Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering · 1997 · 49 citations · 6 references
EngineeringCivil EngineeringMaterials EngineeringGeoenvironmental EngineeringGeotechnical EngineeringSoil MechanicsEnvironmental GeotechnicsGeosynthetic Barrier SystemsGeosyntheticsGeosynthetics In Ground ImprovementHydraulic ConductivitySettlement AnalysisBarrier LayersCompacted Clay LinersDifferential SettlementGeosynthetic Clay LinersGeosynthetic LinersLow PermeabilitySlippageWaste Containment
Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are thin bentonite layers bonded to geosynthetic fabrics that serve as low‑permeability barriers in waste‑containment systems. In tank tests, the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs was measured while they were subjected to differential settlement. The GCLs maintained conductivities of ≤1 × 10⁻⁷ cm/s under tensile strains of 1–>10 %, overlapped panels remained hydraulically intact despite 25–100 mm in‑plane slippage, and overall they tolerate differential settlement better than compacted clay liners but less than geomembranes, making them promising for landfill final covers.
Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), which consist of a thin layer of bentonite attached to one or more geosynthetic materials, are receiving increased use as low-permeability barrier layers in waste-containment systems. Tests were performed in tanks to measure the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs that were subjected to differential settlement. In most cases the GCLs maintained a hydraulic conductivity of 1 × 10−7 cm/s or less when subjected to tensile strains of 1–>10%, depending on the material and test conditions. Overlapped GCL panels maintained their hydraulic integrity despite in-plane slippage of up to 25–100 mm. In general, the ability of GCLs to withstand differential settlement appears to be greater than that of compacted clay liners, but less than that of geomembranes. GCLs are a promising barrier material for situations in which differential settlement is expected, for example, in landfill final covers.
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