THE USE OF ELECTROKINETICS IN THE RAISING OF SUBMERGED, PARTIALLY BURIED METALLIC OBJECTS.
Abstract
The forces required to remove a metallic object buried in a soil mass are shown to be reduced significantly when direct current is passed between the object and a nearby, buried electrode. The object to be removed must be the negative electrode (cathode). The forces that must be overcome to remove a buried object are shown to be adhesion on the sides and suction on the base. The electroosmotic transport of water to the surface of the object and the production of gas due to electrolysis are shown to reduce both the adhesion and the base suction. During the model studies, the application of direct current permitted objects to be removed with net upward forces of between 5 and 45 per cent of the static pull-out forces (no electrical power). A theory is presented to suggest the rate at which water pressure develops at the face of a buried object used as a negative electrode. This water pressure reduces the side frictional forces (adhesion) and the experiments suggest that the rate of pressure development is predictable, within engineering limits. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0671904
Entities
People
- David J. Henkel
- Melvin I. Esrig
Organizations
- Cornell University College of Engineering