Low permeability vertical barriers: The state of the art and the research needs for the future

Abstract

This paper will provide a 50-year perspective on vertical barriers formed from cement-bentonite; soil-bentonite, soil-attapulgite, sand-cement bentonite and plastic concrete. These barriers are commonly referred to as cutoff walls and are regularly used for the control of groundwater and/or the management of contamination. Applications include the water-tight element in dams and levees and the control of groundwater migration at contaminated sites.