Landfill Barrier Research Articles

Improving landfill liner performance with bentonite-slag blend permeated with ammonia for a Municipal solid waste landfill

Leachate emanating from landfills contains ammonia which may cause serious health effects on living things. An effectively designed clay barrier should not allow the contaminant to infiltrate the soil and groundwater systems. The utilization of certain industrial by-products in engineered landfill barriers, not only reduces the need for conventional liner materials but also helps in sustainable waste management. This study investigated the hydraulic conductivity, unconfined compressive strength, compaction, and adsorption characteristics of lithomargic clay blended with an optimum percentage of bentonite (10%) and granulated blast furnace slag (15%) permeated with ammonia. The results revealed that increasing the content of granulated blast furnace slag decreased the maximum dry density while increasing the optimum moisture content. In comparison to lithomargic clay, the hydraulic conductivity of the amended soil liner permeated with ammonia decreased from a value of 3 × 10−8 m/s to 5 × 10−10 m/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the amended soil specimens showed an increasing trend with curing times (i.e., 0, 14, 28, and 56 days). The batch adsorption results revealed that Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherm fits the equilibrium adsorption data and the adsorption of ammonia on clay liner follows non-linear behaviour. Overall, the experimental results implied that lithomargic clay blended with 10% bentonite and 15% granulated blast furnace slag can be used as an impermeable soil reactive barrier in engineered landfills.

Experimental investigation on characteristics of strength recovery and pore structure of Jilin ball clay under freeze–thaw cycles

Freeze–thaw cycles are frequently overlooked as a pivotal factor contributing to leakage and structural failures in clayey soil-impermeable barriers used in landfills or tailings repositories in regions subject to seasonal freezing. This investigation explores the recovery and residual strength properties of Jilin ball clay undergoing six freeze–thaw cycles, and assesses the pore structure characteristics through a series of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests. The results indicate that normal stress has a greater impact on peak recovery strength than dry density and rest periods. Cohesion increases earlier and more significantly during rest periods compared to internal friction angle. Although the pore diameter remains consistent within the micropores during the freeze–thaw cycles, the soil’s structural integrity undergoes notable changes. The concluding analysis provides valuable insights for the construction and management of impermeable barriers in landfills or tailings repositories within seasonally frozen areas.

EXAMINING THE APPLICABILITY OF ALKALI ACTIVATED BINDERS (AABS) AS A LANDFILL LINER AND COVER

Landfill liner is a containment system used between landfill waste and the ground soil to prevent the migration of leachate into the soil and groundwater. Clay is typically used as a liner in the landfill barrier system due to efficiency and low permeability. Over the last decade, different types of binders such as cement, fly ash, and slag have been used with clay to improve the mechanical characteristics and reduce hydraulic conductivity of natural clay liners. This study introduced a new sustainable technique where treated dune sand mixed with alkali activated binder (AAB) made with fly ash (FA), ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and alkali activated solutions are used as a landfill liner system, due to the unavailability of natural clay in most countries. Therefore, lab-scale compacted specimens with different mixing ratios of AABs treated desert sand were prepared and cured for 7 days to conduct a series of compressive strength. The results showed that the 20% binder mixed with 30% FA, 70% slag, and alkali solution of 0.5 have a high compressive strength with 12 MPa compared with other mixing ratios. However, a 10% binder with same precursors ratio of FA and slag has shown a less strength regardless of alkali solution with around 3 MPa. Finally, all mixing ratios have shown that the strength met the requirements of landfill liner system which were greater than 200 kPa.

EXAMINING THE APPLICABILITY OF ALKALI ACTIVATED BINDERS (AABS) AS A LANDFILL LINER AND COVER

Landfill liner is a containment system used between landfill waste and the ground soil to prevent the migration of leachate into the soil and groundwater. Clay is typically used as a liner in the landfill barrier system due to efficiency and low permeability. Over the last decade, different types of binders such as cement, fly ash, and slag have been used with clay to improve the mechanical characteristics and reduce hydraulic conductivity of natural clay liners. This study introduced a new sustainable technique where treated dune sand mixed with alkali activated binder (AAB) made with fly ash (FA), ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and alkali activated solutions are used as a landfill liner system, due to the unavailability of natural clay in most countries. Therefore, lab-scale compacted specimens with different mixing ratios of AABs treated desert sand were prepared and cured for 7 days to conduct a series of compressive strength. The results showed that the 20% binder mixed with 30% FA, 70% slag, and alkali solution of 0.5 have a high compressive strength with 12 MPa compared with other mixing ratios. However, a 10% binder with same precursors ratio of FA and slag has shown a less strength regardless of alkali solution with around 3 MPa. Finally, all mixing ratios have shown that the strength met the requirements of landfill liner system which were greater than 200 kPa.

