Geotechnical Analysis of Some Industrial Sludges

The application of soil mechanics principles to the study of waste engineering behaviour involves an awareness of the similarities and differences between such material and soil. A suitable waste classification system is needed in order to standardize test procedures and assess the significance of the results. Since density is the most important waste property governing its overall behaviour, compaction procedures are important for the successful operation of a landfill from both a technical and an economical point of view. A traditional soil mechanics approach to waste investigation is presented in this paper, which emphasizes the necessity of adapting and integrating the usual geotechnical tools, also with the aid of a comprehensive performance monitoring program.