Abstract: A one-dimensional laboratory test program is performed to investigate the strengthening effect of electroosmosis incorporated anolyte on mucky clay. By comparing the differences in electroosmotic current, drainage, shear strength and microstructure of soil, the mechanism of various anolyte accelerating the electroosmotic dewatering is further revealed. The testing results show that the injection of chemical solution facilitates the electrochemical drainage. Cations with lower atomic weight and valence have more significant effect: Na⁺>Ca²⁺>Al³⁺. The Ca²⁺ and Al³⁺ cations migrated to cathodic region react with hydroxyl ion to produce cementing agent, which enhances the cohesion between soil particles and improves soil's shear strength. Ca²⁺ has the strongest improvement effect by enhancing the shear strength of the cathodic soil by as much as 350%. Moreover, the injection of chemical solutions will also accelerate electrode corrosion and induce larger variation of pH value.

Key words: mucky clay, electroosmosis, chemical solutions, shear strength, microstructure