Reliability of Inclined Board Test on GCL

Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCLs) are mainly used to provide watertightness for soils. Their principal function is often fulfilled when construction regulations are implemented. However, when these materials are set in an inclined position, the failure of the whole landfill facility becomes a major concern. Slope stability becomes out significant to be verified; otherwise the principal function of watertightness cannot be satisfied. Sliding resistance characteristics of the GCL system can be quantified via the so-called “inclined board” apparatus, then taken into account in a set-in-place operation. This highlights the importance of careful experimentation and representation of interacting parameters. The present study simulates a GCL system failure by means of the inclined board test. The test in question shows some experimental defects. Meanwhile, some experimental aspects directly influencing the results are highlighted. A simple, but efficient, improvement of the apparatus is proposed.