The landfill at Ravenna had been filled, and a final capping operation was required for the perimeter escarpments, which presented an average gradient of 30°. Geosintex proposed that these slopes should be capped with geosynthetic materials. The engineering department focused in particular on showing that from a hydraulic standpoint, SINTEXDRAIN GNG5 type drainage geocomposites provided a viable alternative to layers of gravel (at least 50 cm deep, according to regulations) for the capture of biogas and the drainage of water. Not only would this considerably reduce the overall thickness of the capping; it would also guarantee the same performance as that of aggregates.
In addition, Geosintex suggested the use of SINTEXMAT R35/20 biomat to protect the slopes from erosion, especially during the growth of the grass cover, and carried out all the necessary verifications for evaluation of the overall stability provided by the proposed package. The solution was approved by the provincial authority, since the reduction in thickness of the capping enabled by the use of geosynthetics rather than layered aggregates resulted in greater stability of the slopes, and consequently, increased long-term safety and durability.
