Spatial nonhomogenity of dredged materials in confined disposal areas.

During the past five years the extent of the spatial heterogeneity that actually exists in both the horizontal and vertical directions in four Great Lakes disposal areas has been evaluated by the combined use of field vane shear tests, seismic refraction and electrical resistivity surveys, and various laboratory tests (particle size analyses, natural water content, dry density, Atterberg limits, compressibility, permeability, strength, and consoldation) on undisturbed and disturbed samples taken from the field sites. Except for the regions close to the inlet pipe and overflow weir, the resulting heterogeneity was found to be moderate or negligible thorughout the landfill. (A)