Prediction of Volumetric Requirements for Dredged Material Containment Areas

This report presents the results of a study undertaken to determine the volumetric requirements of a confined disposal site filled with fine-grained dredged material. The method of study required a three-phase approach. The first phase was the evaluation of previous work and the formulation of a new prediction methodology based on modified consolidation theory and standard weight-volume relationships used in geotechnical engineering. The second phase consisted of developing the proposed prediction methodology. The final phase consisted of correlating the volume increase predicted by the proposed methodology with the rate of volume increase measured under field conditions. Also included in the final phase was the creation of a computer program based on the prediction methodology developed during the study. The computer program was developed for the purpose of evaluating the effect of various input variables on the gain in available storage volume. Since the program was designed for applicability over a large range of conditions, the results obtained from the computer program are site-specific. Results obtained from a comprehensive testing program established at the 34.4-ha Upper Polecat Bay disposal site of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile, provided in part the necessary data to verify the methodology. The remaining verification was provided by a testing program created during the study. The additional verification consisted of the development of a laboratory column sedimentation-consolidation procedure in addition to the correlation of results obtained from remolded and undisturbed consolidation testing. The objective of this study was accomplished by evaluating the interrelationship of the various variables and their effect on the change in potential storage volume with time. Conclusions based on the results of the tests conducted and information collected during this study is found in the abstract of this report.