Effect of the waste pressure on fluid migration through geomembrane defects

Abstract

Composite liners consisting of a geomembrane (GM), with a circular hole, a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) and a compacted clay liner (CCL) were studied through laboratory tests. Flow rates at the interface between the GM and the GCL were measured and the correspondent interface transmissivities were calculated. The tests conducted aimed at studying the influence of the waste pressure on flow rates through composite liners due to defects in the GM. Several confining pressures, ranging from 25 to 200 kPa, were used. Results obtained indicate that, for the range of pressures used, the increase in waste pressure has a slight influence on flow rate and on correspondent interface transmissivity.