geoenvironmental engg

Sustainable Geotechnics –

Investigations for Geoenvironmental Engineering Applications

byby

Dr. G. JANARDHANAN Ph.D (USA)., E. I

Centre for Environmental Management

National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research

Chennai, India

18th to 22nd

October 2011

Disclaimer:

In this lecture, contents expressed are purely my personal technical

perspective…it does not represent the organization to which I am

affiliated.

Objectives of the lecture

• To introduce the concept of geoenvironmental testing,

placing it within the framework of sustainable

geotechnics.

• To outline the theory with an emphasis on why it was

introduced and how it has evolved.

• To introduce the concept of geoenvironmental testing,

placing it within the framework of sustainable

geotechnics.

• To outline the theory with an emphasis on why it was

introduced and how it has evolved.introduced and how it has evolved.

• To describe the purpose, principles and process of

geoenvironmental investigations.

• To review some contemporary issues of

geoenvironmental investigations and sustainable

geotechnics.

introduced and how it has evolved.

• To describe the purpose, principles and process of

geoenvironmental investigations.

• To review some contemporary issues of

geoenvironmental investigations and sustainable

geotechnics.

“Engineers have a significant role in planning,designing, building and maintaining asustainable future. We provide the bridgebetween science and society, in this role; wemust participate in interdisciplinary teams,

“Engineers have a significant role in planning,designing, building and maintaining asustainable future. We provide the bridgebetween science and society, in this role; wemust participate in interdisciplinary teams,must participate in interdisciplinary teams,applying technology to issues and challengesthat require environmentally sustainablestrategies and solutions.”

- American Society of Civil Engineers (2001).

must participate in interdisciplinary teams,applying technology to issues and challengesthat require environmentally sustainablestrategies and solutions.”

- American Society of Civil Engineers (2001).

Questions to be answered?

• What is the need for Geoenvironmental

Engineering?

• Is there any special testing conducted?

• Why we need to focus on these testing?


Engineering?


• Why we need to focus on these testing?• Why we need to focus on these testing?

• What way it is related to sustainable?



Starting Point

Sustainable Development - Geotechnics

Need for Geoenvironmental Engineering

IssuesIssues areare

• Ascertaining the quality of air, water, and land

resources;

• Transport, use, and disposal of hazardous wastes

IssuesIssues areare

• Ascertaining the quality of air, water, and land

resources;

• Transport, use, and disposal of hazardous wastes

• water and wastewater treatment, and reuse.

• Analysis and design of foundation systems, seepage

control, earth dams and water resource structures,

response of foundations and embankments to the

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES

• water and wastewater treatment, and reuse.

• Analysis and design of foundation systems, seepage

control, earth dams and water resource structures,

response of foundations and embankments to the

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES

Need for Geoenvironmental Engineering

• Assessment of pollutants being discharged on/in thesoil deposits (Disposal/Handling/storage)(Disposal/Handling/storage)

• Process by which the pollutants travel in geo-environment (Contaminant(Contaminant Transport)Transport)

• Protection of ground water aquifers from contamination

• Assessment of pollutants being discharged on/in thesoil deposits (Disposal/Handling/storage)(Disposal/Handling/storage)

• Process by which the pollutants travel in geo-environment (Contaminant(Contaminant Transport)Transport)

• Protection of ground water aquifers from contamination• Protection of ground water aquifers from contamination(Containment)(Containment)

• Methods of cleaning the contaminated sites(Remediation)(Remediation)

• Methods of creating “Value added” products (Recycling(Recycling&& Reuse)Reuse)

• Protection of ground water aquifers from contamination(Containment)(Containment)

• Methods of cleaning the contaminated sites(Remediation)(Remediation)

• Methods of creating “Value added” products (Recycling(Recycling&& Reuse)Reuse)

Questions to be answered?


Engineering?




Engineering?


• Why we need to focus on these testing?• Why we need to focus on these testing?




