Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Application of electro-osmosis method on Baghdad soft clay shear strength using vane shear test and pile installation efficiency (Experimental study)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Azhar S. Yasun 1
Qassun Mohammed Shafiq 1
Erol Güler 2

1 Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.

2 Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason Univ., Fairfax, VA, The USA.

https://doi.org/10.30772/qjes.2026.163852.1691
Abstract
This paper examines the characteristics of soft clayey soils prevalent in the central and southern regions of Iraq. The study focuses on assessing the impact of electro-osmosis (E.O.) on both the shear strength of these soils and the efficiency of pile driving, including the installation of experimental piles. The investigation employs laboratory equipment and locally sourced Baghdad soft clay soil to conduct a comprehensive test program. This program encompasses conventional soil tests and utilizes two specialized soil boxes designed for E.O. to collect essential parameters for pile prototype installation. The primary objective is to explore how E.O. affects the pile driving process. The shear strength was evaluated through four vane shear tests, with vertical E.O. voltage applied at varying depths. The findings indicate that the shear strength in anode regions exceeds control results by up to 100%, with a decrease in strength observed as testing moves towards the cathode. Another significant finding is the Percentage Reduction in Blows, which typically ranges from 65% to 90%. These outcomes were derived from four tests conducted at a soil water content of 25%.

Highlights

  • Electro-osmosis increased Baghdad soft clay shear strength by up to 100%.
  • Horizontal EO outperformed vertical EO for shear strength improvement.
  • EO reduced pile driving blows by 65–90% at 25% water content.
  • EO enhanced pile installation efficiency in soft Baghdad clay.

Keywords

Baghdad soft clayey
Soil stabilization
Electro-osmosis
Undrained shear strength
Pile penetration efficiency
Crossmark
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Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 3
Summer 2026
Pages 329-338

  • Receive Date 20 April 2025
  • Revise Date 13 October 2025
  • Accept Date 30 July 2026

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