Advancing the Use of Geosynthetic Clay Liners as Barriers

Abstract

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are effective barrier materials for liner and cover systems in waste containment applications. Exposure to non-standard chemical solutions can alter the chemical and mechanical properties of both the bentonite and geotextiles comprising a GCL. Considerable advances in laboratory testing and analysis of GCLs have occurred recently in regard to hydraulic conductivity, the existence and persistence of membrane behavior, and long-term shear strength of GCLs evaluated under stress-controlled conditions. The objective of this paper is to present a synopsis of advances in research related to GCLs that is focused on enhancing knowledge of GCLs used as hydraulic and chemical contaminant barriers.