Performance of Geosynthetic Clay Liner with Polymerized Bentonite in Highly Acidic or Alkaline Solutions

The hydraulic behavior of a polymerized bentonite (PB) and the self-healing capacity of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) using the PB as core material (PB-GCL) in corrosive solutions (pH ranging from 1 to 13) were investigated through a series of laboratory tests [i.e., free swelling index, swelling pressure, permeability (k) (consolidation), and leakage rate tests]. The test results indicate that the PB had a higher swelling capacity than that of the corresponding untreated bentonite (UB). Particularly, for pH greater than 12.5 solutions, PB had a higher free swelling index (FSI), higher swelling pressure, and lower k value than that of the PB with deionized water. PB-GCL with a damage hole had lower permittivity for the damage hole (ψ_hole) and a higher self-healing capacity than that of the GCL using UB as the core (UB-GCL). Based on the test results, it is suggested that PB-GCL can be used as an effective barrier material to contain acidic and alkaline liquids.