Syllabus
2014-2015 Fall Semester
CE 561
Topics in Environmental Geotechnology
Instructor: Prof.Dr.Erdal Çokça
Lecture Hours: Tuesday 14:40 -17:30
Room : TH1
Course Grade Distribution
- 2 Midterm Exams (~50%)
- 1 Home work (~15%)
- 1 Final Exam (~35%)
Text Book: Geotechnology of Waste Management, 2nd Edition, Issa S. Oweis and Raj P. Khera
Reference books: Optional reference texts that you may want to consult are:
Koerner, R.M. (2005). Designing with Geosynthetics. Fifth Edition.
Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2005.
Daniel, D.E. (1993). Geotechnical Practice for Waste Disposal. Chapman
and Hall, London
Course Description:
This course will focus on geotechnical aspects in the disposal of waste materials. Disposal of waste generated by people and industrial processes is an important issue. If this waste is not managed in a safe and reliable manner, then human health and the environment are at risk. Waste containment facilities (or landfills) are one of the most commonly used means for waste disposal. In addition, there are older sites where waste was not disposed safely and it has contaminated soil and groundwater.
We will explore material properties, technical principles, and practical issues related to the design and operation of landfills. Many of the topics that are discussed in this course are relevant to other fields of geotechnical engineering. A detailed outline of course topics is attached. We will rely primarily on lectures to understand the following subjects:
Forms of Waste, Index Properties, Clay Minerals, Compressibility and Settlement, Shear Strength, Hydraulic Properties, Site Investigation, Site Selection, Ground Modification and Compaction, Liners, Leachate Generation and Collection, Caps, Foundation and Slope Stability, Gas Management.
Course Outline
Introduction to waste disposal field
Regulations
Landfill Components and Functions
Materials in Waste Containment Systems
Constituents of Hazardous and Solid Waste
Physical and Chemical Characteristics (Index Properties, Strength,
Decomposition)
Soils
Soil Types and Functions
Clay Mineralogy
Soil-Water-Electrolyte Interactions and Chemical Effects on Soil Properties
Geosynthetics
Geosynthetic Types and Functions
Flow through Landfill Liners
Single phase flow
Advection/diffusion of contaminants with retardation
Liner Systems
Compacted clay liners
Composite liners
Drainage Systems
Cover Systems
Water balance
Landfill Stability
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the important characteristics of the waste containment, the responsibilities of a geotechnical engineer in this field
Understand the difference between hazardous and solid waste
Evaluate the impact of contaminants on the properties of soils
Analyze flow through soils
Partition mass of contaminants into water-solid phase
Develop a compaction procedure for a clay liner
Check the compaction quality using field tests
Basics of leak detection and seam testing
Interpret hydraulic performance of alternative landfill covers
Evaluate the suitability of different testing approaches for interface strength
Analyze the stability of a landfill liner and cover
Course Schedule
I will occasionally have to miss a class to addend conferences and other professional activities. It is vital that you check your e-mail frequently for updates to the course schedule and other pertinent information. Students will be asked for a convenient time to make up these lectures.
Exams
Exams will consist of a mixture between discussion and technical questions to evaluate your comprehension of the material. “formulas” will be provided on the exams, design charts and similar materials will be given when needed. In addition, you should bring a straight edge and calculator to the exams.
Attendance
Students must attend minimum seventy percent (70%) of total class hours.