The Application of Electrical Testing Techniques in Special Soil Foundations: A Review

Electrical testing technology is categorized as one of the geophysical testing techniques and enjoys widespread utilization in the evaluation of special soil sites owing to its rapid, non-destructive, and precise characteristics. To elucidate the current application status of electrical testing technology in the evaluation of special soil sites, an extensive review of domestic and foreign literature was conducted, encompassing the evaluation and application methods of the electrical resistivity method in contaminated soil, expansive soil, collapsible loess, soft soil, and frozen soil sites. This article further explores and summarizes the application techniques and future prospects of coupling electrical testing technology with existing in situ testing technology for comprehensive evaluation of special soil sites. The analysis reveals that electrical testing technology exhibits favorable efficacy and significant potential for development in the investigation and evaluation of special soil sites, demonstrating commendable performance in regional delineation and monitoring of physical properties in such sites. Nonetheless, additional research efforts are necessary to enhance the interpretation of electrical parameters and mitigate the influence of soil layer characteristics. Simultaneously, it is imperative to conduct research on the combined testing methodology that integrates electrical testing technology with in situ testing technology to offer guidance for the advancement of investigation and evaluation practices concerning specialized soil sites in China.