CEE Seminar Series: Bentonite-based barriers for environmental protection: challenges and recent advancements

The recording for this seminar is now available.

Abstract: Engineered clay barriers are used globally to protect communities and their water resources from pollutants from industrial, municipal, and radioactive wastes. Bentonite, a high-swelling clay, is used in a wide range of engineered containment barriers, including compacted liners with bentonite-amended natural soils, manufactured geosynthetic clay liners, bentonite buffers for nuclear waste disposal, and soil-bentonite vertical cutoff walls. As demands on groundwater supply continue to increase, sustained performance of these protective bentonite barriers over time within complex and evolving geoenvironments will be critical to preserving water quality and human health. Current challenges surrounding longevity and resiliency of bentonite-based barriers will be presented along with associated recent research advancements. Specific focus is given to the role of coupled phenomena and diffusion in long-term barrier efficacy, and the use of enhanced bentonites for sustained hydraulic containment. Research advancements in both areas lead to improved design of engineered containment barriers and, thus, long-term protection of people and environment. 

Biography: Kristin Sample-Lord is an assistant professor of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Villanova University. She received her master's and doctoral degrees in civil and environmental engineering from Colorado State University. Her current experimental research programs focus on geoenvironmental containment barriers and geotechnical aspects of green stormwater infrastructure.

Additional Information:

Registration is required prior to the event.