Publications
Richard Thiel has authored the following publications:
(Clicking underlined text opens pdf files of publications.)
Thiel, R., Eldesouky, H., and Brachman, R. (2020) Methods to Estimate Pressures and Strains in Pond Geomembrane Bubbles. Geosynthetics Magazine, Jun/Jul 2020, pp. 8-9.
Thiel, R., Eldesouky, H., and Brachman, R. (2020) Traditional vs Numerical Methods to Estimate Pressures and Strains in Pond Geomembrane Bubbles. Accepted for presentation and publication in proceedings to Eurogeo7 originally scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland Sept 2020. Due to Covid-19 it has been postponed to Sept 2021.
Thiel, R. (2019) Evaluating a Leachate Pond Geomembrane After 25 Years of Service. Geosynthetics Magazine, Feb/Mar 2019, V37 N1, pp. 12-19.
Thiel, R. and Gatrell, D. (2019) Geocomposite Lamination Strength Design and Testing: A New Approach. Presented and published in proceedings for Geosynthetics Conference, February 10-13, 2019, Houston, TX, Industrial Fabrics Association International.
Thiel, R. (2018a) Design of Exposed Geomembrane Lined Ponds – Controlling uplifting gas bubbles – Part II. Geosynthetics Magazine, Feb/Mar 2018,V36, N1, pp. 36-42.
Thiel, R. (2018b) Design of Exposed Geomembrane Lined Ponds – Controlling uplifting gas bubbles – Part III. Geosynthetics Magazine, Apr/May 2018,V36, N2, pp. 10-18.
Thiel, R. (2018c) Geocomposite Lamination Strength Standard Test Method – Time for an Update. Geosynthetics Magazine, Aug/Sep 2018,V36 N4, pp. 36-43.
Thiel, R. (2017) Design of Exposed Geomembrane Lined Ponds – Controlling uplifting gas bubbles – Part I. Geosynthetics Magazine, Oct/Nov 2017,V35, N5, pp. 42-49.
McDougall, J.R., Fleming, I.R., Thiel, R., Dewaele, P., Parker, D., and Kelly, D. (2018) ”Estimating degradation-related settlement in two landfill-reclaimed soils by sand-salt analogues”, Waste Management periodical, Elsevier, V77, pp 294-303 (available online April 26, 2018)
Thiel, R. (2016) Design of Exposed Geomembrane -Lined Ponds to Control Uplifting Gas Pressures. Accepted for publication in Proceedings of Eurogeo6 conference to be held in September 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Thiel, R. (2016) Analysis of Stresses and Strains in Pond Geomembrane Gas Bubbles. Accepted for publication in Proceedings of ASCE Geo-Chicago 2016 conference to be held August 14-18, 2016 in Chicago, IL.
Thiel, R. (2016c) Suggested Practice in USA for Geomembrane Wrinkles in Bottom Liners for Waste and Mine Stacks. Proceedings of Eurogeo6 conference, Sep 25-28, 2016, Ljubljana, Slovenia, pg. 291.
Thiel, R., Kavazanjian, E., and Wu, X. Design Considerations for Slip Interfaces on Steep-Wall Liner Systems, Proceedings for Tenth International Conference on Geosynthetics (ICG 10), Berlin, Germany, Sep 21-25, 2014. Reprinted in Geosynthetics Magazine, Feb/Mar 2015,V 33, N 1, pp. 24-33.
Thiel, R. A 25-Year Perspective on Waste Containment Liner and Cover System Designs with Geosynthetics, Proceedings of the 25th Annual GRI Conference, Geosynthetics 2013 Conference, in coordination with IFA, Long Beach, CA, April 2013.
McDougall, J.R., Fleming, I.R., Thiel, R., Dewaele, P., Parker, D., and Kelly, D. Mass loss and volume change: from sand-salt analogues to MSW, Proceedings of CPEG 2013 – Coupled Phenomena in Environmental Geotechnics, Associazione Geotecnica Italiana (Editor)
Rowe, K., Brachman, R. W. I., Irfan, H., Smith, M.E., and Thiel, R. Effect of underliner on geomembrane strains in heap leach applications, Geotextiles and Geomembranes (2013), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geotexmem.2013.07.009
Thiel, R. Presentation entitled HDPE Seam Defects We Cannot See, for the “Panel Discussion on Structure, Testing, and Performance of HDPE Seams” conducted at the GeoAmericas Geosynthetics Conference held in Lima, Peru, May 2-5, 2012.
