Dissertation
Performance evaluation of geotextile filters used in leachate collection systems of solid waste landfills
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
1993
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009205
Abstract
This dissertation focuses on establishing a new methodology to aid in the design of geotextile filters used in landfill leachate collection systems. A global factor of safety equation has been developed and is defined as follows: Factor of Safety (FS) = k_allowable / (k_required * DCF) where; k_allowable = allowable permeability as per a test method; k_required = required permeability as per as computer model; DCF = Drain Correction Factor as per geometric calculations. The dissertation consists of several component parts which focus on substantiating the global factor of safety equation. The dissertation initially investigates the problems of leachate filter clogging by exhuming four leachate collections systems in the eastern part of the United States. These four field sites give insight into the problem of leachate collection filter clogging and ultimately will be used to validate the newly proposed global factor of safety equation. The dissertation then discusses a laboratory investigation from which the value of k_allowable is established for twelve different commercially available filters. The dissertation then proceeds to develop a design nomograph from which values of k_required can be obtained. The design nomograph is developed from a parametric investigation of the HELP (Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance) computer code. Finally, the influence of drain geometry is openly discussed and a Drain Correction Factor (DCF) is defined. In summary, all of the component parts of the dissertation are brought together in one concluding design implication chapter. In so doing, the predicted performance of the four field exhumed sites are counterpointed against their actual field performance. Therefore, the global factor of safety equation is substantiated and appears to have merit in aiding a designer in the selection of filters used in leachate collection systems of solid waste landfills.
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Details
- Title
- Performance evaluation of geotextile filters used in leachate collection systems of solid waste landfills
- Creators
- George R. Koerner
- Contributors
- Joseph Paul Martin (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xiii, 219 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021888789804721