Effect of geosynthetic component characteristics on the potential for GCL internal erosion

Experiments quantifying GCL permittivity and the ultimate water head the GCLs can sustain before the initiation of internal erosion when underlain by a 50 mm angular to subangular gravel subgrade are conducted. The influence of different geotextiles over the subgrade, water heads, hydration periods before testing, masses per unit area of bentonite within the GCL, and ionic strengths of the solution (cation exchange) are considered. Test results show that GCL with the scrim-reinforced nonwoven geotextile over the subgrade has the best hydraulic performance against internal erosion, followed by the woven geotextile coated with a 110 g/m² polypropylene film. A woven or nonwoven is the least useful for preventing internal erosion, with the corresponding threshold water head initiating internal erosion >39 m for scrim-reinforced nonwoven, 21 m for lightly coated woven, 4–5 m for woven and nonwoven alone, respectively. Cation exchange, length of hydration, and mass per unit area of bentonite do not notably affect the threshold water head for the subgrade examined. Once internal erosion occurs, there is a 3-order of magnitude increase in permittivity. The practical implications are discussed.     

Chemical interaction and hydraulic performance of geosynthetic clay liners isothermally hydrated from silty sand subgrade

The effects of the silt aggregation, compaction density, and water content of the subgrade on the hydration of five different geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) products is reported based on a series of laboratory column experiments conducted over a six-year period. GCLs meeting typical specifications in terms of minimum hydraulic conductivity and swell index are hydrated to equilibrium from the same subgrade soil with sufficient cations to cause cation exchange during hydration. It is then shown that the GCL bentonite granularity and GCL structure can have a significant (~four orders of magnitude) effect on hydraulic conductivity under the same test conditions (from 8 × 10⁻¹² m/s for one GCL to 6 × 10⁻⁸ m/s for another GCL product). The effect of subgrade water content on the hydraulic performance of GCLs are not self-evident and quite dependent on the bentonite granularity, GCL structure, and permeant. Varying the subgrade water content from 5 to 16% and allowing the GCL to hydrate to equilibrium before permeation led to up to 5-fold difference in hydraulic conductivity when permeated with tap water and up to 60-fold difference when the same product is permeated with synthetic municipal solid waste leachate. When permeated with synthetic leachate, increasing stress from 70 kPa to 150 kPa led to a slight (average 37%; maximum 2.7-fold) decrease in hydraulic conductivity due to a decrease in bulk void ratio. It is shown that hydraulic conductivity is lower for GCLs with a scrim-reinforced geotextile, and/or with finer bentonite. It is shown that selecting a GCL based on the initial hydraulic conductivity and swell index in a manufacturers product sheet provides no assurance of good performance in field applications and it is recommended that designers pay more attention to selection of a GCL and preparation of the subgrade for important projects.     

Hydrodynamic assessment of bentonite granule size and granule swelling on hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners

Flow in an idealized geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) containing bentonite comprised of equisized and equispaced square granules was simulated using a hydrodynamic model to quantitatively evaluate the premise that the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs diminishes as the bentonite granules hydrate and swell into adjacent intergranular pores, creating smaller and tortuous intergranular flow paths. Predictions with the model indicate that hydraulic conductivity decreases as granules swell and intergranular pores become smaller, and that greater granule swelling during hydration is required to achieve low hydraulic conductivity when the bentonite is comprised of larger granules, or the bentonite density is lower (lower bentonite mass per unit area). Predictions made with the model indicate that intergranular pores become extremely small (<1 μm) as the hydraulic conductivity approaches 10⁻¹¹ m/s. These outcomes are consistent with experimental data showing that GCLs are more permeable when hydrated and permeated with solutions that suppress swelling of the bentonite granules, and that the hydraulic conductivity of GCLs with bentonite having smaller intergranular pores (e.g., GCLs with smaller bentonite granules, more broadly graded particles, or higher bentonite density) is less sensitive to solutions that suppress swelling.     

Interface shear strength between geosynthetic clay liner and covering soil on the embankment of an irrigation pond and stability evaluation of its widened sections

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are typically used for widening sections of an embankment. They are also used as low permeability liners to minimize water leakage from reservoirs such as irrigation ponds. However, few investigations have been carried out on the specific properties of GCLs, such as granulated bentonite sandwiched between geotextiles, their internal shear strength, and the shear strength at the interface between a GCL and an embankment body. In this study, a series of direct box shear tests were performed to determine the shear strength properties of bentonite and compacted soils as well as at the interface between a GCL and bentonite or compacted soil. In addition, a series of field-loading tests were conducted to investigate the failure behaviour of an embankment body containing a GCL when changes in the water content of the bentonite of the GCL in a real embankment occur. Furthermore, the stability of widened embankment bodies that incorporated GCLs were evaluated. The main conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) The shear strength of the interface between the covering soil and geotextiles varied according to the soil type, geotextile type, and the submergence period, (2) the maximum safety factor was observed at the interface between decomposed granite soil and the geotextiles, while the minimum safety factor was observed at the interface between the bentonite and the geotextiles, and (3) the influence of GCLs on the instability of a widened embankment was extremely small.     

