Current State of Electrokinetic Stabilisation (EKS) Applications in UK

Fine-grained expansive soils are prone to problematic characteristics such as shrink-swell, which can result in excessive settlement and differential settlement. A significant number of domestic dwellings in the UK are founded on expansive soils and significant challenges continue to be experienced annually. Moreover, the presence of these soils in cut-slopes and embankments can also have a significant impact on property owners. With extreme weather more than likely to increase because of climate change, the domestic dwellings failures associated with expansive soils will also increase both in number and severity, hence resulting in increased repair and maintenance costs in the UK. Existing remediation methods for problems with these soils are costly, temporary and often carry significant levels of carbon footprint, and therefore are not sustainable. Consequently, there is an increasing need for adequate methods that can contribute to managing these risks effectively. Electrokinetic stabilisation (EKS) is an innovative method that has been utilised in the UK since the early 2000s. However, there is a perception that the construction industry is still showing some reservations about the method. To increase uptake from the industry, it is important that the method is fully understood and optimised. Limited research has been undertaken in recent years in the UK and overseas. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of Electrokinetic Stabilisation in the UK, illustrated with two recent case studies to demonstrate its potential when treating expansive soils.