Thiel, R. 12) Presentation entitled Design of Landfill Liner and Cover Systems: An International Perspective, for the NW Regional SWANA Symposium, Troutdale, Oregon, April 20, 2012.
Thiel, R. Discussion of ‘Modification to Translational Failure Analysis of Landfills Incorporating Seismicity’, ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, V 137, N 12, Dec. 2011, pp. 1299-1300.
Thiel, R. Presentation entitled Evaluation of Appropriate Landfill Final Cover Parameters, for the IWMSA and GIGSA organizations, held in Midrand, South Africa, Oct 21, 2011.
Thiel, R. and Giroud, J.P. Important Considerations for Leakage Control of Exposed Geomembrane-Lined Ponds, Proceedings for Sardinia ’11 Thirteenth International Landfill Symposium, Oct. 2011.
Abdelaal, F., Rowe, R.K., Smith, M., Brachman, R.W.I., and Thiel, R. Antioxidant Depletion from HDPE and LLDPE Geomembranes without HALS in an Extremely Low pH Solution, Second Pan-American Geosynthetics Conference & Exhibition, GeoAmericas 2012, Lima, Peru, May 2012
Abdelaal, F., Rowe, R.K., Smith, M. and Thiel, R. OIT depletion in HDPE geomembranes used in contact with solutions having very high and low pH, 14th Pan-American conference of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Toronto, Oct 2011, paper #483 , CD-ROM, 7pp.
Fox, P.J., Ross, J.D., Sura, J.M. , and Thiel, R. Geomembrane Damage Due to Static and Cyclic Shearing Over Compacted Gravelly Sand, Geosynthetics International, V 18 N 5, Oct 2011, pp. 272-279.
Thiel, R. and Rowe, K.Technical Developments related to the Problem of GCL Panel Shrinkage when placed below an Exposed Geomembrane, SKZ, Wurzburg, Germany, Proceedings for the 3rd International Symposium on Geosynthetic Clay Liners, Sep 15-16, 2010, Würzburg, Germany, pp 93-102.
Thiel, R. Optimization of Anchor Trench Design for Solar Evaporation Ponds, Proceedings for the 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics, May 2010, Garuja, Brazil.
Rowe, K., Bostwick, L., and Thiel, R. Shrinkage Characteristics of heat-tacked GCL seams, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Volume 28, Issue 4, August 2010, pp. 352–359.
Thiel, R. and Pilch, T. Case History of Small Community Evaluation to Long-Haul vs. Manage a Small Landfill, Proceedings for Sardinia ’09 Twelfth International Landfill Symposium, Oct. 2009.
Thiel, R. A Note Regarding Interpreting Cohesion (or Adhesion) and Friction Angle in Direct Shear Tests, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V 27, N 2, April-May 2009, pp. 10-19
Thiel, R. and Thiel, C. GCL Shrinkage - A Possible Solution, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V 27, N 1, Feb-Mar 2009, pp. 10-21.
Thiel, R. and DeJarnett, G. Guidance on the Design and Construction of Leak-Resistant Geomembrane Boots and Attachments to Structures, GRI Session of the IFAI-sponsored conference, Geo 2009, Salt Lake City, Feb 2009.
Thiel, R. Post-Construction Landfill Liner Failure and Lessons Learned, IFAI, Geo 2009, Salt Lake City, Feb 2009.
Rowe, K., Bostwick, L., and Thiel, R. GCL Shrinkage and the potential benefits of heat-tacked GCL seams, IFAI, Geo 2009, Salt Lake City, Feb 2009.
Thiel, R. Slope Stability Sensitivities of Final Covers, IFAI, GeoAmericas conference, Cancun, Mexico, March 2008.
Thiel, R., Chartres, T. and Hurley, D. Case Study: Phased Construction of Final Cover System in Oregon, USA, IFAI, GeoAmericas conference, Cancun, Mexico, March 2008.
Erickson, R., Thiel, R., and Peters, J. The Ongoing Quality Issues Regarding Polyethylene Geomembrane Material Manufacturing & Installation, IFAI, GeoAmericas conference, Cancun, Mexico, March 2008.
