Hydraulic transmissivity of geocomposite confined with soils

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of fine content (F) on the transmissivity (T) of geocomposite confined with single and double surrounding soil layer under various vertical stresses (σv) and hydraulic gradients (i). A prototype hydraulic transmissivity test apparatus was developed for this investigation, based on the in-plane flow rate testing device in accordance with ASTM D4716. The relationship between the T of the geocomposite and i was non-linear for both scenarios of with and without surrounding soil. The T was reduced significantly with increasing F, due to the clogging of fine particles into the channel. Non-linear relationships between generalized transmissivity and i for single and double surrounding soil conditions at various F was developed. The developed relationships assessed satisfactorily the T of geocomposites with surrounding soil at various i, σv and F, which is significant for field drainage applications.