Geoenvironmental Investigation

Investigation for geoenvironmental application will inevitably

require a thorough understanding of the:

� Composition and characteristics of substrate materials,

� Composition of wastes and issues arising from the handling of

the waste materials,

Investigation for geoenvironmental application will inevitably

require a thorough understanding of the:

� Composition and characteristics of substrate materials,

� Composition of wastes and issues arising from the handling of

the waste materials,the waste materials,

� Interaction mechanisms between the waste and substrate

materials,

� Basic principles of the treatment techniques, and

� Immediate and long term adverse health effects of the chosen

remedial measures.

the waste materials,

� Interaction mechanisms between the waste and substrate

materials,

� Basic principles of the treatment techniques, and

� Immediate and long term adverse health effects of the chosen

remedial measures.

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental TestingGeotechnical and Geoenvironmental Testing

Soil Testing

Geotechnical Testing

Geoenvironmental TestingTesting

Classification

Test

Engineering Properties Test

Testing

Classical Methods Alternative (special) Methods

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental TestingGeotechnical and Geoenvironmental Testing

Soil Testing

Present GeoenvironmentaPresent Scenario

Grain-size distribution

Soil Consistency (moisture content)

Atterberg Limits

Geoenvironmental Testing -Scenario

Specific surface

pH in pore fluid

Ion-exchange capacity

Thermal & Electrical properties

Granular soils or

Cohesionless soils

Cohesive

soils

200634.75

Grain size (mm)

BoulderClay Silt Sand Gravel Cobble

Fine Fine grain grain

soilssoilsCoarse grain

soils

pH or Hydrogen-ion Activity

The most important chemical property of soil is the hydrogen ion activity or pH.

The pH of soils is measured using a glass electrode pH meter following the standard procedures such as ASTM D 4972.

Test Procedure:

Generally, the testing procedures essentially involve mixing one part of soil

The most important chemical property of soil is the hydrogen ion activity or pH.

The pH of soils is measured using a glass electrode pH meter following the standard procedures such as ASTM D 4972.

Test Procedure:

Generally, the testing procedures essentially involve mixing one part of soil Generally, the testing procedures essentially involve mixing one part of soil with one part of distilled water in a beaker, stirring the suspension for thirty minutes, allowing the suspended clay to settle for one hour, immersing the glass electrode partly into the settled suspension, and measuring the pH.

The measured soil pH is influenced by

• the soil-to-water ratio (or dilution),

• the soluble salts, and

• CO2 in the air.

Generally, the testing procedures essentially involve mixing one part of soil with one part of distilled water in a beaker, stirring the suspension for thirty minutes, allowing the suspended clay to settle for one hour, immersing the glass electrode partly into the settled suspension, and measuring the pH.

The measured soil pH is influenced by

• the soil-to-water ratio (or dilution),

• the soluble salts, and

• CO2 in the air.


• The soil-to-water ratio ranges from 1:1 to 1:10, with 1:1

being the most commonly used.

• Highly plastic soils may require higher dilution to keep

soil particles in suspension.

• In general, the more dilute the soil suspension, the

• The soil-to-water ratio ranges from 1:1 to 1:10, with 1:1

being the most commonly used.

• Highly plastic soils may require higher dilution to keep

soil particles in suspension.

• In general, the more dilute the soil suspension, the• In general, the more dilute the soil suspension, the

higher the soil pH value found, whether the soil is acidic

or alkaline.

• The rise in soil pH with dilution may be on the order of

0.2 to 0.5 pH units, but can be 1 or more pH units in

certain neutral and alkaline soils.

• In general, the more dilute the soil suspension, the

higher the soil pH value found, whether the soil is acidic

or alkaline.

• The rise in soil pH with dilution may be on the order of

0.2 to 0.5 pH units, but can be 1 or more pH units in

certain neutral and alkaline soils.


• The pH of a soil suspension may decrease due to

the solubilization of salts, if present, in the soil.

• To mask the variability of salt content of soils, the

soil pH is measured using one part soil and 2 parts

• The pH of a soil suspension may decrease due to

the solubilization of salts, if present, in the soil.