Modification of bentonite with black cotton soil and carboxyl methyl cellulose for the enhancement of hydraulic performance of geosynthetic clay liners

ABSTRACT Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are mostly used as flow barriers in landfills and waste containments due to their low hydraulic conductivity to prevent the leachate from reaching the environment. The self-healing and swell-shrink properties of soft clays (expansive soils) such as bentonite enable them as promising materials for the GCL core layers. However, it is important to modify their physico-chemical properties in order to overcome the functional limitations of GCL under different hydraulic conditions. In the present study, locally available black cotton soil (BCS) is introduced in the presence of an anionic polymer named carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as an alternative to bentonite to enhance the hydraulic properties of GCL under different compositions. The modified GCL is prepared by stitching the liner with an optimum percentage of CMC along with various percentages of BCS mixed with bentonite. Hydraulic conductivity tests were performed on the modified GCL using the flexi-wall permeameter. The results suggest that the lowest hydraulic conductivity of 4.58 × 10−10 m/s is obtained when 25% of BCS is blended with bentonite and an optimum 8% CMC and further addition of BCS results in the reduction of the hydraulic conductivity.

Adsorption performance of bentonite and clay for Zn(II) in landfill leachate

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of the Galvanized and dry battery industries has led to a rise in zinc proportions in landfills, posing environmental risks. This study explores the potential of bentonite, renowned for its metal adsorption capability, as a landfill barrier material.MethodsAdsorption characteristics of Zn(II) in natural bentonite and Shanghai clay were investigated. Various factors affecting Zn(II) adsorption, including pH, Na ion strength, contact time, initial Zn(II) concentration, and adsorption temperature, were analyzed through batch-type adsorption tests.ResultsThe change in pH and Na strength demonstrates no significant impact on the adsorption of Zn(II) onto bentonite, highlighting the strong selectivity of bentonite for Zn(II). Conversely, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Zn(II) onto clay increases with rising pH or decreasing ion strength. The Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite is well-described by the pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovih models, each achieving an R2 value exceeding 0.9. While both physical and chemical adsorption coexist in Zn(II) adsorption onto bentonite or clay, the primary determinant of the adsorption rate is chemical adsorption. The adsorption onto bentonite is spontaneous, whereas onto clay it is not. The mechanism involves van der Waals forces, ion exchange, and chemical actions such as inner-sphere complexation for Zn(II) adsorption onto both bentonite and clay.

Constructing a zero leak landfill cell

Engineered landfill barriers are the last line of defence in protecting precious groundwater resources from contamination. A landfill cell without any leaks at the conclusion of construction is the exception rather than the rule. From design to materials testing to installation practices and contractor care, all of these elements contribute to both the short and long-term integrity of the lining system. Electrical leak location (ELL) methods can be used to detect leaks in installed landfill cells after construction so that leaks can be repaired before a landfill cell begins filling operations. However, the thorough testing of landfill cells using ELL can be complicated by their complex configuration. The dipole method, employed after cover material placement, requires electrical isolation of the cover material, which is difficult to achieve with a landfill expansion cell configuration. Additionally, employing only this type of testing can leave the tie-in area untested, which is a critical area prone to damage. This paper provides solutions for complete landfill expansion cell testing, including a relatively new testing methodology (ASTM D8265, [1]), which provides protocol for verifying that a geomembrane has been successfully installed with no leaks. A case study is included to show how ASTM D8265 can be used to provide documentation of a zero-leak condition of a landfill cell after construction. Common elements of design, geomembrane installation, and quality assurance are discussed in order to provide a road map of how to reach a zero-leak condition at the end of a landfill expansion cell construction project. This paper can be used as a guide to constructing a zero-leak landfill cell using state-of-the art construction practices and ELL testing methodologies.

