Numerical Investigation of Dynamic Pipe–Soil Interaction on Electrokinetic-Treated Soft Clay Soil

Abstract

Researchers have underscored the importance for a pipeline to safeguard against adverse effects resulting from its displacement in the vertical, axial, and lateral directions because of the low shear strength of the soil. The seabed may sometimes consist of soft or very soft clay soil with high water content and low shear strength. Dissipation of the water content from the soil void increases its effective stress, with a resultant increase in the soil shear strength. The electrokinetic (EK) concept has been applied to increase soil bearing capacity with barely any study conducted on its possible application on pipe–soil interaction. The need to explore more options merits further research. The EK process for the pipe–soil interaction consists of two main stages: the electroosmotic consolidation process and dynamic analyses of the pipe–soil interaction. The present study numerically investigated the impact of EK-treated soil on pipe–soil interaction over the non-EK process. The results of dynamic pipe–soil interaction on EK-treated soil when compared with non–EK-treated soil indicate a significant increase in the force required to displace a pipeline.