Shrink-swell potential, hydraulic conductivity and geotechnical properties of clay materials for landfill liner construction

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents studies concerning the applicability of two clay materials for the construction of a sustainable landfill liner. The studies consisted in determination of basic characteristics of the materials, eg particle size distribution, bulk density, particle density, total porosity, pore size, mineralogy, specific surface area, nanoparticle size, and Atterberg limits, as well as measurements of their geotechnical and hydraulic parameters, such as in situ saturated hydraulic conductivity, modules of primary and secondary compression, cohesion, and angle of internal friction. Furthermore, the effects of compaction performed by the Proctor method at various water contents on swelling and shrinkage characteristics and saturated hydraulic conductivity were investigated in order to determine the compliance with the national requirements for selection of material for landfill liner construction. The determined characteristics and geotechnical parameters of the tested clay materials allowed qualifying them as suitable for municipal landfill construction. The shrinkage potential of the tested clays observed was rated as moderate to very high. The cyclic drying and rewetting of the clay materials performed resulted in a significant increase in saturated hydraulic conductivity. Thus, the clay sealing layers, as part of a multilayer liner, should be very carefully operated, preventing the drying out of the clay sealing and assuring the possibility of its constant saturation.