Membrane efficiency model of clay under multiionic conditions

The membrane efficiency coefficient is a critical theoretical indicator used to assess the performance of clay barriers in landfills. At present, the membrane efficiency coefficient is determined in response to a single ion, which cannot be used to accurately evaluate the performance of clay barriers under multiionic leachates. Therefore, a membrane efficiency model must be developed considering multiionic conditions. In this study, a membrane efficiency model of clay under multiionic conditions is established based on the mineral–pore fluid interactions and triple-layer model. The proposed model is validated by comparing the predicted and measured results of the variation in membrane efficiency coefficients with mixing ratios under multiionic conditions. Results indicate the proposed model accurately determines the membrane efficiency of clay under multiionic conditions. The predicted membrane efficiency coefficient decreases with increasing solution concentration and void ratio due to the weakened mineral-pore fluid interaction. The proposed membrane efficiency model can provide a more accurate theoretical tool to assess the performance of clay barriers.

Modelling migration of ammonium ion through landfill bottom barriers subjected to elevated temperature and dry-wet cycles, a case study in southern Hanoi, Vietnam

Geosynthetic clay liners and compacted clay liners are common bottom barriers in landfills. One of the important steps in barrier design is to evaluate the effectiveness of the bottom barrier system in practical conditions based on modelling contaminant migration. This study simulates the migration of ammonium ions through proposed bottom barriers for design under consideration of the southern Hanoi area’s temperature and geohydrology conditions, then evaluates potential impacts on normalized ammonium concentration in groundwater. Proposed bottom barriers include geosynthetic clay liner and compacted clay liner constituting from local soils. The results indicated the reclamation of locally natural soils and geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) placement was approximately 5.2 and 13.4 times more effective in slowing ammonium migration than natural soil, respectively. Compacted clay liner of natural soils exhibited few impacts from elevated temperature. However, being sensitive to an elevated temperature at 50°C, the barrier performance of GCL caused the peak normalized ammonium concentration in groundwater to be 4.2 times higher than normal conditions. Notably, normalized ammonium concentration in groundwater increased 29 times when the geosynthetic clay liner was exposed to 2 dry-wet cycles with ammonium solution. These results provided useful references for designers and engineers to consider in selecting barrier materials in the new landfill.

Electronic Structure and Mechanical Properties of Solvated Montmorillonite Clay Using Large-Scale DFT Method

Montmorillonite clay (MMT) has been widely used in engineering and environmental applications as a landfill barrier and toxic waste repository due to its unique property as an expandable clay mineral that can absorb water easily. This absorption process rendered MMT to be highly exothermic due to electrostatic interactions among molecules and hydrogen bonds between surface atoms. A detailed study of a large supercell model of structural clay enables us to predict long-term nuclear waste storage. Herein, a large solvent MMT model with 4071 atoms is studied using ab initio density functional theory. The DFT calculation and analysis clarify the important issues, such as bond strength, solvation effect, elasticity, and seismic wave velocities. These results are compared to our previous study on crystalline MMT (dry). The solvated MMT has reduced shear modulus (G), bulk modulus (K), and Young’s modulus (E). We observe that the conduction band (CB) in the density of states (DOS) of solvated MMT model has a single, conspicuous peak at −8.5 eV. Moreover, the atom-resolved partial density of states (PDOS) summarizes the roles played by each atom in the DOS. These findings illuminate numerous potential sophisticated applications of MMT clay.

Migration Behavior of NH4+ and Na+ in a Bentonite-Clay Mixed Soil Column and Numerical Simulation

