Geosynthetic clay liner with aquiclude
August 1st, 2022
Q: We are trying to design and construct an aquiclude with a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). Do you have any experience with this application where a GCL has been used as the impervious barrier between a flowing stream and the underlain geologic formation? A: I have not heard of a GCL being used alone in […]
Stacking GCL rolls
June 1st, 2022
Q: I have a question regarding the storage and handling of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) rolls. The manufacturer allows stacking up to five GCL rolls. Is this okay? A: The answer depends on the subgrade under the stacked GCL rolls and the equipment you are using to handle the rolls. In a manufacturing plant, with […]
Impregnation of GCLs
April 1st, 2022
Q: We are confused with the term “impregnation” as it relates to seaming geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). There are two types of impregnations: (1) Edge impregnation, and (2) complete nonwoven (cap layer) impregnation of GCLs. How does a manufacturer do this? A: The edge impregnation of GCLs (1) is done in the field by an […]
GCL-GM geocomposite: Which end is up?
April 1st, 2022
Q: In a geosynthetic clay liner-geomembrane (GCL-GM) geocomposite, does it make any difference which side of the geocomposite is up: GM or clay? A: This is a very detailed question that is application specific. The following design details all need to be considered: Is the GCL-GM geocomposite used for a liner or a cover, is […]
Geosynthetics for Alaska landfill closure
February 23rd, 2022
Solmax provides a combination of geosynthetics for Alaska landfill closure project with multiple geotechnical challenges. Installation of geosynthetics at the Homer Solid Waste Facility landfill in Alaska. Photograph courtesy of Solmax Kenai Peninsula Borough in southern Alaska needed to complete phase two of a landfill-closure project at its Homer (Alaska) Solid Waste Facility. This involved […]
Reinforced levees to induce seepage path around geogrid layers?
February 1st, 2022
FIGURE 1 Reinforced levee expansion over existing dike using geosynthetics The Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) has been asked many times regarding several applications for different styles of geogrids if reinforced levees will induce a seepage path adjacent to and around geosynthetic layers. At this point, GSI has no case histories where it can quantify such behavior […]
Geosynthetic capping sealing system rehabilitates the Croatian Osojnica landfill
December 16th, 2021
The landfill will become a green hill that blends perfectly into the landscape of the idyllic coastal region. Installation of the geosynthetic capping sealing system inside the gabion wall. Photograph courtesy of Naue GmbH & Co. KG The Croatian municipality of Matulji is an idyllic seaside resort on Kvarner Bay in northwestern Croatia, 8 miles […]
Geocomposite lines Anchorage Regional Landfill expansion project
December 13th, 2021
Photograph courtesy Solmax In 2020, the Solid Waste Services department (SWS) of Anchorage, Alaska, expanded the Anchorage Regional Landfill’s capacity by adding a new cell 9 and tying it to several existing cells in close proximity. Alaska Aggregate Products LLC (AAP) was awarded the geosynthetics and piping contract, and AAP chose Solmax to supply all […]
Residual strength of a geosynthetic clay liner
October 1st, 2021
Q: I was wondering if I could get some input about the residual strength of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). We have lab results where it is “flatlining” for the residual case (Figures 1 and 2, and Tables 2–4). The GCL is proposed for use in a landfill cell with ultimately a maximum of 98 […]
Using bentonite-polymer composite geosynthetic clay liners to contain CCR leachates
October 1st, 2021
FIGURE 1 To tackle tough leachates and shield the environment from hazardous byproducts created by a coal ash site such as this, a GCL is being installed for advanced protection. (Photograph courtesy of CETCO) Coal combustion residuals (CCRs) are the byproducts from combustion in coal-fired boilers that are disposed in lined landfills when they cannot […]