Failure mechanisms of geosynthetic clay liner and textured geomembrane composite systems

The objective of this study was to evaluate shear behavior and failure mechanisms of composite systems comprised of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) and textured geomembrane (GMX). Internal and interface direct shear tests were performed at normal stresses ranging from 100 kPa to 2000 kPa on eight different GCL/GMX composite systems. These composite systems were selected to assess the effects of (i) GCL peel strength, (ii) geotextile type, (iii) geotextile mass per area, and (iv) GMX spike density. Three failure modes were observed for the composite systems: complete interface failure, partial interface/internal failure, and complete internal failure. Increasing normal stress transitioned the failure mode from complete interface to partial interface/internal to complete internal failure. The peak critical shear strength of GCL/GMX composite systems increased with an increase in GMX spike density. However, the effect of geotextile type and mass per area more profoundly influenced peak critical shear strength at normal stress > 500 kPa, whereby an increase in geotextile mass per area enhanced interlocking between a non-woven geotextile and GMX. Peel strength of a GCL only influenced the GCL/GMX critical shear strength when the failure mode was complete internal failure.     

Field observation of GCL shrinkage at a site in Melbourne Australia

The findings from an investigation of GCL overlap for a GCL constructed as part of a 55 m long (3H:1V) composite side liner for a landfill cell after 18 months exposure in Melbourne Australia are reported. It is concluded that the nominated minimum overlap of 300 mm was appropriate to achieve the design intent for the particular GCL examined. It is also concluded that for the exposure to which the GCL was subjected, the particular GCL experienced 50–80 mm of shrinkage during 18 months of exposure when the geomembrane was covered by a 5 mm thick off-white geotextile protection layer.     

Hydraulic performance and chemical compatibility of a powdered Na-bentonite geosynthetic clay liner permeated with mine drainage

The hydraulic and chemical compatibility of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), containing powdered Na-bentonite, was evaluated against artificial acid rock drainage (ARD) in terms of the swell index, hydraulic conductivity and heavy metal retention. Six artificial ARDs with an approximate pH of 3 and different metal concentrations (electrical conductivity, EC, ranging between 75 and 1000 mS/m; ionic strength ranging between 8 and 400 mM) were used in the experiments. The results of free swelling tests showed that high metal concentrations (EC higher than 70 mS/m) negatively impact the swell volume by lowering it. The hydraulic conductivity of the GCL permeated with distilled water was 1.2 × 10^?11 m/s, falling in the range of 7.9 × 10^?12 to 1.1 × 10^?10 m/s when prehydrated with distilled water and permeated with ARDs. The ion exchange and metal precipitation appeared to be the main mechanisms controlling the metal attenuation on the bentonite. The ion exchange mechanism starts with the release of Na from the bentonite and the sorption of the bi- and tri-metals present in the ARDs onto the bentonite. After the depletion of Na, the ion exchange reaction proceeds with the desorption of Ca and Mg from the bentonite and the sorption of cations present in the ARDs onto the bentonite layers. The depletion of Na from the bentonite and the subsequent release of Ca and Mg correlate to the sudden drop in pH and a gradual increase or equilibration of the hydraulic conductivity. It is possible to say that, after this point, hydraulic and chemical equilibrium is reached. From the overall results, the tested GCL showed acceptably low hydraulic conductivity and the potential to attenuate heavy metals present in ARDs.     

利用膨润土的膨胀和稠度特性对GCL渗透系数进行预测的试验研究

以土工合成粘土衬垫(Geosynthetic Clay Liner,GCL)在尾矿库防渗层中的应用为背景,研究不同浓度重金属离子(Cu和Zn)作用下,膨润土的自由膨胀量、液限及GCL渗透系数的变化规律,并分析它们之间的对应关系。试验结果显示,当重金属离子浓度在0.01mol/L到0.1mol/L之间递增时,膨润土的自由膨胀量和液限会随着重金属离子浓度的增大而大幅度减小,但当重金属离子浓度从0.1mol/L增加到0.5mol/L时,膨润土的自由膨胀量和液限则只有微小变化。在渗透试验中,当渗透溶液中重金属离子浓度小于0.01mol/L时,GCL的渗透系数能够保持稳定;但当重金属离子浓度大于0.02mol/L后,GCL的渗透系数会随着渗透溶液中重金属离子的浓度增加而不断升高。研究结果表明,当尾矿库渗滤液中重金属离子浓度大于0.02mol/L时,GCL的渗透系数与膨润土的自由膨胀量和液限之间具有良好的数学对应关系,可以利用自由膨胀量和液限对渗透系数进行预测。     

