Recycled materials in concrete barriers

This paper reports results from a research programme into the use of concrete in the construction of barriers to contain leachate from waste in landfills. The barriers are of composite multi-layer construction with layers of' concrete above and below a clay core. This work is intended to provide a financially attractive alternative to current technologies such as bentonite and high-density polyethylene membranes. A wide range of different materials have been tested for use in the concrete including different slags, ashes, and other industrial by-products. Many of the mixtures do not contain any constituents, which have commercial value. The results indicate that the barriers are durable but the concept of durability must be carefully understood in this context.