• To mask the variability of salt content of soils, the

soil pH is measured using one part soil and 2 partssoil pH is measured using one part soil and 2 parts

0.01M CaCl2 solution, prepared with distilled water.

• This soil suspension promotes accurate soil pH and

is independent of soil-to-water ratio (dilution), as

well as dissolved salts.

soil pH is measured using one part soil and 2 parts

0.01M CaCl2 solution, prepared with distilled water.

• This soil suspension promotes accurate soil pH and

is independent of soil-to-water ratio (dilution), as

well as dissolved salts.


• pH is the chemical property that effects various chemical processes such as adsorption / desorption, precipitation/dissolution, and oxidation/reduction.

• These processes, in turn, control the fate and

• pH is the chemical property that effects various chemical processes such as adsorption / desorption, precipitation/dissolution, and oxidation/reduction.

• These processes, in turn, control the fate and • These processes, in turn, control the fate and transport of the chemicals in soils.

• Therefore, determination of pH value is very important in understanding various geochemical reactions.

• These processes, in turn, control the fate and transport of the chemicals in soils.

• Therefore, determination of pH value is very important in understanding various geochemical reactions.

Surface Charge and Point of Zero Charge (PZC)

• Coarse-grained soils such as gravel, sand and silt are chemically inert.

• Clay mineral surfaces generally carry electronegative charges.

• Coarse-grained soils such as gravel, sand and silt are chemically inert.

• Clay mineral surfaces generally carry electronegative charges. electronegative charges.

• The negative charges on clay surfaces are a result of two occurrences:

– isomorphous substitution, and

– the disassociation of exposed hydroxyl groups.

electronegative charges.

• The negative charges on clay surfaces are a result of two occurrences:

– isomorphous substitution, and

– the disassociation of exposed hydroxyl groups.


• Isomorphous substitution is the substitution of

atoms for other atoms without affecting the crystal

structure.

• This substitution is possible in both the silica

tetrahedra and the aluminum octahedra of the clay

• Isomorphous substitution is the substitution of

atoms for other atoms without affecting the crystal

structure.

• This substitution is possible in both the silica

tetrahedra and the aluminum octahedra of the claytetrahedra and the aluminum octahedra of the clay

mineral.

• Isomorphous substitution will occur only between

atoms of almost equal size, and when the difference

in valance does not exceed one unit.

tetrahedra and the aluminum octahedra of the clay

mineral.

• Isomorphous substitution will occur only between

atoms of almost equal size, and when the difference

in valance does not exceed one unit.


• For example, in the absence of isomorphous

substitution, kaolinite is electrically

balanced.

• However, an isomorphic replacement of one

octahedral Al+3 by Mg+2 yields one

• For example, in the absence of isomorphous

substitution, kaolinite is electrically

balanced.

• However, an isomorphic replacement of one

octahedral Al+3 by Mg+2 yields oneoctahedral Al+3 by Mg+2 yields one

unbalanced negative charge in the crystal.

• This is because Mg+2 is divalent and

contributes only two positive charges to the

neutralization of the crystal.

octahedral Al+3 by Mg+2 yields one

unbalanced negative charge in the crystal.

• This is because Mg+2 is divalent and

contributes only two positive charges to the

neutralization of the crystal.


• A similar substitution can also occur in a Si

tetrahedron, where Si+4 can be replaced by Al+3,

resulting in one negative charge that has not

been neutralized.

These types of charges are called permanent

• A similar substitution can also occur in a Si

tetrahedron, where Si+4 can be replaced by Al+3,

resulting in one negative charge that has not

been neutralized.

These types of charges are called permanent• These types of charges are called permanent

negative charges, and are independent of pH.

• The negative charge on a clay surface is also

due to the presence of exposed hydroxyls

(OH) on the surface of Al octahedral sheets.

• These types of charges are called permanent

negative charges, and are independent of pH.

• The negative charge on a clay surface is also

due to the presence of exposed hydroxyls

(OH) on the surface of Al octahedral sheets.


• This dissociation of the H+ leaves one negativecharge, in the octahedron, which is not neutralized.

• Such a dissociation reaction is dependent upon pH.

