Study on Stability of Engineered Landfills in

Hilly Regions : A Case Study of Chimpu

Dumpsite
Roymedhi Dhanjit1*, Mahanta Abinash2, Debnath Taulik3, Gayan J Bhargav4, Kalita Mrigaraj5,
Tage Dodin6

1
Undergraduate Scholar (*Corresponding Author), Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College,
Guwahati, Jalukbari, 781013, India; email: [email protected] phone: +91- 8453536310
2
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, Jalukbari, 781013,
India; email: abinashmahanta.am@ gmail.com
3
Undergraduate Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, Jalukbari,
781013, India; email: [email protected]
4
Undergraduate Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, Jalukbari,
781013, India; email: [email protected]
5
Undergraduate Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, Jalukbari,
781013, India; email: [email protected]
6
Undergraduate Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Assam Engineering College, Guwahati, Jalukbari,
781013, India; email: [email protected]

Abstract.

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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The rapid growth of urbanization, industrialization, and population in hilly regions like Itanagar,
Arunachal Pradesh, has significantly escalated solid waste generation. Conventional waste
disposal practices, including unregulated dumpsites, pose severe environmental and structural
challenges, especially in mountainous terrains characterized by steep slopes, unstable geology,
and high rainfall intensity. These factors exacerbate the risks of slope instability, leachate leakage,
and ground contamination, making waste management complex and hazardous. In particular,
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unmanaged methane emissions from waste decomposition contribute to air pollution and climate
change, further highlighting the need for sustainable landfill design.
Engineered landfills have emerged as critical infrastructure to address these challenges,
incorporating scientifically designed systems for waste containment, leachate management, and
gas control. However, most engineering design studies focus on landfills in flat or gently sloping
areas, with limited research addressing the unique constraints of hilly terrain. The absence of
robust guidelines for slope stability in mountainous regions necessitates specialized approaches
that integrate geotechnical analysis, seismic risk assessment, and tailored structural
reinforcements.
This study examines the stability of engineered landfills in hilly regions through a case study of
the Chimpu Dumpsite in Itanagar. Using advanced modeling software (SlopeW) and site-specific
data, the research evaluates slope performance under both static and seismic conditions,
considering factors like waste height, liner systems, and drainage mechanisms. The findings aim
to optimize landfill design for enhanced safety and environmental sustainability, providing a
framework for managing waste in challenging topographies.

1.2 Need of study

The growing complexity of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in hilly regions poses
significant environmental and structural challenges. Unlike plain regions, where engineered
landfill construction is a well-documented practice, the design and stability of landfills in sloped
terrains remain underexplored. Hilly areas are characterized by limited flat land, steep gradients,
high-intensity rainfall, and seismic activity, especially in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, located
in Seismic Zone V. These factors exacerbate the risks of slope instability, leachate leakage, and
structural failure, thereby increasing the environmental hazards associated with improper waste
disposal.
The Chimpu Dumpsite in Itanagar represents a case where these challenges converge. This site
faces growing waste generation rates driven by urban expansion, limited capacity, and
environmental risks. Despite the critical need for sustainable waste management solutions in such
terrains, existing guidelines predominantly cater to landfills in flat areas, leaving a gap in
knowledge and practice for hilly landscapes. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating
landfill stability through geotechnical analysis using advanced tools like SlopeW. The research
emphasizes optimizing landfill design parameters to achieve acceptable factors of safety under
static and dynamic conditions, ensuring structural integrity and environmental safety. Addressing
these issues is essential for sustainable waste management in mountainous regions and offers
insights into enhancing landfill engineering standards for similar terrains worldwide.

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Footnote TNR 10pt.
(1)

2. Design Philosophy

2.1 Methodology adopted

The study on the stability of engineered landfills in hilly regions with a focus on the Chimpu
Dumpsite, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, employed a structured and comprehensive approach,
incorporating data collection, landfill design, and stability analysis using advanced geotechnical
tools. The methodology is outlined as follows:
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1. Site Selection and Preliminary Data Collection
Site selection was guided by geographic and environmental considerations, focusing on the
Chimpu Dumpsite due to its location in a hilly terrain. Essential site-specific data were gathered
using Google Earth Pro, which provided contour profiles, area measurements, and slope
information critical for developing an accurate landfill design. The perimeter of the landfill site,
available usable land area (25,118.37 m²), and elevation changes were mapped to create a detailed
topographic model.
2. Waste Characterization and Estimation of Waste Generation
Estimation of waste generation was performed based on Itanagar’s population growth projections
and per capita waste production. The initial population data from the 2011 census served as a
baseline, with a 1.2% annual growth rate. Waste generation rates were forecasted for a 25-year
design period (2025-2050), considering an average annual increase of 3% in waste production.
Floating population adjustments increased the total waste estimate. The projected total waste
generation by 2050 was calculated at 74,059 tons per year.
3. Landfill Design
The design of the landfill incorporated:
• Capacity Determination: Calculations based on estimated waste volume and landfill
density (312 kg/m³).
• Dimensions and Height: A preliminary height of 9.45 meters was determined but later
modified to 3.5 meters to enhance stability.
• Liner System: A double composite liner system, including a 150 cm thick compacted clay
layer and a geomembrane of 10 mm for analysis, was used to prevent leachate migration
and ensure environmental protection.
4. Slope Stability Analysis
Slope stability was analyzed using SlopeW software with the Grid and Radius method to identify
critical slip surfaces and calculate the Factor of Safety (FoS) under static and seismic conditions.
Three cross-sections were examined:
• Original Sections: Initial slopes with a waste height of 9.45 meters yielded FoS values
below safe thresholds, with some as low as 0.84.
• Improved Sections: Adjusting the landfill height to 3.5 meters increased FoS values,
meeting the recommended minimum of 1.2 under seismic loading.
The analysis incorporated wet and seismic conditions to account for high rainfall and seismic
activity (Zone V). Seismic coefficients were calculated using IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016.
5. Design Modifications and Recommendations
Based on stability results:
• Slope geometry was optimized by reducing height.
• Reinforcement measures, including retaining walls and drainage systems, were proposed
to enhance stability.
• Leachate and gas management systems were designed to mitigate environmental impacts.
2.2 Case Study
……………………………………….
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3. Results and Discussion

