Design of GCL barrier for final cover side slope applications

Conference · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:543140

Richardson, G N

During the middle to late 80`s, geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) were used as barrier layers on CERCLA covers to limit long term infiltration. This usage is increasing due to further regulatory driven need to limit infiltration on all waste containment systems and concerns about long-term dessication of compacted clay barriers. The addition of the GCL to a final cover system on a side slope creates the potential for failure of the slope caused by pore water pressure buildup immediately above the GCL and internal shearing of the GCL. This paper presents guidelines for (1) estimating the surface water infiltration rate above the GCL, (2) evaluate the shear stress in the GCL, (3) evaluating the acceptable level of pore water pressures above the GCL, and (4) estimating the actual leakage through the GCL. The ratio of the percentage of water infiltrating through the GCL to the total surface water infiltrating the cover system is termed the GCL efficiency. Laboratory data relating GCL efficiency to slope angle, infiltration rate, and pore pressure relief layer properties are presented.

• OSTI ID: 543140
• Report Number(s): CONF-970379--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
CLAYS
CONTAINMENT
COVERINGS
DESIGN
LEACHATES
SANITARY LANDFILLS
SLOPE STABILITY