Design and construction guidance for composite geomembrane/clay barrier systems

At landfills and industrial waste containment facilities, synthetic polymer membranes (known as geomembranes) are placed along the bottom and sides of the containment cell to prevent leakage of contaminants to the environment. These geomembranes are subject to large loads from the overlying waste, resulting in bulging of the geomembrane due to the overlying particles. By adding a protection layer between the waste and the geomembrane, the deformations in the geomembrane can be limited and failure can be prevented. However, the degree of deformation may be highly dependent on the stiffness of the soil below the geomembrane. The goal of the research is to provide industry with a better understanding and design guidance to minimize the failure of geomembranes and prevent leakage from waste containment facilities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Fleming

Student:

Partner:

1219146 Alberta Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: