Performance Reliability of Landfill Lining Systems
Gilbert, Robert Bruce
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/72205
Description
Title
Performance Reliability of Landfill Lining Systems
Author(s)
Gilbert, Robert Bruce
Issue Date
1993
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Tang, Wilson H.
Department of Study
Civil Engineering
Discipline
Civil Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Geotechnology
Engineering, Civil
Engineering, Sanitary and Municipal
Abstract
The disposal of waste is a critical component in the infrastructure. Landfill facilities are one of the most commonly used means of managing waste. Landfills are equipped with lining systems to minimize the rate of leakage from the facility to the surrounding soils and groundwater. The objectives of this thesis are (1) to evaluate the performance reliability of existing lining systems and (2) to develop a methodology for enhancing the reliability through design, construction and operation of the facility. First, a numerical finite difference model is developed to simulate flow conditions within the lining system, and thus predict performance. This model is capable of simulating lining systems with complex configurations under transient flow conditions. Second, probabilistic procedures are developed for estimating the statistics of as-built lining system properties. Application of these procedures to case study lining systems demonstrates that the property statistics vary substantially among different landfill cells. In addition, a dominant source of uncertainty is related to using indirect measurements to estimate the as-built properties. Third, field performance results are analyzed and compared with predicted performance results for 16 case study lining systems to assess model bias and error. Finally, a reliability based approach is presented for designing new landfill lining systems. This approach incorporates uncertainties in the lining system performance through a probabilistic formulation. It provides a consistent measure of performance both for the lining system and for the individual components that comprise the system. Critical design factors can be identified, controlled through construction quality assurance, and monitored through operation of the facility. In this way, an optimal landfill lining system design will result which is technically sound, cost effective, and defensible.
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