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01-10-2024 | Original Paper

Analytical solution for the saturation line in dry-stack tailings dams under cumulative rainfall infiltration for many years

Authors: Qiang Li, Bize Wu, Sihai Yao, Mengfan Zhang, Hong Zhang

Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | Issue 10/2024

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Abstract

The saturation line serves as the foundation for the safety analysis and seepage control design of tailings dams. The primary cause of the saturation line formation in dry-stack tailings dams is the cumulative infiltration of years of rainfall. Previous studies have indicated that, under the cumulative infiltration of years of rainfall, a relatively stable seepage field eventually forms within dry-stack tailings dams, but there is a lack of theoretical research on this seepage field. This paper aims to establish a theoretical solution for the saturation line of dry-stack tailings dams under the accumulation of rainfall over many years. Based on this, the gradual seepage differential equations of the saturation line in dry-stack tailings dams were derived using Darcy's law and the energy equation. By incorporating downstream boundary conditions and rainfall boundary conditions, an analytical solution for the saturation line of dry-stack tailings dams under multi-years rainfall conditions was derived. A comparison between the analytical solution and numerical simulation results was conducted, indicating that the analytical solution closely matches the numerical solution, with a maximum difference of 5.17%. The findings of study can fill the gap in the theoretical study of seepage fields in dry-stack tailings dams under the accumulation of rainfall over many years, which is of significant importance in enriching the theoretical framework of seepage in dry tailings dams. It can serve as the basis for drainage design and slope stability analysis of dry-stack tailings dams, and is crucial for designing safer and more efficient waste management practices in mining and construction.

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Literature
go back to reference de Paiva CA, da Fonseca Santiago A, do PradoFilho JF (2020) Content analysis of dam break studies for tailings dams with high damage potential in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais: technical weaknesses and proposals for improvements. Nat Hazards 104(2):1141–1156. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-04254-8CrossRef de Paiva CA, da Fonseca Santiago A, do PradoFilho JF (2020) Content analysis of dam break studies for tailings dams with high damage potential in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais: technical weaknesses and proposals for improvements. Nat Hazards 104(2):1141–1156. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s11069-020-04254-8CrossRef
go back to reference do Carmo FF, Kamino LHY, Junior RT, de Campos IC, do Carmo FF, Silvino G, de Castro KJSX, Mauro ML, Rodrigues NUA, de Miranda MPS, Pinto CEF (2017) Fundão tailings dam failures: the environment tragedy of the largest technological disaster of Brazilian mining in global context. Perspect Ecol Conserv 15(3):145–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2017.06.002CrossRef do Carmo FF, Kamino LHY, Junior RT, de Campos IC, do Carmo FF, Silvino G, de Castro KJSX, Mauro ML, Rodrigues NUA, de Miranda MPS, Pinto CEF (2017) Fundão tailings dam failures: the environment tragedy of the largest technological disaster of Brazilian mining in global context. Perspect Ecol Conserv 15(3):145–151. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​pecon.​2017.​06.​002CrossRef
go back to reference GB 50863 (2013) Code for design of tailings facilities. Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China. (In Chinese) GB 50863 (2013) Code for design of tailings facilities. Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China. (In Chinese)
go back to reference GEO-SLOPE International Ltd (2008) Seepage Modeling with SEEP/W2007. An engineering methodology, 3rd edn. Calgary, Alberta GEO-SLOPE International Ltd (2008) Seepage Modeling with SEEP/W2007. An engineering methodology, 3rd edn. Calgary, Alberta
Metadata
Title
Analytical solution for the saturation line in dry-stack tailings dams under cumulative rainfall infiltration for many years
Authors
Qiang Li
Bize Wu
Sihai Yao
Mengfan Zhang
Hong Zhang
Publication date
01-10-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment / Issue 10/2024
Print ISSN: 1435-9529
Electronic ISSN: 1435-9537
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03899-0

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