Centrifuge modelling of drawdown seepage in tailings storage facilities

Chris T.S. Beckett, Andy B. Fourie

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    Uncertainties surrounding seepage behaviour are a key issue raised in tailings storage facility (TSF) operation. Poor seepage management can result in negative environmental impacts, costly remediation or even embankment failure and, in the context of mine closure, long term liabilities and/or legacy site issues. In particular, recovery pumping rates must be maintained for sufficient time to capture seepage both during operation and after closure during reservoir drawdown. Seepage analyses for TSF design commonly assume isotropic or, at best, anisotropic homogeneous material properties. However, layering during deposition, consolidation and swelling on drying and wetting create a seepage environment far more complex than these assumptions suggest. Improved modelling is required to increase analysis confidence. Centrifuge modelling allows geotechnical phenomena to be investigated using scale models under representative stress conditions. However, precious few examples exist for seepage modelling using this technique. This paper briefly discusses modelling equipment development for use with The University of Western Australia (UWA) beam geotechnical centrifuge. Results for seepage during reservoir drawdown, simulating facility closure, are then presented for a layered, heterogeneous embankment model, as compared to predictions made by commercial analysis software. Findings are used to comment on the implication of simplifying analysis assumptions on drawdown time and flowrate calculations.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMine Closure 2016: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Mine Closure
    EditorsAndy B. Fourie, Mark Tibbet
    PublisherAustralian Centre for Geomechanics
    Pages277-290
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Print)978-0-9924810-4-9
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    Event11th International Conference on Mine Closure - Perth, Australia
    Duration: 15 Mar 201617 Mar 2016

    Conference

    Conference11th International Conference on Mine Closure
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityPerth
    Period15/03/1617/03/16

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