CBR Value of Solid Waste

[dpduffy]

I am looking at designing a bituminous concrete paved roadway across 6 to 12 feet of old MSW. I anticipate the need for geogrid reinforcment of the subbase. How much I need will of course depend on the geotechnical characteristics of the underlying waste.

So can anyone let me know if there have been any design standard values established for the CBR of "typical" municipal solid waste? Granted MSW is heterogenous, but other geotechnical design values have been established by common practice.

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

I would say that it is not possible to establish a "typical" value for MSW. The variability of the material would make it impossible to predict what the CBR should be. I would suggest that if possible you remove the upper portion of the MSW and replace it with light weight reinforced fill. Another approach would be to make an economic determination of how much reinforcement you can add, add it and treat the expected failures as maintence items.

Hope that helps.

 

[agengineer1]

In my experience, building on MSW of any kind has been a failure in the long term, developing excessive waviness over a period of years. Obviously, it is diificult to characterize bearing strengths of MSW. In fact, I've seen some roadways repaired to correct this problem only to develop it again in the same spots. Specifically, I would contact the City of Columbus (ohio) Engineering Dept. and ask them about Olentangy River Road at Goodale St., a notorious spot for the problems described above.

 

[KRSServices]

I concur with agengineer. Although economies of scale have to be considered, it may be better served, in terms of long term life of the road, to remove the landfill compose and replace with a structural fill more suitable as subgrade. A (perf. pipe) subdrain system installed will also ensure that minimal moisture contamination will not deteriorate the subgrade stability. Geogrid in combination with a geotextile will reduce the depth of fill necessary. KRS Services

http://www.krs-services.com