Hydraulic conductivity variation in compacted bentonite–fly ash mixes under constant-volume and free-swelling flow conditions
Chandra Bhanu Gupt, Sanandam Bordoloi, Metta Niranjan Bhatlu, S. Sreedeep
Abstract
Compacted bentonite–sand (B–S) and bentonite–fly ash (B–FA) are established combinations for the construction of landfill liners. This study determined the upper and lower bounds of equilibrium hydraulic conductivity (k eq ) of amended B under extended duration of flow. The k eq for constant-volume flow condition differed from free-swelling condition by more than two orders of magnitude due to the difference in geomaterial interaction, microstructural changes, and mineralization. Considering constant-volume and free-swelling condition, B–FA mix with class F and class C fulfilled the hydraulic conductivity criterion up to 70% and 30% amendment, respectively. The higher k eq observed for the B mixed with class C FA was attributed to the formation of porous calcium aluminium silicate hydrate gel and ettringite needle type minerals. The time taken to achieve equilibrium was inversely related to k eq by a power relationship. The data from this study were used to propose empirical relationships for estimating k eq (long-term) based on k obtained at 48 hours (short-term), plasticity and geomaterial type. The study reveals that FA can be used as an alternate for S as amendment material, and k eq based on free-swelling condition should be used for designing the liner.