Design of non-woven geotextiles for coal refuse filtration

This paper presents research findings on grain size distribution changes of coal refuse affecting the design of non-woven geotextiles used as filters in rock drains at coal waste impoundments. The research involved performing hydraulic conductivity tests on refuse – geotextile filters followed by grain size distribution tests. Data was evaluated for geotextile filter retention, permittivity, and clogging potential requirements as published by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration’s Second Edition, “Engineering and Design Manual Coal Refuse Disposal Facilities”. Key findings indicate that refuse particles undergo slaking and aggregation which change the initial grain size distribution. Grading envelopes were developed and indicate that particle size zones influence the geotextile design parameters for retention, filtration, and clogging. The clogging criteria do not appear to be easily satisfied by the typical ranges of coarse coal refuse, at pre- and post-compaction grain size, for compatibility with non-woven geotextiles having an AOS = 0.212 mm. Conclusions impacting the specification and field installation of geotextiles include: i) post grain size distribution tests are suggested to be performed on specimens and at all compaction levels to observe changes in key indices of D₈₅ and D₁₅ for meeting retention and clogging criteria requirements; ii) the evaluation of the initial refuse stability indicate that at the low compaction energy conditions, which have mobile fines and high Cu values, are initially unstable with regards to their internal soil gradation; and iii) construction of geotextile wrapped drains is preferred to be made in pre-compacted refuse lifts. This condition is beneficial because the filter becomes more stable for retention and permeability; however clogging is still a concern.