Municipal solid waste settlement (MSWS) model with account for integrated creep and degradation processes

The proposed Municipal Solid Waste Settlement (MSWS) model is based on a superposition of load and time dependent settlements, as corroborated by experimental evidence obtained from field and laboratory investigations. Load dependent settlements, triggered each time a new waste layer is placed on the top of the waste pile, are calculated taking into account stress dependent stiffness of MSW. Time dependent settlements, resulting form combined creep and degradation processes, are subdivided into short and long term deformations, and are modelled with a classical creep formula applying experimentally determined compression indexes. Particular feature of the model is the ability to describe a log-type decrease of waste total mass caused by progressive degradation of MSW in time, irrespective of a simultaneous increase of the unit bulk density due to waste decomposition and relocation of fines. Performance of the model is verified with respect to independent field observations, conducted at the landfill in Wiesbaden.