Diffusion Characteristics of Geosynthetic Clay ...

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL) are extensively used to replace clay liners in the waste containments. GCL is made by stitching two layers of geotextile with bentonite as hydraulic barrier between the geo textiles. Many researchers have reported on the diffusion characteristics of metal ions through GCL. Addition or partial replacement of Bentonite in GCL, with industrial wastes such as Flyash, Silicafume, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) make the GCL more economical. These industrial wastes are abundantly available, very fine and their use in GCL is an eco-friendly alternative to reduce their environmental pollution. This paper reports the results of short term laboratory tests of diffusion of chlorine ion through GCL with partially replacing bentonite with flyash. Diffusion coefficient of amended GCL for all replacement levels considered are presented in this reported. Fly replacement levels are varied up to 40% at regular intervals of 5%. The test results indicated that chlorine ion diffusion is reduced for all replacement levels of fly ash. It is concluded that partial replacement of bentonite with fly ash up to 20% is acceptable as diffusion of Chlorine ion increased beyond this replacement level.