A 1:5 scaled model test is conducted in order to find a simple and feasible technical means to improve electro-osmotic efficiency in soft clay foundation. The test program involves two different electrode spacings which are 2m×1m and 1m×0.5m. By monitoring drainage

current intensity

voltage

water content and soil pH values

two tests are compared in terms of treatment effect

energy efficiency and electrodes corrosion. The results show that: halving the electrode spacing and keeping the voltage gradient could improve electro-osmotic treatment efficiency effectively including faster drainage rate

more reduction in water content

less energy consumption and less interface resistivity while it would also lead more changes in pH values of soil and more anodes corrosion; moreover

in the condition of halved spacing

smaller voltage drop took place at the soil-electrode interface; but the proportion of the voltage drop to supply voltage is higher.