Micro X-ray visualisation of the interaction of geosynthetic clay liner components after partial hydration

High-resolution X-ray tomography was used to observe a partially hydrated geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) specimen to gain a better understanding of the interaction of its compnents (i.e., geotextiles, fibres and bentonite) on partial hydration when deployed as part of a composite liner system. Detailed in-situ studies of hydration processes in GCLs has proven difficult despite more than two decades of effort. X-ray tomographs were collected at spatial resolutions of 12 and 7?μm to identify the different components within a GCL, as well as to examine in finer detail their interaction within the GCL after initial partial hydration. Tomograph projections provided an excellent aspect of the interaction of these components and some concepts, such as the presence of shearing features within the bentonite component, may require re-consideration based on evidence from X-ray tomography.     

氨氮在土工合成黏土衬垫中的扩散行为研究

氨氮是垃圾渗滤液中最具代表性的污染物之一,但其在土工合成黏土衬垫(GCL)中的扩散行为至今尚未得到重视。开展批式吸附试验和扩散试样浸提试验测定氨氮在GCL中的吸附分配系数;进行扩散试验测定氨氮在GCL中的扩散系数;基于试验得到的吸附分配系数和扩散系数,使用数值软件POLLUTE v7.0对氨氮在GCL中的运移行为进行模拟。试验结果表明,氨氮在膨润土上的吸附分配系数为0.017L/g,在GCL中的扩散系数约为9.0×10^-11m²/s。POLLUTE v7.0的模拟结果显示,当考虑扩散存在时,氨氮将提前30 a击穿GCL。     

Effect of wet-dry cycles on standard & polymer-amended GCLs in covers subjected to flow over the GCL

The performance of five different GCLs (two GCLs with standard sodium bentonite and three GCLs with polymer enhanced bentonite) subjected to three different climatic modes of wet-dry cycles simulating conditions to which a GCL might expose in cover systems over a prolonged time is reported. The wetting cycles lasted for 8 h, while the drying cycles varied between 16 h, seven days, and 14 days. It is shown that after around a year of accelerated aging, the hydraulic conductivity of the aged GCLs increased notably when permeated with tap water at an applied effective stress of 15 kPa for a range of heads (0.07, 0.14, 0.21, 0.49, and 1.2 m). The combined effects of the number and the duration of the wet-dry cycles, the GCL's mass per unit area, the carrier geotextile, the size and the number of the needle punch bundles, and the thermal treatment to bond the needle-punch bundles to the carrier geotextile are discussed. The poor hydraulic performance of the polymer-amended/modified bentonite GCLs is discussed.     

Investigating factors influencing polymer elution and the mechanism controlling the chemical compatibility of GCLs containing linear polymers

A study was conducted to investigate (1) physicochemical factors that influence polymer elution from GCLs containing a blend of bentonite and linear (water-soluble) polymer (LPB GCLs) and (2) the mechanism that controls the chemical compatibility of LPB GCLs when polymer elutes. A series of hydraulic conductivity (k), free swell and viscosity tests were performed on a commercial LPB GCL using DI water, varying concentrations of NaCl and CaCl?. Comparable tests were also performed on a conventional bentonite (CB) GCL containing the same untreated bentonite and the same physical properties as the LPB GCL. The LPB GCL showed improved swelling and hydraulic performance compared to the CB GCL when permeated with salt solutions. Total organic carbon analysis of the effluents showed that polymer eluted from the LPB GCL regardless of the permeant solution. However, the rate at which polymer eluted increased as the concentration and valence of the dominant cation increased. The rate at which polymer eluted also increased with hydraulic gradient. The mass of polymer retained inside the GCL matrix did not correlate with the k of the LPB GCL. Free swell tests coupled with chemical analysis suggest that, the improved chemical compatibility of the LPB GCL was due to the ability of the polymer to scavenge cations from the solution which allows the bentonite to undergo adequate swelling during the initial hydration period. Analogous to water-prehydrated CB GCLs, the dispersed structure of the bentonite fabric and increased adsorbed water molecules attained during initial swelling controls the k of the LPB GCL when polymer elutes.     