• The dissociation reaction occurs at high pH, anddecreases at low pH.

• This dissociation of the H+ leaves one negativecharge, in the octahedron, which is not neutralized.

• Such a dissociation reaction is dependent upon pH.

• The dissociation reaction occurs at high pH, anddecreases at low pH.decreases at low pH.

• Therefore, the magnitude of negative charge alsoincreases and decreases with change in pH.

• This type of negative charge is called pH-dependentcharge or variable charge.

decreases at low pH.

• Therefore, the magnitude of negative charge alsoincreases and decreases with change in pH.

• This type of negative charge is called pH-dependentcharge or variable charge.


• The surface charge may have major implications onthe distribution of ionic contaminants in soils.

• If the surface charge is negative, cationic metalssuch as lead (Pb+2) will be bonded to the soilsurfaces.

• The surface charge may have major implications onthe distribution of ionic contaminants in soils.

• If the surface charge is negative, cationic metalssuch as lead (Pb+2) will be bonded to the soilsurfaces.surfaces.

• However, if the surface charge is positive, anionicmetal complexes, such as chromate, (CrO4

-2) will bebonded to the soil surfaces.

• The PZC is useful in determining the pH range inwhich soil surfaces are positively charged ornegatively charged.

surfaces.

• However, if the surface charge is positive, anionicmetal complexes, such as chromate, (CrO4

-2) will bebonded to the soil surfaces.

• The PZC is useful in determining the pH range inwhich soil surfaces are positively charged ornegatively charged.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

• When the surface charge of a soil is negative,the negative charges are balanced by cationssuch as Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2 and others, which formthe diffuse double layer.

• These cations can be replaced rather easily by

• When the surface charge of a soil is negative,the negative charges are balanced by cationssuch as Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2 and others, which formthe diffuse double layer.

• These cations can be replaced rather easily by• These cations can be replaced rather easily byone another; therefore, they are calledexchangeable cations.

• The sum of exchangeable cations is called thecation exchange capacity (CEC).

• These cations can be replaced rather easily byone another; therefore, they are calledexchangeable cations.

• The sum of exchangeable cations is called thecation exchange capacity (CEC).


• CEC is expressed as milliequivalent per 100 grams of dry soil and is denoted as meq/100g.

• the milliequivalent of an ion is the atomic weight of the ion in milligrams divided by the valence of the ion.

• CEC is expressed as milliequivalent per 100 grams of dry soil and is denoted as meq/100g.

• the milliequivalent of an ion is the atomic weight of the ion in milligrams divided by the valence of the ion. valence of the ion.

• For example, 1 meq of H+ is equal to 1 mg of H; 1 meq of Na+ is equal to 23 mg of Na; 1 meqof K+ is equal to 39 mg of K, and 1 meq of Ca+2

is equal to 40/2 = 20 mg of Ca.

valence of the ion.

• For example, 1 meq of H+ is equal to 1 mg of H; 1 meq of Na+ is equal to 23 mg of Na; 1 meqof K+ is equal to 39 mg of K, and 1 meq of Ca+2

is equal to 40/2 = 20 mg of Ca.


• Many methods have been reported for the determination of CEC of soils (ASA, 1965).

• These methods essentially involve replacing exchangeable cations by saturating the soil with a selected cation.

• Many methods have been reported for the determination of CEC of soils (ASA, 1965).

• These methods essentially involve replacing exchangeable cations by saturating the soil with a selected cation. with a selected cation.

• The saturating cation may be generated using one of three reagents: 1N ammonium acetate (pH=7.0), 1N sodium acetate (pH=8.2), or 0.5N barium chloride plus 0.2N triethanolaminesolution (pH=8.2).

with a selected cation.

• The saturating cation may be generated using one of three reagents: 1N ammonium acetate (pH=7.0), 1N sodium acetate (pH=8.2), or 0.5N barium chloride plus 0.2N triethanolaminesolution (pH=8.2).


