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Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment

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01-02-2024 | Original Paper

Seismic analysis of hybrid tailings dams: Insights into stability and responses

Authors: T. S. Aswathi, Ravi S. Jakka

Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | Issue 2/2024

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Abstract

The escalating scarcity of disposal areas for tailings and the prevalence of abandoned conventional tailings dams necessitate innovative construction methods, leading to the emergence of hybrid tailings dams. These dams amalgamate two conventional methodologies, enabling the revitalization and reutilization of abandoned dams by enhancing the dam height. This study aims to rigorously assess the stability and responses of hybrid tailings dams, focusing on their behaviour under static and seismic conditions, through Finite Element Method (FEM) analyses. The seismic responses of six distinct hybrid tailings dams were meticulously analysed employing the equivalent linear method. Three varying earthquake motions were considered. The analyses uncovered that the upper segment of the hybrid construction profoundly impacts the response and stability of the entire dam. Nevertheless, overlaying any other hybrid method, be it downstream or centerline, over the upstream method was found to be satisfactory under low to medium seismic conditions. One noteworthy finding was the possibility of raising existing abandoned upstream method of tailings dams with critical stability issues. It is found that it is safe to use hybrid methods of construction such as downstream and centerline over exiting upstream methods of tailings construction without compromising its stability. In conclusion, our study underscores the pragmatic and sustainable potential of hybrid methods, excluding the upstream method in upper constructions, as a viable solution to address the scarcity of disposal areas. This approach not only offers a practical means to revitalize existing tailings dams but also contributes to the advancement of hybrid tailings dam construction practices.

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Title: Seismic analysis of hybrid tailings dams: Insights into stability and responses
Authors: T. S. Aswathi
Ravi S. Jakka
Publication date: 01-02-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 1435-9529
Electronic ISSN: 1435-9537
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03541-z

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