Measuring the swelling of clay liners in the U.N.B. mini centrifuge

Abstract

It is important to determine the swelling potential of compacted clay liners. Swelling of a clay liner will result in an increased permeability and a reduction in performance. Unexpected groundwater contamination could occur if the increase in permeability is significant. The U.N.B. mini centrifuge was used to measure the swelling potential of different clay liners. Soil-bentonite and bentonite liners were tested. Four tests series consisting of six test each, were performed according to the "modeling of models" principle. The testing methodology used in each test series is described. Results indicate that the modeling of models was successful only in the tests performed at higher gravitational forces on small models. Model size effects are described and are used to explain the tests failures at lower accelerations.