• The first two reagents are used for

calcareous and noncalcareous soils and the

third reagent is used for soils where it is

desired to determine both exchange

• The first two reagents are used for

calcareous and noncalcareous soils and the

third reagent is used for soils where it is

desired to determine both exchangedesired to determine both exchange

capacity and the amounts of exchangeable

hydrogen.

desired to determine both exchange

capacity and the amounts of exchangeable

hydrogen.


• The test procedure essentially consists of mixingknown amounts of dry soil with the reagentsolution, shaking thoroughly, and filtering orcentrifuging to separate the supernatant.

• This process is repeated three to four times toensure all of the exchangeable cations are replaced

• The test procedure essentially consists of mixingknown amounts of dry soil with the reagentsolution, shaking thoroughly, and filtering orcentrifuging to separate the supernatant.

• This process is repeated three to four times toensure all of the exchangeable cations are replacedensure all of the exchangeable cations are replacedby the cation in the selected reagent (e.g.ammonium or Na).

• Finally, the amount of adsorbed reagent cations inthe soil (ammonium or Na) is equal to the CEC, andis extracted and determined by standard methods.

ensure all of the exchangeable cations are replacedby the cation in the selected reagent (e.g.ammonium or Na).

• Finally, the amount of adsorbed reagent cations inthe soil (ammonium or Na) is equal to the CEC, andis extracted and determined by standard methods.


• The CEC differs from soil to soil depending on– clay content,

– clay types, and

– organic content.

• CEC is higher in soils that contain high clay content andhigh organic content.

• The CEC differs from soil to soil depending on– clay content,

– clay types, and

– organic content.

• CEC is higher in soils that contain high clay content andhigh organic content.high organic content.

• Adsorption of contaminants in soils depends on soil CECvalues.

• The higher the CEC, the higher the adsorption ofcationic contaminants on the soil surfaces, increasingthe difficulty of removal during remediation processimplementation.

high organic content.

• Adsorption of contaminants in soils depends on soil CECvalues.

• The higher the CEC, the higher the adsorption ofcationic contaminants on the soil surfaces, increasingthe difficulty of removal during remediation processimplementation.


Clay Minerals/Soil Types CEC (meq/100g)

Chlorite 10-40

Illite 10-40

Kaolinite 3-15

Montmorillonite 80-150

Oxides and Oxyhydroxides 2-6

Vermiculite 100-150Vermiculite 100-150

Soil Organic Matter >200

Sand 2-7

Sandy Loam 2-18

Loam 8-22

Silt Loam 9-27

Clay Loam 4-32

Clay 5-60

Anion Exchange Capacity (AEC)

• The anion exchange capacity (AEC) is the capacity of soil to adsorb and exchange anions.

• The soil must be positively charged to adsorb negatively charged ions.

• Positive charges in soils occur only in low pH or acidic conditions when the soil pH is below the PZC

• The anion exchange capacity (AEC) is the capacity of soil to adsorb and exchange anions.

• The soil must be positively charged to adsorb negatively charged ions.

• Positive charges in soils occur only in low pH or acidic conditions when the soil pH is below the PZC

• Positive charges in soils occur only in low pH or acidic conditions when the soil pH is below the PZC of the soil.

• A positive charge can also develop from of broken bonds on broken surfaces of clay minerals.

• In general, the positive charge, hence the anion exchange capacity of soils, is considered smaller than the CEC.

• Positive charges in soils occur only in low pH or acidic conditions when the soil pH is below the PZC of the soil.

• A positive charge can also develop from of broken bonds on broken surfaces of clay minerals.

• In general, the positive charge, hence the anion exchange capacity of soils, is considered smaller than the CEC.


• The procedure used to determine AEC of a soil is similar to the CEC procedure, except that different reagent solutions are used to replace all of the exchangeable anions in the soil.

• Most commonly used, and preferred, reagents

• The procedure used to determine AEC of a soil is similar to the CEC procedure, except that different reagent solutions are used to replace all of the exchangeable anions in the soil.

• Most commonly used, and preferred, reagents • Most commonly used, and preferred, reagents contain Cl- due to its nonspecific adsorption characteristics.

