Abstract
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are widely used for protecting groundwater from pollution sources at the surface, including applications in which they are subject to significant thermal gradients. Hence, sodium bentonite in the GCL may undergo significant dehydration and cracking, and the GCL might fail as a result. The paper presents outcomes of a set of recent experimental and numerical investigations exploring the propensity of bentonite to desiccate and self-heal, as well as means of mitigating the effect of thermal gradients on the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs. An elasto-plastic thermo-hydro-mechanical model was found to yield reasonable predictions of experimental behaviour, except for the transient phase of pre-heating hydration. Introducing an airgap between the GCL and the heat source can reduce the extent of desiccation and its effects on hydraulic conductivity. However, the effectiveness of the solution will depend on other factors including subgrade, magnitude of thermal and mechanical loads and type of GCL.
Highlights
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are widely used in barrier systems around the world to protect groundwater from surface pollutants
GCLs are typically placed over a layer of natural soil, which provides a crucial source of hydration for the GCL and helps ensure its bentonite maintains low hydraulic conductivity
GCLs are exposed to significant thermal gradients can cause dehydration and desiccation of the bentonite, with consequent loss of performance [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]
Summary
Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are widely used in barrier systems around the world to protect groundwater from surface pollutants They are made of a thin layer of sodium bentonite sandwiched between cover and carrier geotextiles and are relatively easy to transport and install. GCLs are exposed to significant thermal gradients can cause dehydration and desiccation of the bentonite, with consequent loss of performance [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. Important remaining questions and ongoing investigations are briefly presented
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
