Abstract This article proposes a testing device to quickly and reliably estimate the gas permeability of bentonite-based clay barriers used in landfill cover systems. The testing methodology is based on a transient gas flow regime that passes through the barrier, therefore not requiring the use of sophisticated equipment that aim to maintain constant differential pressure and measure the gas flow, common requirements for testing methods under a permanent flow regime. To confirm the feasibility of the proposed technique, tests were performed on a pure hydrated bentonite layer, which subsequently encompassed samples of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) at different moisture contents. Geosynthetic clay liners are often selected as a part of the barrier layer for cover systems in solid waste landfills to prevent infiltration of rainfall and migration of biogas into the atmosphere. The results confirmed the equipment reliability and differentiate the different responses of the gas flow barriers studied, considering their different compositions and different moistures.

This paper presents results describing the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties (melt flow index - MFI and oxidative induction time - OIT) of high density polyethylene and poly (vinyl chloride) after weathering exposure (6, 12, 18, and 30 months). The materials exposed were geomembranes of two thicknesses: 1.0 and 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8 and 2.5 mm (HDPE). The climate parameters (average) obtained were 25 ºC (temperature), 93 mm (precipitation), 66% (relative humidity), and 19 MJ/m².day (intensity of global radiation). Some results showed, for instance, that the behavior of the geomembranes changed after the exposures. A few minor variations in physical properties occurred. The density and thickness, for instance, varied 0.5-1.0% (average) for both the PVC and HDPE geomembranes. The mechanical properties changed as a function of the period of exposure. In general, some decreases were verified by the deformation of PVC. The samples became more rigid. In contrast, HDPE geomembranes became more ductile. Despite the variations in elasticity, some increases in deformability were verified. An MFI test showed some degradation in HDPE geomembranes. OIT tests revealed small values for both intact and exposed samples.

Esse artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo experimental que visa a avaliar o efeito do desgaste superficial sobre as propriedades de atrito de interfaces geossintéticas constituídas por geomembranas. Os ensaios foram realizados em equipamento de plano inclinado e os resultados demonstram as diferentes sensibilidades das interfaces, testadas ao processo de desgaste. Para os tipos particulares de interfaces consideradas no programa experimental, constatou-se que o desgaste superficial pode aumentar, diminuir ou manter as propriedades originais de atrito da interface geossintética, repercutindo, diretamente, sobre a estabilidade desta sob condição de serviço.

This article presents the results of an experimental study which aimed to evaluate the effect of surface wear on the friction properties of geosynthetic interfaces constituted of geomembranes and geospacers. The tests were performed in ramp test device, and the results showed the different sensitivities of the interfaces to the wear process. For the particular types of interfaces considered in the experiment, the surface wear can increase, decrease or maintain the original friction properties of the geosynthetic interface, with direct effects on the stability under service condition.