Environmental issues in soil mechanics

and foundation areas

K. Shiva Prashanth Kumar

Lecturer in Civil Engineering Department
Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU)
 Burrows
 A burrow is a hole or tunnel
excavated into the ground by
an animal to create a space
suitable for habitation,
temporary refuge, or as a
byproduct of locomotion.
Burrows provide a form of
shelter against predation and
exposure to the elements, so
the burrowing way of life is
quite popular among the
animals.
What is Karst?
Karst is a landscape formed from the
dissolution of soluble rocks including
limestone, dolomite and gypsum. It is
characterized by sinkholes, caves, and
underground drainage systems. Nearly all
surface karst features are formed by
internal drainage, subsidence, and
collapse triggered by the development of
underlying caves (Palmer, 1991).
 Rainwater becomes
acidic as it comes in
contact with carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere
and the soil. As it drains
into fractures in the rock,
the water begins to
dissolve away the rock
creating a network of
passages.
Karst : distinctive landforms due to high
rock solubility, which causes secondary
porosity and subsidence.
Usually in humid regions.
Over time, water flowing through the
network continues to erode and enlarge the
passages; this allows the plumbing system
to transport increasingly larger amounts of
water (Gunn, 2004). This process of
dissolution leads to the development of the
caves, sinkholes, springs, and sinking
streams typical of a karst landscape.
 Karst Topography

 Rocks are dissolved by

water: surface water or
groundwater.

◦ Carbonates, limestone, and

dolostone are dissolved by
acidic water.

◦ Evaporates, rock salt, and

gypsum are dissolved by water.
Sinkholes
 Groundwater dissolves
soluble rock, creating
fractures and caves.

 Dissolvingcontinues to
form larger caves and
fractures.
Karst Topography Summary

 Groundwater level drops, leaving behin

caves, sinkholes disappearing streams
Caves form above, at,
and below the GWT
How Karst forms

Some rocks,
such as
limestone, can
be dissolved by
weakly acidic
water.
Carbon dioxide in air and soil combines
with water to form weak carbonic acid.

Karst 2-3
Water containing carbonic acid can slowly
dissolve limestone, especially along fractures.

Karst 2-4
As fractures enlarge, they can become
caves.

Karst 2-5
Factors affecting Karst
Solubility of Limestone
- percent calcite
Climate
- Temperature and Moisture
Structure of Limestone
- joints, fractures, porosity,
Mineralogy/ lithological content
% clastics, % spar vs micrite vs skeletal
Vegetation/Non-carbonate Geology
- acidity (pH) of groundwater
Atmospheric CO22
- affects solubility of Carbonates
 What is a Landfill?

• Dump – a hole where trash is dumped

• Landfill – a structured place where trash is deposited
 Landfill: Design = Function

Challenges of a Landfill
groundwater contamination from liquids produced in landfill

methane production from anerobic decomposition of trash

incomplete decomposition (newspapers in a landfill have been found to be

up to 100 years old!)

as trash decomposes it compacts and settles caustin landfills to sink

most neighborhoods oppose having a landfill built in their vicinity

Anatomy of a Working Landfill
Daily Cover
At the end of each day, waste is covered with 6-12 inches of soil.
• reduces odors
• keeps litter from blowing away
• deters scavengers/animals/rodents

Waste
Waste is compacted in layers to reduce its volume.

Sand/Gravel Layer
Collects leachate (liquid produced from waste) and funnels it to leachate pip system
below.

Leachate Pipe System

Pipes collect leachate and pump it out of the landfill and to a water treatment plant,
retention pond, or another proper method of disposal.

Geomembrane – Plastic Layer

A thick plastic layer lines the landfills and prevents leachate from entering the
ground. The plastic is made from high-density polyethylene which is tough and
impermeable.

Clay Layer
Compacted Clay is first laid in the landfill space to form a barrier to prevent
leachate leaks to protect the soil and hold the trash in place. Clay is used due to its
moldable and impermeability qualities.
Anatomy of a Closed Landfill

Protective Cover
Cover Vegetation – when landfills are full they are covered
with native grasses and shrubs and used as recreation
areas.

Top Soil & Cover Soil – supports and maintains the growth
of vegetation and protects the landfill cap.

Protective Cover
Geomembrane and Clay – Compacted clay and a thick
plastic layer forms a ‘cap’ that prevents excess precipitation
from entering landfill and prevent the escape of landfill gas.

Soil and Trash Layers of Working Landfill

 A Landfill Cell
The goal of a landfill is to cover it, isolate it, and keep it from
contaminating our air and groundwater.

Tractors Compact Waste to Create Layers in a Landfill Cell

 21
BARRIERS (LINING) AND MONITORING FACILITIES
22
Landfill – Soil Top Layer

At the end of every day, the waste is compacted and a layer of soil
called “daily cover” is spread over it to minimize odor, prevent
windblown litter, and deter insects and vermin.
 Gas Contaminants in a Landfill
Aneorobic decomposition of waste produces Methane gas. The gas must be removed
from the landfill or the landfill cell may become explosive

Methane storage tank Methane Flare

Pipes in the landfill remove the gases which are then…

burned on a Methane Flare
Stored and treated until no longer noxious
Burned and used as energy.
 Thank you
All the best for your
end – term
examinations