Modelling deformation and strains induced by waste settlement in a centrifuge test

Abstract

A numerical model to estimate the tensile strains (loads) of the geomembrane liner in the waste containment facility due to waste settlement is presented. A centrifuge test of the geomembrane-lined landfill is used to validate the numerical model. The calculated surface settlement at the centre of the landfill and the geomembrane tensile strains on intermediate benches are generally in good agreement with the measured data. Parametric analyses associated with foundation shear strength as well as interface shear strength and stiffness are performed. The influence of geometric nonlinearity on the geomembrane tensile strains is also examined. The numerical analyses indicate that the maximum geomembrane tensile strain occurs at the crest of the side slope near the intermediate bench for the cases and conditions examined. The lessons learned are likely to be useful to landfill design engineers using numerical models to aid in the design of the geosynthetic liner system for the waste containment facilities.