ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Many simulations of infiltration are based on the assumption of homogeneous soil water characteristics, which in many cases will not be accurate. In the case of a compacted natural clay landfill liner or cap, variations are inevitable and may have a significant effect on its performance. Using a combination of numerical and laboratory work the influence of spatial variation of soil properties on infiltration has been investigated. A finite difference model, using the Richards equation, has been used to simulate infiltration into layered soils. This has been compared to laboratory infiltration experiments into layered samples. A two-step stochastic methodology has also been developed to assess the influence of variations in initial moisture content and permeability on infiltration.