关于膨润土防水毯防渗性能及稳定性的影响因素分析

总结了钠基膨润土防水毯（GCL）的防渗机理,从膨润土质量特性、渗透液水质、干湿循环、冻融循环等方面对GCL防渗性能及服务期稳定性的影响因素进行了论述,希望对改善防水毯性能研究提供参考。     

Factors affecting the down-slope erosion of bentonite in a GCL

Leaving a composite liner exposed for an extended period can sometimes lead to down-slope bentonite erosion from geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). This laboratory study examines a number of factors that can affect the erosion of bentonite particles with an imposed flow of water for one particular geotextile-encased, needle-punched GCL. The factors examined include the effect of an initial wet/dry cycle, water chemistry, flow rate, slope, prior cation exchange, and the effect of no-drying phase in the test cycle. No erosion was observed unless the GCL had been hydrated and dried to create a wet/dry cycle. The most critical factor was found to be the water chemistry. No erosion was observed with tap water (39 ppm calcium) with up to 360 cycles and a flow of 3 L/hour. Tests simulating the evaporation and condensation of water below an exposed composite liner by imposing deionized water on the GCL surface developed erosion holes within 5–6 cycles.     

Shear strength of geosynthetic composite systems for design of landfill liner and cover slopes

Torsional ring shear tests were performed on composite specimens that simulate the field alignment of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill liner and cover system components. Simultaneous shearing was provided to each test specimen without forcing failure to occur through a pre-determined plane. Composite liner specimens consisted of a textured geomembrane (GM) underlain by a needle-punched geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) which in turn underlain by a compacted silty clay. Hydrated specimens were sheared at eleven different normal stress levels. Test results revealed that shear strength of the composite liner system can be controlled by different failure modes depending on the magnitude of normal stress and the comparative values of the GCL interface and internal shear strength. Failure following these modes may result in a bilinear or trilinear peak strength envelope and a corresponding stepped residual strength envelope. Composite cover specimens that comprised textured GM placed on unreinforced smooth GM-backed GCL resting on compacted sand were sheared at five different GCL hydration conditions and a normal stress that is usually imposed on MSW landfill cover geosynthetic components. Test results showed that increasing the GCL hydration moves the shearing plane from the GCL smooth GM backing/sand interface to that of the textured GM/hydrated bentonite. Effects of these interactive shear strength behaviors of composite liner and cover system components on the possibility of developing progressive failure in landfill slopes were discussed. Recommendations for designing landfill geosynthetic-lined slopes were subsequently given. Three-dimensional stability analysis of well-documented case history of failed composite system slope was presented to support the introduced results and recommendations.     

赤泥渗滤液对改性GCL防渗性能的影响

旨在评价商用土工合成材料黏土衬垫(GCL)用于阻隔赤泥渗滤液的有效性。赤泥渗滤液作用下GCL的防渗特性是评价其防污性能的关键因素。以商用改性GCL中膨润土为研究对象,通过自由膨胀试验,研究了4种赤泥渗滤液中膨润土的自由膨胀指数。以商用改性GCL为研究对象,通过改进滤失试验,研究了4种赤泥渗滤液作为渗透液作用下GCL渗透系数的变化规律,评价了预水化作用对渗透系数的影响。研究还采用清洁自来水作为GCL的渗透液作为对照。结果表明,随着离子强度的增加,改性GCL中的膨润土自由膨胀指数随之减小。预水化处理改性GCL的渗透系数相较于未预水化处理试样降低了5倍左右。在实际工程应用中,建议采用自来水预水化处理GCL,以此充分发挥其防渗性能。随着改进滤失试验中施加气压的增大,不同赤泥渗滤液作用下的改性GCL渗透系数均下降。随着离子强度和一价二价离子摩尔数比的增加,改性GCL的渗透系数随之增大。随着膨润土自由膨胀指数的增加,改性GCL的渗透系数随之减小。与自来水渗透情况相比,赤泥渗滤液渗透作用下,改性GCL渗透系数增大4.35~12.0倍。     