The landfill barriers effectively prevented the migration of high-concentration pollutants, such as NH4+ and Na+, from the landfills to the surrounding environment. However, due to the high hydraulic head inside the landfill compared to the surrounding environment, NH4+ and Na+ can migrate towards the outside of the landfill barrier with the infiltrating solution, potentially causing harm to the surrounding environment. To address this, saturated mixed soil column samples made of bentonite and Shanghai clay, with bentonite contents of 3% and 10%, were used in this study. Permeability coefficients of the column samples in solutions are obtained by using permeation tests, and using NaCl and NH4Cl solutions with concentrations of 37.4 mmol/L and 74.8 mmol/L, respectively. The concentration-depth result of the column samples after permeation tests was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Ion Chromatography (ICS-1100). Numerical simulations are used to investigate the effect of downstream solute concentration of the barriers on upstream solute concentration, dry density, and bentonite content of the barriers. The results indicate that the permeability coefficient of the soil column samples exposed to NH4Cl solution is greater than that of samples exposed to NaCl solution. This can be attributed to the stronger cation exchange of montmorillonite for NH4+, resulting in less swelling of the bentonite and more micro-pores, leading to an increase in the permeability coefficient. The concentration of Na+ is higher than that of NH4+ at the same depth of the column samples, indicating that Na+ has a higher migration rate in the column sample. This could be attributed to the relatively fast diffusion of Na+ on the surface of the bentonite and larger hydration radius of Na+. According to the simulation results, the recommended values for the bentonite clay mixed-soil barrier wall are as follows in this study: a thickness of 43 cm, a dry density of 1.5 g/cm3, and a bentonite content of 5%.

Evaluation of geosynthetic interface friction at low normal stress: comparison between two different test procedures

The interface friction between geosynthetics has previously been extensively studied with reference to medium-high contact stresses. The interface strength at low contact stress is a less investigated chapter whose importance, however, is evident for the stability of geosynthetic landfill barriers during the construction stage and of the covering systems. The inclined plane is the most used laboratory test for measuring the geosynthetic interface friction at normal stresses as low as 5 kPa. This type of test, however, is not free from criticalities, due to the non-uniformity of the contact stresses induced by the inclination of the plane. Alternatively, it is possible to extrapolate the results of the classic direct shear test, which, however, generally cannot be performed at such low contact stress values. The paper compares data results provided by inclined plane tests and an experimental apparatus capable of performing horizontal shear tests at a vertical stress of 5 kPa. The peculiarity of this device is to guarantee a constant growth rate of the tangential stress equivalent to what happens with the inclined plane test. The good agreement of the interface strength data obtained for two different geosynthetic interfaces leads the way for possible future innovations and insights on the topic.

Breakthrough times for barrier systems at typical municipal solid waste landfills in China.

Landfill is the most common disposal method for municipal solid waste (MSW). Composite liners are widely used as bottom barriers in MSW landfills in China to minimize groundwater contamination with landfill leachate. However, little information is available on breakthrough times for bottom barrier systems used in landfills. In this study, breakthrough times for bottom barrier systems used in typical active MSW landfills in four Chinese cities (Hangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Suzhou) were evaluated by numerically modelling chemical oxygen demand (COD) transport. The performances of the landfill bottom barrier systems were determined from the COD concentration of the leachate, the landfill operating period, and the leachate head. A leachate head of 0.3m is specified in the relevant regulations. Using a leachate head of 0.3m, the breakthrough times for the barrier systems in all of the four landfills were > 50years. However, using the actual leachate heads, the breakthrough time for the barrier system in the Hangzhou landfill was only 27years even though the barrier system was a compacted clay liner/geomembrane/geosynthetic clay composite liner. The results of this study provide reference data for designing and managing landfill barrier systems.

Investigation on the Feasibility of the Use of Biosolid-Soil Mixtures for Zinc Retention in Waste Landfill Barriers

ABSTRACT The stabilized sewage sludge, biosolid, has been widely investigated but despite numerous studies few ones have monitored the retention potential of metal ions of this material. This study aimed to investigate the zinc retention in biosolid-soil mixtures with different biosolid contents. The potential of zinc retention was evaluated using a physical model in a geotechnical centrifuge. The physical model was designed to represent a waste barrier of 3.75 m and to simulate a 1-year zinc percolation through the biosolid-soil layer. During the percolation, the zinc effluent was collected to monitoring its concentration over the time. Results show that the addition of 50% of biosolid in the soil, among other investigated proportions provided reductions up to 95% of the initial zinc concentration, considering a 300 days zinc percolation, while the natural soil, for the same period, provided reduction of 33%. The results clearly demonstrate that the incorporation of biosolid in the soil improved the zinc retention capacity. Chemical analysis suggested that the retention behavior of the biosolid is associated with the presence of organic matter and the pH value. The results are promising regarding the use of biosolid-soil mixtures in waste landfill barriers.

