This paper conducted a series of electro-osmotic consolidation experiments on marine clayey soils collected from the coastal region in Liaoning Province. The effect of the electrode materials

such as the steel

copper

aluminum and a new composite electrode

on electro-osmotic consolidation was investigated. The consolidation efficiency was analyzed through the experimental results including the effective potential

current

dewatering amount

velocity of dewatering

energy consumption

water content and bearing capacity of the consolidated soil. The new composite electrode

which consists of the carbon fiber

plastic drainage board and steel plate

takes advantage of each material. Thus

the fracture of the steel is solved after the current flows through the steel

and the electrode erosion is reduced. The experimental results demonstrated that the strength of the consolidated soil increased significantly by using the new composite electrodes

and the soil area with the strength of larger than 160 kPa accounts for 75%. In the experiments

severe erosion of the electrode mainly occurred at the anode. According to the erosion ratio of the anode

the erosion amount of the composite electrode was less than that of the metal electrodes. The new composite electrode improved the consolidation efficiency and reduced the cost of the electrode.