Bearing capacity of hydrated geosynthetic clay liners

Concern has been expressed about the bearing capacity of hydrated geosynthetic clay liners (CGLs), with respect to the possibility of the various products decreasing in thickness and thereby sacrificing their low as-manufactured hydraulic conductivity properties. This experimental study shows that, with adequate cover soil placement before loads are applied, this possibility can be avoided. Traditional design of the cover soil thickness with respect to anticipated loadings, followed by proper installation procedures, should be followed when utilizing GCLs.