Thiel, R., Bryk, J., Criley, K., Giroud, J.P., and Erickson, R. Laboratory Measurements of GCL Shrinkage Under Cyclic Changes in Temperature and Humidity Conditions, 8th International Conference on Geosynthetics, Yokohama, Japan, September 2006.
Leonards, G., Erickson, R., and Thiel, R. Challenges to Emergency Response Hurricane Debris Disposal and the Use of Composite GCLs for Rapid Response Cap Systems, presented and published in proceedings for Geosynthetics 2007, Jan 16-19, Washington, DC, Industrial Fabrics Association International.
Thiel, R., Criley, K., and Bryk, J. Practical Guidance on Specifying GCL Overlaps to Account for Shrinkage, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V23, N8, Nov 2005, pp. 20-25.
Thiel, R. And Christie, M. Potential Problems Associated With Leachate Recirculation On Landfill Stability, Proceedings of the 19th Annual GRI Conference, presented at the NAGS 2005/GRI 19 Conference, Las Vegas, NV, December 14-16, 2005.
Breitenbach, A.J. and Thiel, R. A Tale of Two Conditions: Heap Leach Pad versus Landfill Liner Strengths, Proceedings of the 19th Annual GRI Conference, presented at the NAGS 2005/GRI 19 Conference, Las Vegas, NV, December 14-16, 2005.
Smith, M.E., Beck, A., Thiel, R., and Metzler, P. Designing for Vertical Pipe Deflection Under High Loads, Proceedings of the 19th Annual GRI Conference, presented at the NAGS 2005/GRI 19 Conference, Las Vegas, NV, December 14-16, 2005.
Thiel, R. Observed Benefits and Problems Associated with Leachate Recirculation, Proceedings for Sardinia ’05 Tenth International Landfill Symposium, Oct. 2005.
Thiel, R. "Trends in Landfill Design, Construction, and Operations," Proceedings for NW Regional SWANA Symposium, Troutdale, Oregon, April 2005.
Thiel, R., Richardson, G., and Narejo, D. Update on Desiging with Geocomposite Drainage Layers in Landfills – Part 1 of 4: Introduction and Summary of Issues, accepted Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V23, N1, Jan/Feb 2005, pp. 26-29.
Thiel, R. and Narejo, D. Update on Designing with Geocomposite Drainage Layers in Landfills – Part 2 of 4: Geocomposites on Bioreactor Landfill Sideslopes to Control Seeps and Gas, accepted for publication in Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V23, N2, Mar 2005.
Thiel, R. and Narejo, D. Update on Designing with Geocomposite Drainage Layers in Landfills – Part 3 of 4: Specifying Geocomposites in Leachate Collection Systems Accounting for Staged Development, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V23, N3, 2005.
Thiel, R. and Narejo, D. Update on Designing with Geocomposite Drainage Layers in Landfills – Part 4 of 4: Geocomposite Lamination Specifications Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V23, N4, 2005.
Thiel, R., Beck, A., and Smith, M.E. The Value of Geoelectric Leak Detection Services for the Mining Industry, Proceedings of the 18th Annual GRI Conference, accepted for presentation at the ASCE Geofrontiers Conference, Austin, TX, January 2005.
Thiel, R., and Richardson, G. Concern for GCL Shrinkage when Installed on Slopes, Proceedings of the 18th Annual GRI Conference, accepted for presentation at the ASCE Geofrontiers Conference, Austin, TX, January 2005.
Thiel, R., and Narejo, D. Lamination Strength Requirements for Geonet Drainage Geocomposites, Proceedings of the 18th Annual GRI Conference/ASCE Geofrontiers Conference, Austin, TX, January 2005.
Thiel, R., and Criley, K. Hydraulic Conductivity of Partially Prehydrated GCLs Under High Effective Confining Stresses For Three Real Leachates, Proceedings of the ASCE Geofrontiers Conference, Austin, TX, January 2005.
Bachus, R., Narejo, D., Thiel, R., and Soong, T.Y. The GSE Drainage Design Manual. Available from GSE, Houston, TX. Find link at http://www.gseworld.com/Online-Drainage-Design-Manual/
Giroud, J.P., Thiel, R., Kavazanjian, E. Hydrated area of a bentonite layer encapsulated between two geomembranes, Geosynthetics International, V 11, N 4, pp. 589-616.
