A linear graphical method to predict the effect of compaction on the hydraulic conductivity of clay liners and covers

Abstract

It is proposed to present compaction relationships by plotting the inverse of the dry density versus the molding water content. In the proposed graph, the curves for equal degree of saturation become straight lines. The proposed new graph is shown to be very convenient to assess the saturated hydraulic conductivity, k sat, of non-swelling compacted clay, using a dual porosity model. The value of k sat depends on the secondary porosity between clay clods. The equation developed for equal k sat value appears also as a straight line in the proposed graph. It facilitates the prediction of k sat from field compaction data and thus the prediction of field performance of clay liners and covers.