Landfill Berm Using Encapsulated Contaminated Fill
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of containment berms to increase landfill capacity is expensive due to the need for high-cost, tightly specified materials, and existing methods do not provide an environmentally sound and regulatory-compliant solution for utilizing contaminated materials like FFCPs and soils.
Innovation Solution
The use of contaminated fill materials such as FFCPs and non-hazardous soils, encapsulated by an impermeable geomembrane, along with a drainage system and liner portions, to construct berms that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional reinforced berms are constructed using structural fill material with reinforcing members, then the desired vertical height can be achieved in limited space, but the construction cost becomes prohibitive due to tight material specifications and reinforcement costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by allowing contaminated fill materials (such as FFCPs and non-hazardous soils) to be used instead of requiring clean structural fill material with tight specifications. This parameter change maintains the structural integrity needed for vertical height while dramatically reducing material costs and availability constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an impermeable membrane as an intermediary barrier between the contaminated fill material and the environment. This membrane allows the use of low-cost contaminated materials while preventing contaminant migration, thus resolving the contradiction between using cheap materials and meeting environmental requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If contaminated fill materials are used to reduce construction costs, then economic viability improves, but environmental soundness and regulatory compliance become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The impermeable membrane serves as a mediator that separates the contaminated fill material from the surrounding environment. This allows contaminated materials to be used economically while the membrane prevents harmful factors (contaminants) from affecting the environment, thus resolving the contradiction between cost and environmental safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film impermeable membranes (geomembranes) to encapsulate or line the berm structure. These flexible films provide effective containment of contaminated materials at minimal cost, enabling the use of low-cost contaminated fill while ensuring environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
3Productivity
If landfill capacity is expanded vertically using conventional berms, then land use efficiency improves, but the requirement for high-specification materials increases construction complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material specification parameters from strict clean fill requirements to accepted contaminated fill materials. This parameter relaxation reduces construction complexity and material handling requirements while still achieving the goal of vertical landfill capacity expansion through the use of impermeable membranes for containment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the economical expansion of landfill capacity while safely managing contaminated materials, reducing disposal costs and environmental risks, and meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
The berm may further comprise a drainage system within the impermeable membrane, the drainage system comprising a perforated pipe surrounded by a granular fill material
Data Source
AI summary
A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises fill material and a covering portion. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The fill material has a base, an inner sloped surface adjacent a future accumulation of waste, and an outer sloped surface opposite the inner sloped surface. The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. The covering portion comprises structural fill material and at least partially covers the fill material. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill, and portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.