Thiel, R. and Smith, M.E. State of the Practice Review of Heap Leach Pad Design Issues, Proceedings of the 17th Annual GRI Conference Hot Topics in Geosynthetics – IV, presented in Las Vegas, NV, Dec. 15, 2003, Geosynthetics Institute, Folsom, PA.
Thiel, R. and Purdy, S. Case History of Exposed Geomembrane Cover for Bioreactor Landfill, Proceedings for Sardinia ’03 Ninth International Landfill Symposium, Oct. 2003.
Thiel, R., Darilek, G., and Laine, D. Cutting Holes for Testing vs. Testing for Holes, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V 21, N 5, June/July 2003, pp. 20-23.
Thiel, R. and Gilbert, R. “Response to Koerner’s Discussion on Use of Peak Shear Strength,” Geotechnical Fabrics Report, IFAI, Roseville, MN, August 2003.
Thiel, R. and Maubeuge, Kent von Current Industry Performance and Construction Issues Related to GCLs, Proceedings of the 16th GRI Conference on Hot Topics in Geosynthetics II. Geosynthetic Institute, Folsom, PA, December 16-17, pp. 227-241.
Richardson, G.N., Thiel, R., and Erickson, R.B. GCL Design Guidance Series Part III: GCL Installation and Durability, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, IFAI, Roseville, MN, September 2002.
Thiel, R., Erickson, R.B. and Richardson, G.N. GCL Design Guidance Series Part II: GCL Design for Slope Stability, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, IFAI, Roseville, MN, August 2002.
Erickson, R.B., Thiel, R., and Richardson, G.N. GCL Design Guidance Series Part I: GCL Performance as a Fluid Barrier, Geotechnical Fabrics Report, IFAI, Roseville, MN, June/July 2002.
Giroud, J.P., Thiel, R.S., Kavazanjian, E., and Lauro, F.J. Hydrated Area of a Bentonite Layer Encapsulated Between Two Geomembranes, Proceedings for the Seventh International Conference on Geosynthetics, Nice, France, Sept 2002.
Erickson, R. and Thiel, R. Design and Application of the Geomembrane Supported GCL as a One-Product Composite Liner, Presented at the Nuremburg GCL Conference, Feb 2002.
Thiel, R.S. Peak vs. Residual Shear Strength for Landfill Bottom Liner Stability Analyses, Proceedings of the 15th Annual GRI Conference Hot Topics in Geosynthetics – II, presented in Houston, TX, Dec. 13, 2001, Geosynthetics Institute, Folsom, PA, pp. 40-70.
Thiel, R.S. and Erickson, R. GCL Alternative Liner and Critical Slope Stability – Unique Case History Involving Encapsulated Design Approach, Proceedings for Sardinia ’01 Eighth International Landfill Symposium, Oct 2001.
Thiel, R.S., Daniel, D.E., Erickson, R., Kavazanjian, E., and Giroud, J.P., GundSeal Design Manual. Available from GSE, Houston, TX. September 2001. Find link to order at http://www.gseworld.com/content/documents/product-sheets/geosynthetic-clay-liner-design-manual.pdf
Thiel, R.S. Unique Inflated Pond Cover Using Reinforced Flexible Polypropylene, Proceedings to Geosynthetics 2001, IFAI, Roseville, MN. Conference held in Portland, OR in February 2001, pp. 337-348.
Richardson, G.N and Thiel, R.S. “Interface Shear Strength: Part 1 – Geomembrane Considerations,” Geotechnical Fabrics Report, V 19, N 5, pp. 14-19. IFAI, Roseville, MN, June/July 2001. (Part 2 published in August 2001.)
Hanson, J.L., Gilbert, R.B., Wright, S.W., and Thiel, R.S. Unsaturated Interface Shear Strength Properties for Nonwoven Geotxtiles, Proceedings to Geosynthetics 2001, IFAI, Roseville, MN. Conference held in Portland, OR in February 2001, pp. 135-148.
Thiel, R. and Wall, R. Case History: Cost Effective Low-Maintenance Final Cover of Steep Slopes, Geotechnical Fabrics Report (GFR) published by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Roseville, MN, April, 2000.
Thiel, R. Design and Testing of a NWNP Geotextile Gas Pressure Relief Layer Below a Geomembrane Cover to Improve Slope Stability, Proceedings for Sardinia ’99 Seventh International Landfill Symposium, Vol. III, pp. 343-350, Oct. 1999.