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3.1 Results
The stability analysis of the Chimpu Dumpsite, conducted for various sections of the landfill,
revealed critical insights into the safety and structural integrity of engineered landfills in hilly
terrains. The Factor of Safety (FoS) was evaluated under both dry and seismic loading conditions,
as well as wet and seismic scenarios, using the SlopeW software and Grid and Radius method.
Key results are summarized below:
1. Original Section Analysis:
o Height of landfill: 9.45 meters.
o FoS values under dry and seismic loading conditions:
▪ Section 1: 1.1
▪ Section 2: 1.2
▪ Section 3: 0.84
o FoS values under wet and seismic loading conditions:
▪ Section 1: 1.0
▪ Section 2: 1.1
▪ Section 3: 0.77
These results indicate that the original landfill design with a 9.45-meter height does not meet the
recommended minimum FoS of 1.2 for seismic conditions, demonstrating potential instability and
a high risk of slope failure.
2. Improved Section Analysis:
o Reduced landfill height: 3.5 meters.
o FoS values under dry and seismic loading conditions:
▪ Section 1: 1.8
▪ Section 2: 1.6
▪ Section 3: 1.53
o FoS values under wet and seismic loading conditions:
▪ Section 1: 1.5
▪ Section 2: 1.47
▪ Section 3: 1.2
The adjusted landfill design with a reduced height significantly improved stability, satisfying the
minimum FoS requirement for both static and seismic conditions.
3.2 Discussion
5.2.1 Stability Challenges in Hilly Terrains
Hilly regions pose unique geotechnical challenges for landfill stability due to steep slopes, high
rainfall intensity, and seismic vulnerability. The analysis of the Chimpu Dumpsite highlights the
critical need for careful design and monitoring. In the original configuration, the insufficient FoS
was primarily attributed to:
• Excessive waste height increasing the driving
5 forces.
 • Inadequate drainage control leading to elevated pore water pressure.
Reducing the landfill height to 3.5 meters addressed these issues by lowering the overburden
pressure and minimizing potential sliding forces along the weakest layers.
5.2.2 Implications of Seismic Forces
Given that the site is located in Seismic Zone V, accounting for dynamic loading conditions is
crucial. Earthquake-induced forces momentarily increase the driving forces, further reducing
stability. Incorporating a lower height and designing with reinforced liner systems enhances
resilience. Additionally, the improved sections’ FoS values align with recommendations for
seismic events, thereby mitigating risks associated with slope instability.
5.2.3 Drainage and Leachate Management
Effective leachate management is paramount in reducing pore water pressure. The liner system
designed for the Chimpu Dumpsite includes a compacted clay layer and geomembrane to
minimize leachate migration. Future improvements should consider additional drainage
enhancements, such as gravel-filled trenches or geosynthetic drains, to further reduce water
infiltration.
5.2.4 Limitations and Future Considerations
While reducing the landfill height improves stability, it also limits the landfill's capacity. The
projected waste generation for Itanagar by 2050 exceeds the landfill’s revised capacity. Therefore,
identifying additional disposal sites or implementing alternative waste management strategies,
such as waste-to-energy conversion, will be essential for long-term sustainability.

3. Conclusion

This study highlights the significant challenges and necessary engineering solutions associated
with landfill construction in hilly terrains, focusing on the Chimpu Dumpsite in Itanagar,
Arunachal Pradesh. The analysis of slope stability using SlopeW revealed that the initial landfill
design height of 9.45 meters failed to meet the minimum Factor of Safety (FoS) requirements
under both static and seismic conditions, posing serious stability risks. Subsequently, a redesigned
landfill height of 3.5 meters was proposed, which improved the FoS values to acceptable levels,
ensuring structural integrity and environmental safety.
The key insights from this study emphasize the critical importance of adjusting landfill geometry
and implementing appropriate stabilization measures, particularly in seismically active and high-
rainfall regions like the Northeast of India. Additionally, the projected waste generation rates
indicate that the reduced landfill capacity will be insufficient by 2050, underscoring the need for
alternative waste management strategies or additional landfill sites. This case study serves as a
guide for designing safer and more sustainable engineered landfills in hilly regions, contributing
to improved waste management infrastructure and reduced environmental hazards.

Acknowledgment (TNR 12pt. bold)

This paper is an output of the science project…

References (TNR 12pt. bold)

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 1 author: (Krugman, 2012)
1 author and the same year of publication: (Hoffman, 2012, A), (Hoffman, 2012, B)
2 authors: (Krugman & Hoffman, 2014)
3 authors: (Hoffman et al., 2012)

References (TNR 14pt., bold)

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must be given in below format

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