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Instructor:  Craig H. Benson, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, D.G.E, NAE

Purpose and Background

This webinar explores the application of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) as hydraulic barriers in landfill and waste containment cover systems. The session provides insights into the engineering principles behind GCLs, their advantages over compacted clay barriers, and the factors influencing their long-term performance. Key topics include the chemical interactions affecting GCLs, the impact of wet-dry cycling and freeze-thaw conditions, and strategies to enhance durability. The webinar also presents real-world case studies, highlighting both successes and challenges in GCL applications. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to optimize GCL use in landfill covers through proper design considerations, material selection, and construction practices.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental properties of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and their role as hydraulic barriers in landfill cover systems.
• Explain the chemical and physical factors that influence the long-term performance of GCLs, including wet-dry cycling, freeze-thaw effects, and ion exchange.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of using GCLs compared to traditional compacted clay liners in waste containment applications.
• List key design and construction considerations to optimize GCL performance, including hydration requirements and the use of composite barrier systems.
• Identify potential challenges associated with GCL installations, such as root intrusion and desiccation cracking, and propose strategies to mitigate these risks.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

• Civil engineers
• Geoenvironmental engineers
• Geotechnical engineers
• Geological engineers
• Environmental engineers
• Mining engineers
• Hydrologists involved in landfill design, site remediation, mine waste containment, and low-level radioactive waste containment
• Landfill and containment system designers
• Environmental regulators
• Site owners

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]