Some topics of current practical relevance in environmental geotechnics

Abstract

Environmental Geotechnics has been an established branch of Geotechnical Engineering for about 40 years. The contribution from Brazilian practitioners and researchers is meaningful in the many activities in this field. This paper proposes to discuss three topics of relevance to modern sustainability in Brazil, in which Geotechnicians could have an even greater involvement: expansions in MSW landfills, geotechnical confinement and other geotechnical solutions for remediation of contaminated land, and reuse of wastes as geomaterials. First, important aspects of the environmental protection system recommended for landfill expansions are described through examples, as well as the possibility of immersing geogrids to reinforce the MSW mass and increase storage capacity. Secondly, an industrial-site case study is presented to point out the additional challenges associated with site remediation at an urban region of past industrial land use and the importance of a joint regional investigation and remediation plan. The possibility of benefiting from geotechnical confinement and in situ passive remediation to treat the area also is highlighted. Finally, on the third topic, preparedness to accept working with wastes in geotechnical works is encouraged, and two investigation examples on the reuse of construction and demolition waste and water treatment sludge are presented and discussed.