Hydraulic behaviour of geosynthetic clay liners under polar climate conditions

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are extensively used as a hydraulic barrier in waste containment facilities. Recently its application has been extended to Casey Station, in the Australian Antarctic Territory. The harsh conditions imposed in Casey Station (e.g. freezing temperature, freeze-thaw cycles, subsoil variability, etc.) can diminish the performance of GCLs as effective hydraulic barrier. This thesis experimentally/numerically investigated the GCL hydraulic behaviour under the influence of factors prevailing at Casey Station. Additionally, the ice formation/thawing process occurring in frozen GCLs was extensively studied. The results herein obtained are presented with recommendations for GCL applications in circumpolar regions.