Geotechnical Characterization Methodology of Water Treatment Sludge for Production of Liner Material

Clayey soils and geosynthetic materials are used as low hydraulic conductivity layers and environmental protection barriers in civil engineering works for storing wastes as covering and bottom impermeabilization layer structures, known as liners. Future shortage of clay materials and geosynthetic’s high costs are usual problems, aligned with the need of prevention of environmental impacts associated to wastes by industry infiltrating into groundwater, sustainable solutions are needed. The reuse of industrial waste materials follows directives of the circular economy when this application is expected to reduce construction costs, help preserve natural resources, reduce the use of synthetic materials, reuse industrial waste materials, and contribute to sustainability. Water treatment sludges (WTS) are generated by water treatment plants mainly from periodic washing of the sedimentation tanks and filters and seems to be suitable for a geomaterial replacement. To make it feasible, the most significant factors that need more investigations are index properties, physical and mechanical behavior, chemical compaction and resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and leaching potential. A methodology for different ratios of WTS, soil, and with or without additive needing, along with a laboratorial analysis of water treatment sludge sample were proposed to ensure the expected results and parameters for liner alternative material.