IAI performs treatability studies on materials in order to select the most efficient means and methods for dewatering a particular material, in our laboratory in Rockford, MI. One treatability test performed by IAI is a Geotextile Tube Dewatering Test or GDT. This test may also be referred to as a pillow test, and replaces the hanging bag test.
A GDT involves pouring sediment (or other material to be dewatered) into a small scale geotextile tube. The flow rate, turbidity and suspended solids content of the water passing through the geotextile fabric (weep water) is evaluated. Geotextile Tube Dewatering Tests are performed according to a proposed ASTM standard procedure.
IAI’s treatability test services include:
- Percent solids and grain size analysis of the in-situ material
- Jar testing to select a chemical application (flocculants, coagulants, polymers) and a target dose for both single-product and dual-product applications
- Rapid Dewatering Test (RDT)
- Filtrate (or weep water) turbidity and suspended solids (TSS) analysis
- Dewatered material percent solids after 24 hours in the geotextile tube
- Paint filter and unconfined compressive strength tests on the dewatered material
- Performance and target dose of soil amendments
- Performance and target dose of chemical flocculants for water treatment (post sediment dewatering)
- Performance of water treatment processes
Treatability test results are evaluated, along with our past project experience, and used to develop project design recommendations for our clients.
