The hydraulic behaviour of Permeable Reactive Barrier materials under freeze-thaw conditions

Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRB), planned for remediation of contaminated sites near Casey Station, contain granular fillings. Freezing and thawing of granular materials can create subsurface channels that allow rapid throughflow of water and contaminants.

This project will determine if freeze-thaw will damage these PRB fillings and reduce their effectiveness. Update June 2005: We have now tested the hydraulic performance of two materials, a surfactant modified zeolite and a nutrient amended zeolite. The permeability of one in the unsaturated zone (i.e. above the water table) is changed slightly by the action of freeze-thaw, while the other is changed dramatically (compared against controls).