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Geotechnical evaluation of Ankara clay as a compacted clay liner

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Abstract

This study investigates the geotechnical properties, and mineralogical and permeability characteristics of “Ankara clay” to evaluate its suitability as a compacted clay landfill liner material. The geotechnical index properties of the clayey soil samples collected from the western part of Ankara were determined. All the soil samples were tested for permeability by means of falling head compaction permeameter apparatus. The mineralogy of the soil samples were examined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analyses. The cation exchange capacities of the soil samples were determined by the methylene blue adsorption test in order to determine the presence of swelling clay minerals in the soil samples. The influences of the geotechnical indices and mineralogy of Ankara clay on the hydraulic conductivity were investigated. Several landfill profiles containing various compacted clayey lining systems were simulated by the Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance model. All the soil samples tested led to hydraulic conductivities lower than the suggested regulatory limits (1 × 10−9 m/s) and therefore, are suitable to be utilized as compacted clay liners in potential sanitary landfill sites. Recommendations regarding field construction of the compacted clay liner are provided.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by the Middle East Technical University (METU) Research Fund Project No. AFP-97-03-09-01. Thanks are due to Dr. A. Pırıl Önen-Hall, Mr. Arif Mert Eker, and Mr. Selim Cambazoğlu for their kind assistance in drafting some of the illustrations in this manuscript.

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  1. T.C. Ziraat Bankası Genel Müdürlük, İnsan Kaynakları, Organizasyon Bölüm Başkanlığı, Doğanbey Mh., Atatürk Blv., Ankara, Turkey

    İlker Met

  2. Geotechnology Unit, Department of Geological Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey

    Haluk Akgün

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  1. İlker Met
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  2. Haluk Akgün
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Met, İ., Akgün, H. Geotechnical evaluation of Ankara clay as a compacted clay liner. Environ Earth Sci 74, 2991–3006 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4330-x

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