MADISON, Wis.—Composite liner systems in landfills effectively limit groundwater contamination from leachate that contains compounds such as heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
Drawing on a 50-year history of evolving and improving performance in liner systems—including new materials, advancing science, and improved construction quality assurance—James Tinjum, PE, PhD, F.ASCE, in association with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Engineering, provides this white paper to:
- Develop and convey the contributing functions of a composite liner system.
- Identify key factors that affect leakage of contaminants through a liner system.
- Properly consider performance-based design in lieu of specification-based designs.
- Showcase ongoing landfill research at the UW-Madison Environmental Geotechnics Group.