Field tests were conducted to assess installation damage for an adhesive-bo
nded, and a needle-punched, geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). GCL panels were
laid on a prepared subgrade and covered to varying thicknesses with clean a
ngular sand and clean angular gravel. After hydration, bulldozers were driv
en over the test plots. GCL samples were then carefully exhumed and laborat
ory tests were performed to assess damage according to product type, cover
soil type, cover soil thickness, bulldozer type, and number of bulldozer pa
sses after hydration. Visual observations and laboratory test results indic
ated that the products generally performed well during installation. Damage
to the geosynthetic components of the GCLs was minor for a cover soil thic
kness of 305 mm or greater. Mass per unit area measurements indicated that
bentonite migration was insignificant for nearly all specimens; the only ex
ception was the adhesive-bonded GCL covered with gravel and subjected to 10
passes of a medium-weight bulldozer after hydration. No failures were obse
rved for installation conditions that met the guidelines of ASTM D 6102 and
the manufacturer. Compared to similar investigations for other geosyntheti
c materials, installation damage studies for GCLs are unique because of the
sensitivity of these products to hydration and overburden stress condition
s and the need to quantify bentonite migration due to stress concentrations
.