Design Parameters and Possible Soil Deformation in Landfill Areas

Like all civil engineering projects, landfill construction projects have fundamental requirements related to strength, safety and economic concerns. There are precautions that must be taken in the planning period of a sanitary landfill project, at every step of the construction and after the completion of waste deposition at the site. The objective is to provide long term stability, environmental protection, ensure regulatory compliance and achieve cost effective utilization of manpower, equipment and space. This paper discusses the criteria for site selection, possible soil problems and their effects on safety and necessary precautions. Studies have shown that the major possible soil deformation modes are landfall, overturn, sliding, lateral deformation and outflow.