Geomembrane strains from coarse gravel and wrinkles in a GM/GCL composite liner

The physical response of a 1.5-mm-thick, high-density polyethylene geomembrane (GM) is reported when placed on top of a needle-punched geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), buried beneath 50-mm coarse gravel and subjected to vertical pressure in laboratory experiments. Local strains in the geomembrane caused by indentations from the overlying gravel and deflections of a wrinkle in the geomembrane are quantified. A peak strain of 20% was calculated when a flat geomembrane was tested without a protection layer at an applied vertical pressure of 250 kPa. Strains were smaller with a nonwoven needle-punched geotextile protection layer between the gravel and geomembrane. Increasing the mass per unit area of the geotextile up to 2200 g/m² reduced the geomembrane strain. However, none of the geotextiles tested were sufficient to reduce the geomembrane strain below an allowable limit of 3%, for the particular 50-mm gravel tested and when subjected to a vertical pressure of 250 kPa. Increasing the initial GCL water content and reducing the stiffness of the foundation layer beneath the GCL were found to increase the geomembrane strains. These local strains were greater when a wrinkle was present in the geomembrane. The wrinkle in the geomembrane experienced a decrease in height and width. The wrinkle deformations lead to larger pressures beside the wrinkle and hence producing larger local strains. A 150-mm-thick sand protection layer was effective in limiting the peak strain to less than 0.3% even with a wrinkle in the geomembrane, at a vertical pressure of 250 kPa.     

Geosynthetic clay liners: Perceptions and misconceptions

The behaviour of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) as part of a physical-environmental system is examined. Consideration is given to: (a) both the physical and hydraulic interactions with the materials, and the chemical interactions with the fluids, above and below the liner, (b) time-dependent changes in the materials, (c) heat generated from the material to be contained, as well as (d) the climatic conditions both during construction and during service. This paper explores some common perceptions about GCL behaviour and then examines the misconceptions that can arise and their implications. It demonstrates how what may first appear obvious is not always as one expects and that more is not always better. It discusses: (i) the pore structure of a GCL, (ii) the dependency of the water retention curve of the GCL on its structure, bentonite particle sizes and applied stress, (iii) the effect of the subgrade pore water chemistry, (iv) the mineralogy of the subgrade, and (v) thermal effects. The desirability of a GCL being reasonably well-hydrated before being permeated is examined. The critical size of needle-punch bundles at which preferential flow can increase hydraulic conductivity by orders of magnitude is illustrated. The dependency of self-healing of holes on the interaction between GCL and subgrade is discussed. Finally, the transmissivity of the geomembrane/GCL interface is shown to be a function of GCL and geomembrane characteristics and to be poorly correlated with GCL hydraulic conductivity.     

Interface transmissivity of conventional and multicomponent GCLs for three permeants

A laboratory investigation of the interface transmissivity is reported for five different geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and a range of different geomembranes (GMBs) for a range of stresses from 10 to 150?kPa. The GCLs were prehydrated under normal stress before permeation. The GCLs examined comprised three multicomponent (a smooth coated, a smooth laminated, and textured coated) and two conventional (one with granular and one with powdered sodium bentonite) GCLs. The effect of a 4?mm circular defect in the coating of a multicomponent GCL directly below the 10?mm diameter hole in the GMB is investigated. The effect of GMB stiffness and texture is examined. Additionally, the effect of hydration and permeation of smooth coated GCL with highly saline solution and synthetic landfill leachate (SL3) is presented. It is shown that the 2-week interface transmissivity (θ_2-week) can be one to two orders of magnitude higher than steady-state interface transmissivity (θ _steady-state) at low stresses (10?kPa–50?kPa), whereas at high stresses (150?kPa) the variation is substantially less. For a smooth coated GCL hydrated and permeated with reverse osmosis (RO) water, GMB stiffness and texture has a limited effect on interface transmissivity when the coating is placed in contact with GMB at normal stresses of 10?kPa–150?kPa, whereas coating indentations result in much high interface transmissivity when placed in contact with GMB. GCL prehydration and permeation with highly saline solutions leads to higher interface transmissivity compared to RO water. With a 4.0?mm defect in the coating, the interface transmissivity between the coating and woven geotextile is higher than that between the coating and GMB for the stress levels and GCL examined.     

水化针刺GCL+GM复合衬里的单剪破坏特征

针刺GCL和HDPE土工膜(GM)广泛应用于填埋场防渗衬里,GCL的内部剪切强度和GCL/GM界面剪切强度是填埋场复合衬里边坡滑移稳定性的控制因素。通过开展不限定剪切破坏面的水化针刺GCL+GM复合衬里大单剪试验,获得了剪切过程中GCL/GM界面位移和GCL内部位移发展规律,分析了GM的糙面分别与GCL的有纺面和无纺面接触时的峰值强度,揭示了GCL+GM复合衬里的整体剪切破坏特征。试验结果表明:大单剪试验能够正确和合理地模拟GCL与GM间的相互作用,GCL+GM复合衬里中的极限破坏面不仅会随着法向应力的增加而发生转移,甚至出现GCL内部和GCL/GM界面同时成为剪切破坏面的临界状态。