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A linear graphical method to predict the effect of compaction on the hydraulic conductivity of clay liners and covers

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Abstract

It is proposed to present compaction relationships by plotting the inverse of the dry density versus the molding water content. In the proposed graph, the curves for equal degree of saturation become straight lines. The proposed new graph is shown to be very convenient to assess the saturated hydraulic conductivity, k sat, of non-swelling compacted clay, using a dual porosity model. The value of k sat depends on the secondary porosity between clay clods. The equation developed for equal k sat value appears also as a straight line in the proposed graph. It facilitates the prediction of k sat from field compaction data and thus the prediction of field performance of clay liners and covers.

Résumé

Pour présenter les relations de compactage, on propose de porter l’inverse de la masse volumique sèche versus la teneur en eau. Dans le graphe proposé, les courbes d’égal degré de saturation deviennent des droites. Le nouveau graphe proposé s’avère très utile pour évaluer la conductivité hydraulique saturée, k sat, d’une argile compactée non gonflante, à partir d’un modèle de double porosité. La valeur de k sat dépend de la porosité secondaire entre les mottes d’argile. L’équation d’iso valeurs de k sat développée apparaît aussi comme une droite dans le graphique proposé. Ceci facilite la prédiction de k sat à partir des données de compactage de chantier, et donc la prédiction de la performance en place des tapis et couvertures en argile.

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Acknowledgments

The research results presented here were sponsored by the National Research Council of Canada. The authors thank Richard Darling for reading and commenting the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique, Succ. CV, P.O. Box 6079, H3C 3A7, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    Robert P. Chapuis, Mamert Mbonimpa, Anne-Marie Dagenais & Michel Aubertin

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  1. Robert P. Chapuis
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  2. Mamert Mbonimpa
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  3. Anne-Marie Dagenais
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  4. Michel Aubertin
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Correspondence to Robert P. Chapuis.

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Chapuis, R.P., Mbonimpa, M., Dagenais, AM. et al. A linear graphical method to predict the effect of compaction on the hydraulic conductivity of clay liners and covers. Bull Eng Geol Environ 65, 93–98 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0031-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0031-0

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