How suitable are marls, mudstones, and slates as geological barrier for open air waste deposits? : Schetelig, K Proc 7th ISRM International Congress on Rock Mechanics, Aachen, 16–20 September 1991V1, P49–52. Publ Rotterdam: A A Balkema, 1991

Abstract

Claycontaining rocks and over consolidated c1ays are affected by stress release near the surface, often they are weathered and usually a disintegrated zone of moderate permeability of 10-5-10-6m/s is deve1oped.Therefore according to German regulations such sites are not suitable for waste deposits.But, because of the very low permeability of these formation at greater depths, their mostly great extent and thickness an improvement of such sites is recommended e.g. by a mineral sealing. Such kinds of rock and soil yield in general a better geological barrier than sites with a low permeable, but relatively thin clay layer overlying permeable subgrade. In contaminated areas the requirements on the geological barrier of waste deposits should be reduced. Due to increased possibilities for site se1ectlon the acceptance of the actual environmental regulations by the population may rise.