SEDL / STP / STP963-EB / STP44875S

Long-Term Permeability Tests Using Leachate on a Compacted Clayey Liner Material

Fang, H-Y
Professor of civil engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

Evans, JC
Associate professor of civil engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests on a compacted clayey liner material using landfill leachate. Laboratory permeability tests were conducted with continuous permeation for a period from three to to six months in duration in specially designed traxial cell permeameters. The soil samples were obtained from a borrow pit in eastern Pennsylvania and proposed for use as a compacted liner material. Routine soil tests, including Atterberg Limits, gradation, compressive strength, and compaction tests were conducted on samples exposed to both tap water and leachate. Limited tests were conducted on bentonite-clay mixtures to illustrate the behavioral difference between high-swelling and non-high-swelling clays.

It was found that permeation of the clayey liner material with landfill leachate did not significantly alter permeability of the material. Further, the physical properties remained relatively unchanged. In contrast, test results conducted on bentonite-clay mixtures resulted in more significant changes. It is concluded that leachate permeation of natural silty clays of low activity, such as the material investigated herein, can result in inconsequential change in engineering properties. In contrast, leachate permeation of a high-swelling sodium montmorillonitic soil could result in significant changes in physical and engineering properties of the soil.