and seepage characteristics were established, and the analytical solutions of excess pore water pressure and the degree of consolidation were derived by using the methods of algebraic transformation and variable separation. The correctness of the proposed solutions was verified by comparing the degenerative analytical solutions with the Esrig’s theory, combined with the model test. Then the effects of the different depths, the temperature, and the voltage on the electroosmotic consolidation behavior of soil were analyzed. Under the same voltage and temperature, the dissipation rate of excess pore pressure generated by electroosmotic consolidation (TE) considering thermal effect is faster than that generated by Esrig electroosmotic consolidation (E), and the final pore pressure of the former is larger than that of latter. Under the same depth and voltage, with the temperature increase, the TE pore pressure increases from 73% to 155% compared with the E pore pressure. Under the same depth and temperature, with the voltage increase, the increase of TE pore pressure is similar to E pore pressure. Under different temperatures and voltages, the degree of consolidation of TE and E changes little. The experimental and theoretical analysis of thermoelectric coupling consolidation can provide theoretical guidance for practical engineering applications.