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01-06-2024 | Original Paper

Enhanced method of slices with experimental evidence for predicting static liquefaction on tailings dams

Authors: Xilin Lü, Sheng Zeng, Xianlin Liu, Mengsen Weng, Yu Shao, Yishan Li

Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | Issue 6/2024

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Abstract

Saturated tailings deposits in the upstream dam are at risk of static liquefaction due to elevated porewater pressure levels. The concept of a potential static liquefaction zone was conceived, and an enhanced method of slices evolving that zone was proposed. The centrifuge test modeled the aluminum tailings dam with a step-likely increasing overburden, to investigate the stress state and deformation pattern during service life. Results showed that the tailings lasted a low level of effective stress and continuous accumulation of flow deformation after the first liquefaction occurrence, implying an enduring liquefied zone under subsequent loading. For a safety design, that zone is referred to as the potential static liquefaction zone and soil inside the zone should be considered to have strength parameters from the instability line instead of the failure line. Based on this assumption, an enhanced method of slices, considering the strength reduction in the potential static liquefaction zone, was proposed. To verify the enhanced method, the centrifuge test of the liquefied tailings was simulated in GeoSlope, where a deep riskiest sliding surface, a large failure zone, and a factor of safety of less than 1 were predicted. However, the traditional Bishop method predicted a factor of safety greater than 1 for the liquefied tailings. Significant predictive differences were also observed in two other liquefied cases: the Merriespruit tailings dam and the Fundão tailings dam.

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Metadata
Title
Enhanced method of slices with experimental evidence for predicting static liquefaction on tailings dams
Authors
Xilin Lü
Sheng Zeng
Xianlin Liu
Mengsen Weng
Yu Shao
Yishan Li
Publication date
01-06-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment / Issue 6/2024
Print ISSN: 1435-9529
Electronic ISSN: 1435-9537
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03735-5

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