Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2007AK63B

The formation of preferential pathways in permeable reactive barriers in cold climates due to ice formation

Institute: Alaska
Year Established: 2007 Start Date: 2007-03-01 End Date: 2008-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $27,837 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,650

Principal Investigators: David Barnes

Project Summary: Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) are used in the remediation of contaminated surfaces and ground water. The efficiency of the barriers in cold regions is affected by ice formation in the pore space and the subsequent formation of preferential flow paths. This study will: (1) use state-of-the-art X-Ray Computed Tomography to visualize and quantify preferential pathways within barrier media, (2) identify the conditions necessary for preferential flow to occur, (3) propose measures to mitigate preferential flow and its effects, and (4) develop design recommendations for cold regions PRBs.