Mechanical Behavior of Tailings Sands: A Numerical Analysis using the UBCSAND Constitutive Model

Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate the practical advantages of the UBCSAND constitutive model in simulating the mechanical behavior of tailings sands through numerical analysis. For this purpose, a mixed approach of non-experimental design, applied type, and comparative scope was chosen. The population consisted of 20 monotonic triaxial tests for tailings sands and the purposive sample consisted of 3 tests performed with confining stresses of 5, 10, and 15 kg/cm2 under undrained conditions. Simulations were performed using the TNO DIANA finite element software, which incorporates the UBCSAND model. The validation of the model's implementation was achieved by comparing its predictions with both the experimental results and simulations conducted using the PLAXIS program. The results indicated that the numerical responses of stress-strain, volumetric change-strain, and stress path, showed a strong compatibility with the experimental data at a confining stress of 5 kg/m2, while for higher values (10 and 15 kg/m2) there was still a good agreement with some moderate observations. Consequently, the study proposes that the UBCSAND constitutive model is an efficient alternative approach to predict with high accuracy the mechanical behavior of tailings sands.