• AEC values commonly range from 1 to10 mmol/kg, but can be as high as 1 mol/kg in soils with high organic matter and metal oxide contents.

• Most commonly used, and preferred, reagents contain Cl- due to its nonspecific adsorption characteristics.

• AEC values commonly range from 1 to10 mmol/kg, but can be as high as 1 mol/kg in soils with high organic matter and metal oxide contents.


• Similar to CEC, adsorption of anionic

contaminants on soil surfaces depends on

the AEC. Higher AEC results in higher

adsorption of anionic contaminants and

• Similar to CEC, adsorption of anionic

contaminants on soil surfaces depends on

the AEC. Higher AEC results in higher

adsorption of anionic contaminants and adsorption of anionic contaminants and

may be an important consideration in the

design of remedial processes.

adsorption of anionic contaminants and

may be an important consideration in the

design of remedial processes.

Specific Surface

• The specific surface of minerals is defined asthe ratio of surface area to either volume ormass.

• Specific surface is determined by the ethyleneglycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol monoethyl

• The specific surface of minerals is defined asthe ratio of surface area to either volume ormass.

• Specific surface is determined by the ethyleneglycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol monoethylglycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol monoethylether (EGME) adsorption procedure.

• These amounts provide a quantitativedetermination of clay minerals and anestimate of specific surface area.

glycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol monoethylether (EGME) adsorption procedure.

• These amounts provide a quantitativedetermination of clay minerals and anestimate of specific surface area.

Specific Surface

• Particles smaller than 1 µm posses significant

surface area and the surface properties of such

particles will have significant consequences.

• For instance, larger surface area may result in

• Particles smaller than 1 µm posses significant

surface area and the surface properties of such

particles will have significant consequences.

• For instance, larger surface area may result in• For instance, larger surface area may result in

higher unbalanced surface charge, which in turn

may cause greater sorption of contaminants.

• Such circumstances influence remedial processes

and waste leaching conditions.

• For instance, larger surface area may result in

higher unbalanced surface charge, which in turn

may cause greater sorption of contaminants.

• Such circumstances influence remedial processes

and waste leaching conditions.

Specific Surface

Mineral Specific Surface (m2/g)

Quartz 0.14

Gibbsite 120

Hematite 1.8Hematite 1.8

Kaolinite 10-38

Illite 65-100

Montmorillonite 600-800

Case Study – Construction of Landfill

Importance of engineering properties of wasteImportance of engineering properties of waste

Ohio Landfill slope failure

10/22/2011 44

10/22/2011 46


The primary concern in the design and operation of thisfacility are:

• The liner system must restrict the escape of leachate to

acceptable limits through a combination of an effective

leachate collection and removal system.

The primary concern in the design and operation of thisfacility are:

• The liner system must restrict the escape of leachate to

acceptable limits through a combination of an effective

leachate collection and removal system.leachate collection and removal system.

• To assure proper performance over the long life of a waste

landfill requires that there be chemical, biological, and

mechanical compatibility between several components.

• The leachate collection and containment function requires

application of hydraulic conductivity, seepage and drainage

principles.

leachate collection and removal system.

• To assure proper performance over the long life of a waste

landfill requires that there be chemical, biological, and

mechanical compatibility between several components.

• The leachate collection and containment function requires

application of hydraulic conductivity, seepage and drainage

principles.


• Liner system used for the containment and removal of

landfill leachate may contain geosynthetics interfaces with

vey low strengths. e.g., friction angle of 8 degrees or less.

• Compacted clay (or compacted amended soil) layer has a

coefficient of permeability of 10-7 cm/sec (10-9 m/sec) or

less; is devoid of clods and shrinkage cracks; and achieves

• Liner system used for the containment and removal of

landfill leachate may contain geosynthetics interfaces with

vey low strengths. e.g., friction angle of 8 degrees or less.

• Compacted clay (or compacted amended soil) layer has a

coefficient of permeability of 10-7 cm/sec (10-9 m/sec) or

less; is devoid of clods and shrinkage cracks; and achievesless; is devoid of clods and shrinkage cracks; and achieves

the desired strength.

