Fluid loss as a quick method to evaluate the hydraulic conductivity of geosynthetic clay liners under acidic conditions

This study investigates the performance of bentonite components of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) when exposed to aggressive leachates using the fluid loss test and provides a possible quick method for estimating the effect of acidic conditions on hydraulic conductivity. Fluid loss generally increases with increasing acid concentrations. Hydraulic conductivity values back-calculated from the fluid loss tests (kFL) are compared with the values measured using a flexible-wall permeameter (kTri). Generally, the predicted hydraulic conductivity values are conservative (kFL/kTri > 1) under water and low acid concentrations (≤0.015 mol/L). However, the back-calculated hydraulic conductivity is shown to be nonconservative (kFL/kTri < 1) at high acid concentrations (≥0.125 mol/L).