Assessing the stability of slopes in municipal solid waste landfills

In this investigation, we focused on geotechnical aspects concerning the static and dynamic slope stability analyses for a landfill during the final stages of construction under worst-case conditions. To ensure accuracy, we accounted for varying mechanical and physical characteristics of the buried wastes at different depths, which were determined through a combination of field investigation and literature data. For the dynamic analysis, we employed a Newark-type approach to calculate the permanent displacement of the buried wastes when subjected to a critical artificial earthquake. Subsequently, Newmark analyses were conducted to evaluate the sliding potential of the landfill cover and the critical wedge, enabling us to assess the yield acceleration and time history of permanent displacements. The comprehensive analysis outcomes have been instrumental in evaluating the landfill's overall static and seismic stability and assessing the adequacy of the design slopes. The study’s findings hold significant implications for ensuring the landfill’s safety and appropriateness under critical loading conditions.