Influence-of-Foundation-Conditions-in-Tailings-Embankment-Designs.pptx
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Influence of Foundation Conditions in Tailings Tailings embankments are critical infrastructure in the mining industry, serving to contain and store the waste materials generated during Embankment mineral processing. The foundation conditions upon which these structures are built play a crucial rol...
Influence of Foundation Conditions in Tailings Tailings embankments are critical infrastructure in the mining industry, serving to contain and store the waste materials generated during Embankment mineral processing. The foundation conditions upon which these structures are built play a crucial role in their design, stability, and long-term performance. This presentation will explore the influence of Designs foundation conditions on tailings embankment designs, highlighting the methods for evaluating and improving foundation characteristics to ensure the safety and efficiency of these vital facilities. by Christian Ordonez Introduction to Foundation Conditions Foundation conditions refer to the physical and geotechnical properties of the soil, rock, and groundwater present at the site where a structure, such as a tailings embankment, is to be constructed. These conditions play a critical role in the design, stability, and long-term performance of the structure. Understanding the foundation conditions is essential for engineers to develop appropriate design strategies and ensure the safety and integrity of the tailings embankment. Factors Affecting Foundation Conditions Soil Composition Groundwater Presence Stability and and Properties Compressibility The presence and The type, gradation, movement of The overall stability and engineering groundwater within and compressibility of properties of the soil, the foundation can the foundation such as strength, significantly impact materials are critical compressibility, and the stability and considerations. Weak permeability, directly behavior of the tailings or highly compressible influence the embankment. soils can lead to foundation conditions. Elevated groundwater excessive settlements These factors levels or high seepage and potential failure of determine the ability forces can compromise the tailings of the soil to support the foundation's embankment. the loads imposed by integrity. the tailings Evaluation of Foundation Conditions 1 Geotechnical Investigations Comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including borings, in- situ testing, and laboratory analysis, are conducted to characterize the soil and rock properties, groundwater conditions, and overall foundation integrity. 2 Numerical Modeling Advanced numerical models and simulations are used to analyze the foundation conditions, assess the potential for settlements and stability issues, and inform the tailings embankment design. 3 Monitoring and Analysis Ongoing monitoring of the foundation conditions, through instrumentation and data analysis, helps identify any changes or potential issues that may arise over the lifetime of the tailings embankment. Improvement of Foundation Conditions Soil Compaction and Densification Geosynthetics and Reinforcement Techniques such as dynamic The use of geosynthetic materials, compaction, vibro-compaction, such as geotextiles, geogrids, and and controlled fill placement can geomembranes, can help stabilize be used to improve the and reinforce the foundation, foundation's strength and reduce improving its overall load-bearing the potential for excessive capacity. settlements. Groundwater Management Chemical Stabilization Effective drainage and dewatering Techniques like soil mixing, jet systems, as well as the grouting, or the addition of implementation of grouting or stabilizing agents can be used to cutoff walls, can help control and improve the strength and manage groundwater within the engineering properties of the foundation, ensuring its stability. foundation soils. Case Studies Project 1: Tailings Project 2: Successful Tailings Embankment Failure Embankment Construction A tailings embankment in a remote In a different mining project, the mining region experienced a engineering team conducted catastrophic failure due to inadequate extensive geotechnical investigations evaluation of the foundation and implemented a comprehensive conditions. The investigation revealed foundation improvement program. that the underlying soil was highly This included soil densification compressible and lacked the through deep dynamic compaction, necessary strength to support the the installation of a drainage system embankment, leading to progressive to lower the groundwater table, and deformations and ultimate collapse. the use of geosynthetic Lessons learned from this case reinforcement. The result was a highlighted the importance of tailings embankment that has thorough site characterization and the remained stable and functional for implementation of appropriate decades, demonstrating the Innovations and Best Practices Advanced Soil Comprehensive Collaborative Approach Improvement Monitoring Fostering a Emerging techniques, The integration of collaborative such as electro-osmotic advanced monitoring environment among stabilization and the systems, including geotechnical engineers, use of bio-cementation, remote sensing, fiber mining professionals, are being explored to optic sensors, and real- and regulatory further enhance the time data analysis, authorities helps to engineering properties provides engineers with establish best practices, of foundation soils, a deeper understanding share knowledge, and improving their load- of the foundation ensure the bearing capacity and conditions and enables implementation of the long-term performance. proactive management most effective of potential issues. foundation evaluation Conclusions and Questions Importance of Foundation Conditions The foundation conditions have a profound impact on the design, stability, and long-term performance of tailings embankments. Proper evaluation and improvement of these conditions are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of these essential mining infrastructure projects. Comprehensive Approach A comprehensive approach, involving thorough site investigations, advanced modeling and analysis, and the implementation of appropriate foundation improvement techniques, is essential for effectively addressing foundation-related challenges in tailings embankment design. Continuous Improvement Ongoing innovation, the adoption of best practices, and collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders are key to advancing the state of the art in tailings embankment foundation management, ultimately enhancing the safety and sustainability of the mining industry.
