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Updated: Dec 7, 2025
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Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
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Global study on slope instability modes based on 62 municipal solid waste landfills.
Zhenying Zhang1, Yixuan Wang1, Yuehua Fang1
1School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China.
Summary
High landfill leachate levels and poor waste compaction are key causes of landfill slope failures. This study analyzed 62 global cases to identify major instability factors and modes, aiming to improve landfill safety.
Area of Science:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Waste Management
Background:
- Landfill slope instability poses significant risks globally.
- Understanding failure mechanisms is crucial for safe landfill design and operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global landfill slope instability cases over 40 years.
- To identify primary causes and modes of landfill failure.
- To provide insights for preventing and controlling landfill failures.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and analysis of 62 landfill slope instability cases from 22 countries.
- Categorization of instability modes based on slip surface location.
- Identification of primary causal factors through case study analysis.
- Factor of safety calculations using GeoStudio software for specific sites.
Main Results:
- Three main instability modes identified: within waste (69.4%), through foundation (19.32%), and at liner-MSW interface (11.28%).
- High leachate level (40.32%) is the dominant cause, followed by inadequate MSW compaction (22.58%) and insufficient foundation bearing capacity (19.35%).
- Low liner-MSW interface shear strength and rapid landfill gas release are also critical factors.
Conclusions:
- High leachate levels and inadequate waste compaction are primary drivers of landfill slope instability.
- Understanding failure modes and causes is essential for effective landfill management.
- Findings support improved design and operational strategies to enhance landfill stability and prevent failures.
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