Mechanical characteristics of non-saturated tailings and dam stability. Issue 8 (17th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Chao; Liu, Haiming; Yang, Chunhe; Wu, Shangwei
• Is Part Of: International journal of mining, reclamation and environment. Volume 31:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 530
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17
• Subjects: Tailings -- tailings dams -- non-saturated properties -- soil–water characteristic curve -- safety factor; Mining engineering -- Periodicals; Mineral industries -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Abandoned mined lands reclamation -- Periodicals; 622.292
• DOI: 10.1080/17480930.2016.1214405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0930

Abstract

Abstract: The failure of tailings dams has repeatedly occurred in China, which seriously threats eco-environment and social economy. The mechanical properties of non-saturated tailings are a matter of great concern, yet remain poorly understood. In this paper, engineering properties of non-saturated tailings are measured and complemented by analysis and interpretation from multiple perspectives. The results indicate that the soil–water characteristic curve, influenced by dry density, can be described with an appropriate model through parameter analysis. In order to calculate the stability of a typical tailings slope under different conditions, a new approach that considers the contribution of matric suction is elaborated in a sound theoretical framework.