Predicting the hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil barriers in landfills using machine learning techniques

Machine learning models (MLMs) were developed to predict saturated hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil barriers and help to identify appropriate soils for the construction of landfill liners and covers. Data from hydraulic conductivity tests on compacted soil barriers were collected from the literature and compiled into a database for MLM construction. The database contains 329 records of hydraulic conductivity tests associated with 12 selected impact factors covering physical properties, compaction efforts, and hydration and mineralogy behaviors of compacted soil barriers. Three machine learning algorithms (random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, and neural network) were used to develop MLMs, and a statistical technique (multiple linear regression) was used to compare the precision of predictions with the MLMs. Results from this study showed that the random forest model provided the best prediction of the hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil barriers, with 100% of predicted hydraulic conductivity within 100-time differences to measured hydraulic conductivity and 93% within 10-time differences. Feature importance analysis showed that void ratio after compaction, fines content, specific gravity, degree of saturation after compaction, and plasticity index of soils are the top-five factors (in descending order) that influence the hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil barriers and are recommended for a precise prediction. Three predictive MLMs were created for industries as simple tools to screen the soils prior to the construction of compacted soil barriers in landfill liners and covers.

Cassava peel ash modified black cotton soil as material for hydraulic barriers in municipal solid waste containment facility

This study investigates the potential of cassava peel ash (CPA) modified black cotton soil as a compacted clay barrier in a waste containment facility. Classification of the soil sample and chemical composition of cassava peel ash used were determined. Laboratory determination of some design parameters such as hydraulic conductivity, volumetric shrinkage and unconfined compressive strength of CPA-black cotton soil mixture were carried out using three compactive methods (Standard Proctor, SP, West African Standard, WAS and Modified Proctor, MP) at a stepped increment of 4% up to 24% CPA by dry weight of compacted soil prepared with water contents 2% dry of OMC, optimum moisture content (OMC), 2 and 4% wet of OMC. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the natural and treated specimens was determined via batch equilibrium adsorption test, and finally, the microstructure of optimally blended specimens was studied through scanning electron microscopy. The natural black cotton soil was grouped as A-7-6 (31) based on the AASHTO system and as CH (clay with high plasticity) using USCS. This study revealed that at 16% CPA and compacted within the range of 9.6-15.3% water content, black cotton soil–CPA blend compacted with not lower than Standard Proctor compaction energy fulfil design parameters requirements for its application as liner/cover in municipal waste repository facility. • Pozzolanic behaviour of CPA for the treatment of expansive soil was established. • Black cotton soil-CPA blend was found to be suitable as compacted barrier material in MSW landfill. • Landfill barrier parameters were fulfilled at 16% CPA by mass of dry soil when compacted at 9.6-15.3% water content.

Assessment of frost and heating penetration in compacted clay layers of landfill top covers in temperate climate

Compacted clay (CC) layers are commonly used as hydraulic barriers in landfills, thanks to their impervious capacity. However, mechanical and hydraulic properties of CC can be significantly affected by temperature variations due to the heat produced by waste degradation as well as to external air temperature and weathering. Previous experimental tests show that the most detrimental occurrence is the cyclic freezing–thawing (FT) that can increase the hydraulic conductivity of CC up to one order of magnitude. This paper aims at assessing the temperature distribution in a landfill multilayered top cover in several scenarios of temperature solicitations, in order to evaluate the depth of frost penetration. For this purpose, a 2D hydro-thermal coupled finite element model representing a case study landfill top cover has been developed; each constituting layer has been characterized by physical and thermal properties acquired through direct measurements on sampled materials in unfrozen and frozen conditions. The model provides a reliable time description of the isotherm distribution within the layered top cover in several temperature scenarios typical of a temperate climate, thus estimating the penetration of the frost front as well as of high temperatures.

