Barrier Longevity of NaCl-Laden Soil against Subterranean Termites in an Earth Embankment

Subterranean termite-induced damage to earth embankments in agricultural systems occurs globally. NaCl-laden soil barriers (NLSBs) are an environmentally sustainable termite control method, and have exhibited good potential in preventing termite-related tunneling damage in Zhejiang Province, China. The persistence of the NaCl concentration in NLSBs is a key characteristic for the long-term prevention of subterranean termite infestations. This study is a scientific attempt to estimate the field efficacy and barrier longevity of NLSBs in reservoir embankments based on the Richards equation and the convection–dispersion equation using HYDRUS (2D/3D). The observed and simulated NaCl concentrations at the end of a 1915-day simulation were compared. The results indicated that the proposed model performed well and can effectively characterize the water flow and salt transport in NLSBs. The salt desalination rate of the NLSB in the upstream slope was higher than that in the downstream slope, both of which were significantly higher than that at the embankment axis. Regardless of the type of embankment (homogeneous or core-wall), the barrier longevity of NaCl-laden soil against subterranean termites can reach 50 years with an optimized NaCl/soil ratio in different parts of the embankment.

A Simulation of Salt Transport in NaCl-Laden Soil Barrier to Control Subterranean Termites in an Earth Embankment

Subterranean termite activity can increase the hydraulic conductivity and water infiltration of filling soil, and therefore affects the stability of an earth embankment and subsequent safety. As a physical barrier for sustainable termite management, NaCl-laden soil barrier (NLSB) is a promising alternative for subterranean termite control in earth embankments. This novel technology can prevent tunneling and penetration of subterranean termites into the interior of an embankment and has been widely employed for more than 20 years in Zhejiang Province, China. The efficacy and longevity of NLSB depend on the long-term presence of NaCl concentration in soil barriers. The aim of this study is to develop an understanding of water flow and salt transport in NLSB based on the two-dimensional Richards’ equation and convection dispersion equation using the HYDRUS software package. Conceptual and numerical models of NLSB are modeled using scenario analysis according to water level fluctuations, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and rainfall infiltration conditions. Furthermore, the center and spread variance of a solute mass over a 100-year period are quantified using moment analysis. As flood frequency, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and rainfall infiltration flux increase, salt desalination in NLSB significantly increases. When the rainfall infiltration flux is 1% of the annual average rainfall, the total amount of salt transport and leaching can increase by 55%. Moreover, these results facilitate better long-term sustainable management of existing sites and optimal design of future NLSBs.

Liquefaction Susceptibility of an Earth Dam Foundation: A Case Study

Sidi El Barrak earth dam is a compacted earth embankment of height 28 m built in 1999 on a heterogeneous foundation with strong dominance of sandy formations. The dam foundation was subjected to several tests to predict its behavior against the liquefaction risk. Standard penetration test (SPT) results served to evaluate the liquefaction risk in an earthquake occurrence. This article, firstly, presents an interpretation of data collected from SPT tests. Determination of liquefaction risk resulted from the empirical methods proposed by Seed & Idriss, (1985) and Idriss & Boulanger, (2008). Obtained results by those methods showed that, for different earthquake magnitudes equal to 5.25, 6 and 6.75, the risk of liquefaction exists in the pure sand layer located between the ground surface and 15 m depth of the foundation of the earth dam. An UBC3D-PLM constitutive model was adopted for studying the numerical response of sand layer subjected to an earthquake of acceleration equal 0.2 g to estimate its liquefaction risk. Recorded SPT data and laboratory tests results served for the determination of geotechnical parameters of this model. From numerical predictions it revealed that the liquefaction risk is greater for an earthquake characterized by an acceleration equal 0.2g.

Safety of Sludge Collectors and Settling Tanks with Harmful Industrial Effluents

To reduce the risk of toxic substances ingression into the soil, ground and surface waters, it is proposed to protect the bed and slope ramps of the earth embankment for sludge collectors (sediment tanks) with reliable waterproofing – soil-concrete. It has been recommended to perform the screen soil compacted layers inclined towards the tail bay at an angle to the structure base surface, what is more, the angle value is determined by the permissible values of filtration flow’s parameters. The proposed technical solution allows increase the reliability of sludge collectors, as well as minimize the risk of an emergency situation as a result of the ingression of toxic effluents into the soil and water.