• the geomembranes is laid in intimate contact with the

compacted clay/compacted amended soil layer; is properly

joined/welded at the seams; and is not puncture by

construction vehicles/tools

less; is devoid of clods and shrinkage cracks; and achieves

the desired strength.

• the geomembranes is laid in intimate contact with the

compacted clay/compacted amended soil layer; is properly

joined/welded at the seams; and is not puncture by

construction vehicles/tools


• The leachate collection layer has a coefficient

of permeability of 10-2 cm/sec (10-4 m/sec) or

more and does not become clogged by

• The leachate collection layer has a coefficient

of permeability of 10-2 cm/sec (10-4 m/sec) or

more and does not become clogged by

intermixing or migration of fine particles.

• Compacted clay and the interface between a

HDPE geomembrane may have a very low

shearing resistance.

intermixing or migration of fine particles.

• Compacted clay and the interface between a

HDPE geomembrane may have a very low

shearing resistance.


• Testing of proposed clay liner material for

compliance with the specified requirements.

Should satisfy liner requirements– Hydraulic conductivity < 10-7 cm/s

– Particle size

• Testing of proposed clay liner material for

compliance with the specified requirements.

Should satisfy liner requirements– Hydraulic conductivity < 10-7 cm/s

– Particle size – Particle size • Percent Fines ≥ 50 %;

• Clay Content ≥ 20 %;

• Sand Content ≤ 45 %;

– Plasticity index >10% and <65%

– Liquid limit ≥ 30

– Maximum particle size of 75mm

– Particle size • Percent Fines ≥ 50 %;

• Clay Content ≥ 20 %;

• Sand Content ≤ 45 %;

– Plasticity index >10% and <65%

– Liquid limit ≥ 30

– Maximum particle size of 75mm


Testing Frequency Test Method

Moisture content & Density

(sand cone/core cutter)*

5 tests/acre/lift or

12 tests/hectare/lift or

1 test /100 feet grid/lift or

3 test/100 m grid/lift or

3 test/day minimum

ASTM /BIS

In-situ permeability testing** 1 test/acre/lift or 10,000 yd3 or 3 tests

minimum per liner/cover

ASTM/BIS

Thickness 5 tests/acre/lift (12 tests/hectare/lift) or

1 test/100 feet grid/lift (3 test/100m grid/lift)

Surveying or

direct measure

Undisturbed core sample for

moisture, Atterberg limit,

permeability, grain size

1 test/acre/lift or 2 test/hectare/lift ASTM/BIS


QualityAssurance Testing Program

Laboratory Testing

Initial Characterization of

liner material

Periodic laboratory testing of liner

material

Field Testing

Field Permeability

Density Geosynthetic quality

control test


Construction mode Stage Procedures

Testing of proposed granual fill material

for compliance with the specified

requirements. *Sampling frequency 1

per 2,000 m3

Prior to

construction

• Grain Size (ASTM D-422/BIS )

• Hydraulic Conductivity (ASTM D-

2434/BIS)

• LA Abrasion test (ASTM C33)

Testing and certifying the proposed Should satisfy requirementsTesting and certifying the proposed

granular fill

Prior to

construction

Should satisfy requirements

• Hydraulic conductivity > 10-2

cm/s

• Particle size

o Passing 9.5 mm sieve – 100%

o Passing 425 micron sieve ≤

10%

→ Passing 75 micron sieve < 5%

Sand Content ≤ 45 %


Construction mode Stage Procedures

Material being placed is proper density

(loose state) to meet the specified

requirements

During

constructionPeriodic visual inspection in the

field.

Finished granual fill surface should be

checked

During

construction

Periodic visual inspection in the

field by engineer in charge.checked construction field by engineer in charge.

Any doubts??Any doubts??

Further comments ??Further comments ??

Unanswered questions ??Unanswered questions ??

Unresolved issuesUnresolved issues

geoenvironmental engg

Engineering

special testing

geoenvironmental application

oonn tthheessee tteessttiinngg

water resource structures

composition of wastes

pollutants travel

significant role

earth dams