Vulnerable Interface Diagram for Translational Stability Analysis of Multilayered Cover System
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19, Issue 12
Abstract
Translational failure of the multilayered cover system (MLCS) is a key issue encountered in waste containment facilities. This study extends the existing force-equilibrium method for analyzing the stability of a uniform cover soil overlying the geosynthetic layer of the MLCS. In the extended analysis, the factor of safety (FoS) is determined at all the interfaces of the MLCS by considering the changes in dimensions of both active and passive wedges contributing to stability. Anticipating the possibility of multiple failure planes, it is important to evaluate the FoS along every interface. The stability of MLCS, influenced by slope configuration, material characteristics, and specific conditions experienced during its life cycle, was studied and the corresponding design curves were developed for a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle C cover system. The stability of different layers under seepage induced by heavy rainfall and earthquake forces was investigated. The study indicates that the changes in passive wedge for different layers of the MLCS have a significant influence on FoS. The possibility of relatively higher compaction of the passive wedge without affecting the functionality of MLCS has been discussed for improved stability. The suggestions for modifications in material characteristics for improved stability of MLCS are reported in this study. The results from this study were used to develop a vulnerable interface diagram (VID) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the most vulnerable interface of MLCS. The extended translational stability analysis and the resulting VID find its application in multilayered soil slopes in reinforced highway/railway embankments, earthen dams, and natural slopes with distinct layers of soils and rocks.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India, for providing financial support for this work via a research project (2013/36/06-BRNS).
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19 • Issue 12 • December 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 6, 2018
Accepted: May 20, 2019
Published online: Oct 12, 2019
Published in print: Dec 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Mar 12, 2020
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