Abstract
The open dump of Ümraniye-Hekimbaşi was the main solid disposal site of the Asiatic side of Istanbul. At this site, which was in operation since 1976, 1500-2000 tonnes of solid wastes were disposed of daily. No waste compaction was undertaken during placement. The slope formed by the solid wastes was very steep (3 vertical to 1 horizontal), and recently demolition wastes were disposed of on top of these wastes. On 28 April 1993, an "explosion" took place, followed by the displacement of a large mass of solid wastes which engulfed 11 houses causing the death of 39 people. This paper investigates the possible reasons for this accident and concludes that it was caused by the initial sliding of the solid wastes, which were not deposited in a stable way, followed by an explosion of the methane generated and retained in the landfill. © 1995 ISWA
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