Refine and verify models that predict long-term erosion of caps.
Refine existing estimates of resuspension of contaminated material
during cap placement. This work will assist in determining the costs vs. benefits of
"sprinkling" cap material versus conventional bottom dumping of cap material.
Develop engineering guidance on acceptable rates and methods of
application of capping material over contaminated material of varying density and shear
strength.
These techniques should consider the geotechnical behavior related to
displacement and mixing of contaminated and capping sediments and resistance of the
sediments to bearing failure. Extend the investigation to include penetration of dense
(e.g., rock) cap material into contaminated material or other cap layers.
Refine existing models for prediction of cap and sediment consolidation.
This effort will likely require developing or refining instrumentation for in situ
geotechnical measurements.
Develop predictive tools for evaluation of long term cap integrity,
considering chemical migration via advection, bioturbation, and diffusion. Both analytical
and modeling approaches should be considered.
Conduct laboratory and field verification studies of long-term cap
integrity. Laboratory approaches should include refinement of existing cap effectiveness
tests. Field studies should include periodic monitoring and sampling of capped sites to
include analysis of core samples.
