A systems approach to geosynthetic liners

In recent years geosynthetic materials have emerged as versatile and effective tools for the control of ground water contamination as a result of mining and waste management activity. Geomembranes have been the major focus but geotextiles and other geosynthetics have contributed greatly to the development of a systems approach to exploiting the capacity of these new materials to act interactively with traditional materials. This paper focuses on recent developments in geosynthetic liner and capping systems for waste disposal in landfills and similar waste containment facilities, particularly the regulation driven development in the USA and the use of clay soil and geosynthetic composites. It describes some recent new developments in materials and composites and seeks to provide guidance for a functional approach to material selection.