Abstract: Electro-chemical stabilization (ECS) is an innovative soft soil treatment technology that effectively combines drainage and soil cementation. Previous studies on the modification mechanisms of soft soils via ECS remain scarce. This study systematically investigates changes in the physico-mechanical properties, chemical characteristics, and microstructural morphology of soil pre- and post-ECS through vane shear strength tests, pH measurements, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate that ECS induces drastic alterations in the soil environment, triggering electrolysis, ion adsorption/desorption, and cation exchange reactions. These processes (1) facilitate the expulsion of abundant organic matter, and (2) generate cementitious compounds (e.g., calcium silicate, calcium aluminate, ettringite). Consequently, the soil structure evolves from a dispersed state to a denser sheet-like configuration, with increased aggregation of soil particles. Collectively, these transformations contribute to a rapid and marked improvement in soil strength.

Key words: electro-chemical, soft soil modification, microscopic characterization, reinforcement mechanism