Performance of drainage systems incorporating geosynthetics and their effect on leachate properties

Geosynthetics have been increasingly used in drainage systems of waste disposal areas. This paper presents the performance of four experimental domestic waste cells with drainage systems consisting of sand, gravel, a combination of geotextile and whole tires and a geocomposite for drainage over a period of 5 years. The volumes and variations of physical and chemical characteristics of the leachate with time were assessed. The instrumentation installed in the cells allowed for the measurement of waste settlements and temperature with time. The results obtained show that the type of drainage system may influence some parameters of the leachate but similar behaviours were observed at the end of the monitoring periods. The combination of tires and geotextiles can be a cost-effective drainage solution in regions where traditional materials are scarce or expensive.