York, R., Thiel, R., and Beaudry, E. Full Scale Experience of Direct Osmosis Concentration Applied to Leachate Management, Proceedings for Sardinia ’99 Seventh International Landfill Symposium held in Oct. 1999.
Thiel, R.S. Design of Gas Pressure Relief Layer Below a Geomembrane Cover to Improve Slope Stability, Proceedings to Geosynthetics '99 conference held in Boston, MA in April 1999, pp. 235-252. Received the Grand Award for the best paper.
Brown, D., Thiel, R., Brummer, C., and Huvane, S. Innovative Design and Construction of Landfill Side-Slope Liners in High Seismic Risk Areas, A Case Study, Proceedings to Geosynthetics '99 conference held in Boston, MA, April 1999, pp. 589-600.
Thiel, R. Design Methodology for a Gas Pressure Relief Layer Below a Geomembrane Landfill Cover to Improve Slope Stability, Geosynthetics International, V 5, N 6, pp. 589-616.
Richardson, G.N., Thiel, R., and Mackey, R. “Designing with Needle-Punched Reinforced GCLs: Stability Fundamentals,” Geotechnical Fabrics Report, IFAI, Roseville, MN, Oct/Nov 1998.
Peggs, I.D. and Thiel, R.S. “Selecting a Geomembrane Material,” Proceedings for the Sixth International Conference on Geosynthetics held in Atlanta, GA, March 1998, pp. 381-388.
Liu, C.N., Gilbert, R.B., Thiel, R.S., and Wright, S.G. What is an Appropriate Factor of Safety for Landfill Cover Slopes? Proceedings for Geosynthetics '97 held in Long Beach, CA, March 1997 (sponsored by IFAI, Roseville, MN), pp. 481-496.
Chaney, R.C., Thiel, R., Richardson, G.N., and Cadwallader, M. Cyclic Response of Clay-Geomembrane Interfaces and Their Impact on the Seismic Response of Lined Landfills, Proceedings for Geosynthetics '97 held in Long Beach, CA, March 1997 (sponsored by IFAI, Roseville, MN), pp. 977-988.
Thiel, R.S.; Isham, J.C.; and Girard, K. Wood Waste to Wine: A Unique Landfill Closure, Proceedings of the 1996 TAPPI International Environmental Conference held May 5-8, 1996, Orlando, FL.
Thiel, R.S.; Wiese, J.; and Haynes, C. Siting, Permitting, Design, and Construction of a Major Forest Products Landfill Facility, Proceedings for the 1995 TAPPI International Environmental Conference held May 7-10, Atlanta, GA, 1995.
Thiel, R.S. and Koerner, R.M. "Landfill Liner Design," Presentation to regulators and landfill owners in Oregon and Washington, held in Seattle on July 28, 1994.
Thiel, R.S. and Stewart, M.G. Geosynthetic Landfill Cover Design Methodology and Construction Experience in the Pacific Northwest, Proceedings for Geosynthetics '93 held in Vancouver, B.C. in April 1993, pp. 1131-1134. Sponsored by IFAI. Received award for best environmental paper.
Thiel, R.S. "Designer's Perspective Using Coextruded Polyethylene Geomembrane Technology," Proceedings of the Sixteenth International Madison Waste Conference. September 22-23, 1993, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Thiel, R.S. "Modern Landfill Liner and Cover Design and Construction," talk presented to the Oregon ASCE Geotechnical Group on November 3, 1993.
Thiel, R.S. and Cadwallader, M. "Innovative Applications of Coextruded Geomembranes," presented at the 7th GRI Seminar "Geosynthetic Liner Systems: Innovation, Concerns, and Designs," December 14-15, 1993 at Drexel University.
Thiel, R.S. and Stewart, M.G. Field Construction Quality Assurance of Geotextile Installations, Proceedings of the 6th GRI Seminar "QC/QA and CQC/CQA of Geosynthetics," presented December 12, 1992 at Drexel University.
Thiel, R.S. Tipping Rate Analysis: Cost and Development Considerations for Solid Waste Landfills, Proceedings of the ASTSWMO 1992 National Solid Waste Forum in Portland, OR. July 20-22, 1992.
Thiel, R.S. "Landfill Development Considerations," Oregon State University graduate class presentation for a Solid and Hazardous Waste Management class. Contact: Anna Harding, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, (541) 737-2686.
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