Electrokinetic treatment to increase bearing capacity and durability of a granite

In this study the effectiveness of an electrokinetic consolidation treatment applied on granite was evaluated. The efficacy of this treatment was compared to that obtained by applying a commercial consolidation product (Tegovakon (R)). The parameters evaluated were: (1) dry matter after treatment of each product; (2) modifications caused in the physical and geomechanical properties of the granite and (3) colour changes. The results show that the electrokinetic treatment reduces the porosity of the rock more than the Tegovakon does. This porosity reduction lowers the entry and storage of external agents in the rock, and also increases its uniaxial compressive strength. The higher increase in uniaxial compressive strength caused by the electrokinetic treatment than that produced by Tegovakon indicates that the electrokinetic treatment allows to consolidate not only the superficial pores but also the deepest pores. So the electrokinetic treatment increases the penetration depth of treatment with respect to conventional procedures. Finally, colour changes after consolidation were lower by the application of the electrokinetic treatment.