Measurement of static and dynamic properties of municipal solid waste at Mavallipura landfill site, India

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills have been widely constructed around the world for proper dispose of MSW. Geotechnical properties of MSW are difficult to determine because the heterogeneity, wide variation in particle size distribution and time dependent degradation. Knowledge of geotechnical properties of MSW is essential for the design and operation of landfills. Geotechnical properties of the MSW from landfills is very limited. The design of MSW landfills requires the selection of representative MSW material properties. Static and dynamic properties of emplaced MSW from landfill sites at Bangalore, India are evaluated. A comprehensive field and laboratory studies are conducted on MSW disposed at Mavallipura landfills that are in operation for about 12 years. Laboratory studies included: waste composition, water content, hydraulic conductivity, shear behavior for evaluation of static MSW properties. Field measurements included: cyclic plate load test and geophysical testing (multichannel analysis of surface waves) to assess the dynamic MSW properties at landfill site. Also, results obtained from cyclic plate load test is compared with numerical simulation like PLAXIS 2D. In additional, this paper presents a method for extrapolation of Vs 30 for MSW site where subsurface data does not extend to a depth of 30 m. Based on the detailed field and laboratory test data, characterization of the small strain shear modulus and the shear wave velocity of MSW is an integral component of various seismic analyses, including site classification, analysis seismic response of landfill. The results in this study will provide guidance in the design and operation of the landfills in India.