Geotechnical Study of Oxidative Covering Layers for Sanitary Landfills

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the analysis of the geotechnical behavior of pure soil and mixtures of soil with composted product for use in landfill cover layers. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes laboratory tests for the physical characterization and determination of the properties of the materials used for the oxidative cover layer. To prepare the oxidative layer, it was necessary to mix organic compost with clay soil. The soil was collected from a deposit located near the Muribeca Landfill in Pernambuco. Results and Discussion: The analyses performed allowed a positive assessment of the geotechnical capacity that the mixtures can provide under the condition of landfill cover layers. The mixtures had a small increase in the proportion of coarser granulometry, reducing the plasticity of the material with the addition of the compost, possibly increasing the permeability of the layer. Also, the addition of compost did not cause a great loss in the geotechnical load-bearing capacity of the material. Research Implications: The material studied has shown potential suitability for use in oxidative covering layers for landfills, proving to be a viable alternative for implementation in smaller municipalities with less purchasing power, effectively reducing the need for the use of clayey materials, without compromising the safety of operation and subsequent use of the landfill site. Originality/Value: One of the difficulties encountered by municipalities in the use of landfills is the search for materials suitable for the solution, especially in municipalities with less purchasing power or located in arid regions, where the use of conventional layers presents problems, with drying out and opening of fissures. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the viability of the association of clayey soils with organic compost for the preparation of oxidative covering layers, reducing the pollutant load of organic waste.