Mathematical Modelling of Moisture Movement in Geosynthetic Clay Liners

Drying characteristic of clays has been revisited and a mathematical model to predict moisture change has been developed and is presented in this paper. The development of the mathematical model has allowed for the factors controlling the moisture movement within the clay for a range of temperature, relative humidity environments, and varying properties of clay composite. Strong correlations between aforesaid parameter and drying characteristics were observed and are discussed in detail. In addition, an argument is presented for the superiority of the drying-rate test in current laboratory procedures for determining the moisture retention in comparison with moisture extraction under ‘on site’ conditions