Study on the effect of Philippine bentonite as filler on the permeability of geosynthetic clay liners
Abstract
Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) is a liner used in sanitary landfill and in various civil engineering applications. Philippine bentonite, chemically modified with sodium carbonate, was used in developing GCL. The high swelling capacity of bentonite makes it a potential filler in GCL. This study will determine the effect of local bentonite as filler on the permeability and structure of the GCL. The Falling Head Permeability Test was used to determine the permeability of GCL and the microstructures were observed using optical microscopy. Results show very low permeability of the developed liner using sodium activated local bentonite as filler. A linear relationship of permeability against the increase clay loading was observed. The extent of clay impregnation in the polyester matrix was a function of soaking time and density of the polyester fiber.