Question

Describe what is capillary barrier and explain the mechanisms behind capillary barriers for solid waste disposal.

Answer 1

Capillary barriers are a new type of system which is developed by the time which is potentially used as sealing system in solid waste landfill and remediation sites which have steep slopes.

Mechanism behind capillary barriers:

A capillary barrier consists of two sloping layers. Fine-grained sand overlying a coarse-grained layer. The capillary barrier is an innovative fact, that work when layer of fine sand has become highly saturated with water from above. Capillary force counteract the power of gravity and prevent the water in the capillary layer from seeping down into capillary block. Instead, the water is held just above the interface between the two layers and runs off laterally into a ditch containing a drain at the foot of the slope.