Effect of freeze-thaw action on geosynthetic clay liner anti-seepage characteristics

In order to study the seepage control performance of Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) in lining channel in the cold and arid regions, the antifreeze characteristics of three different GCL (produced in Korea and China, 1#、2#、3#) were studied with indoor simulation method. The results showed that by hydrating with the Yellow River water and after 31 times of freeze-thaws , the free swelling volume of 1#、2#、3# GCL increased by 16.7%、4.5% and 8.0% respectively; The filtration loss reduced by 31.1%、28.9% and 27.0% respectively; The yield value increased by 200.0%, 23.3% and 90.6% respectively, and the EC values of the filtrate reduced by 27.3%、27.0% and 31.0% respectively. The permeability coefficient increased by one order of magnitude, but was still small, which was 0.35-0.72% in canal bed. These indicated the GCL can be used in canal lining in the northwest arid and saline regions.