Prototype Modeling of GCL Hydration and Shrinkage under SimulatedField Conditions

摘要

Large scale experimental model was designed to investigate the effect of simulated daily thermal cycles on transientrnsuctions for geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) and identify the relationship between initial hydration and subsequentrnshrinkage. The model container was constructed using rectangular boxes of Plywood, after trying many differentrnmaterials and configurations. The model set up includes a soil box with dimensions of 600 × 400 × 500 mm, which wasrnplaced inside an insulated external box of 1050 × 800 × 600 mm. Rubber membranes were stretched inside the soil boxrnto prevent leakage of water from the container. The soil container was filled with silty sand at a specified moisturerncontent of 17% above which the GCL was placed. Insulation was placed between the two boxes to prevent the heat loss.rnA heater blanket system was used to apply heat to the surface and the associated changes to water content andrntemperature were monitored. Soil temperature and moisture content were monitored with depth using TDR system, therntemperature and relative humidity of the air space were monitored using RH sensors, and the GCL deformations werernmonitored using high resolution photography.