Rheological investigations of tailings of kimberlite ore dressing and numerical simulation of its behaviour in PLAXIS

Abstract

The article presents the results of analysis of rheology properties of sandy-clay tailings (wastes) of kimberlite ore dressing of the diamond deposit (Russia, Arkhangelsk region). The coefficient of secondary compression as main parameter of soil's creep is defined by implementing standard one-dimensional consolidation test. The linear correlation between initial void ratio and coefficient of secondary compression of sandy-clay tailings were obtained. For numerical simulation of tailing's behaviour subject to its rheology properties in Soft Soil Creep (SSC) model (time independent behaviour) of PLAXIS software was used. According to laboratory tests calibration of SSC model was implemented. It allows predicting dam's safety and reliability for long-term outlook.