Effect of ammonia on the hydraulic conductivity and adsorption characteristics of lithomargic clay – bentonite barrier in landfills

Alteration of characteristic properties of the liner material occurs mainly due to interaction with contaminants present in the landfill leachate. The present study deals with the effect of inorganic contaminants on the behaviour of bentonite-based landfill liner material. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, unconfined compressive strength and compaction characteristics of the lithomargic clay and its blends permeated with an inorganic contaminant (ammonia) were evaluated. Experiments were conducted by blending lithomargic clay with 5%, 7.5% and 10% bentonite. The results showed that hydraulic conductivity decreased from an initial value of 3 × 10−8 m/s to 6.83 × 10−11 m/s. Unconfined compressive strength at wet of optimum and maximum dry density of blended lithomargic clay also reduced slightly. Adsorption studies were conducted, and the coefficient of distribution (Kd) for blended lithomargic clay with 5% and 10% was found to be 60.46 L/kg and 94.74 L/kg, respectively. The Kd values indicate good adsorption characteristics of bentonite-based material. Overall, the results showed that lithomargic clay blended with bentonite is a suitable alternative barrier for constructing engineered landfills to prevent environmental degradation and other health effects.

Fabrication of bentonite nanosheets from natural bentonite using ultrasonic-assisted liquid phase exfoliation method and its application for adsorptive removal of Methylene Blue from water

Clays (especially bentonite) are widely used as barriers in landfills to prevent contamination of subsoil and groundwater by leachate containing heavy metals or toxic organics. However, the future application of bentonite nanomaterials is still limited due to complicated and expensive preparation process requiring several steps, toxic chemical agents, or additional surfactants. In this study, a green approach was proposed to produce bentonite nanoplatelets by an ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation method using natural clay minerals containing bentonite as a precursor. The materials were then characterized by SEM, BET, AFM and XRD. The produced material was used to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by batch adsorption. Results showed that the bentonite nanoplatelets gave high adsorption ability with Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of 312.50 mg/g, which could be a good adsorbent for removing dyes and other toxic organics in wastewater.

Geotechnical behavior of fly ash-coal ash and bentonite clay composite as a landfill barrier material with special emphasis on desiccation cracks

Compacted clay barriers have been used to retard leakage of contaminated fluids from landfillsites. These liners may shrink, crack, desiccate and lose their integrity if the liner material doesn't have permeability (10−9 m/s), unconfined compressive strength (UCS = 200 kPa) and no desiccation cracks at all as per the CPCB-2001 and USEPA 1989 guidelines. These three parameters form the basis of utilizing any material as a liner material however bentonite clay (BC) due to excessive desiccation cracks upon drying and wetting events can't be used individually. The usual practice to overcome failure, of barrier material the usual practice is to amend BC with sand though being costly and unsustainable. Recently, Fly ash (FA) and Coal ash (CA) byproducts from thermal power plant, have been explored as a substitute of sand in landfill liner material for sustainable practices. The purpose of this study is to investigate and and compare the various composition of B-FA and B-CA in terms of adequate strength, permeability, and shrinkage/desiccation in such a way to meet the CPCB-2001 and USEPA 1989 guidelines. The variation of specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, and DFSI with varying compositions of bentonite was also studied. The present study demonstrates that with the increment of BC permeability was found to decrease and 80CA20B, 80FA20B, 80FA15B5CA combinations were meeting CPCB-2001 permeability criterion. To replicate the field condition the overburdening pressure was varied from 100 to 800 kPa and the permeability was found to be within the prescribed range for the three compositions. In total, 72 UCS, including triplicates for 7, 14 and 28 days, were conducted to see if any pozzolanic reaction was ensuingand its effect on the strength. The maximum UCS was found to be 302 kPa for 80CA20B composition while 277 kPa for 80FA20B. Strength Improvement Factor (SIF) and Mobilized peak strain factor (MPSF) were found to be maximum for the 80CA20B composition for 28 days as 1.54 and 0.44 respectively. The composition 80CA20B demonstrated better desiccation crack resistance behaviour than 80FA20B and 80FA15B5CA. The volumetric shrinkage for 80CA20B, 80FA20B and 80FA15B5CA were 4.6, 10.49 and 4.2%. Further, there were no desiccation cracks observed if the volumetric shrinkage is around 4%. The water retention behavior of all the three compositions was almost same. The microstructure analysis for morphology, compositional characterization, and thermal analysis of the various constituents was also carried out.