5. Static Liquefaction in Tailings Deposits

BRIEF SUMMARY

Module 5 of the diploma in Geotechnical Design of Tailings Dams, Waste Dumps, and Leaching Pads aims to study the phenomenon of static liquefaction in tailings deposits. This phenomenon has been responsible for many catastrophic failures in the last decade, with the failure of the Feijão I dam (Brumadinho, Brazil) in 2019 being the catalyst for the creation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). Static liquefaction in tailings is being studied by various private companies, universities, and research centers worldwide. Due to its sudden nature, it is impossible to use the observational method for prevention and corrective measures, making it a very dangerous failure mechanism. This module will review the fundamental concepts of critical state soil mechanics, which is the most appropriate theoretical framework for understanding the phenomenon of static liquefaction. Additionally, the causes that led to the failure of the Feijão I dam (Brumadinho, Brazil) will be reviewed in detail. Subsequently, experimental laboratory results will be presented, where the phenomenon can be reproduced, and the factors that control the magnitude, triggering, and fragility of the materials can be understood. Finally, methodologies for determining whether tailings are susceptible to static liquefaction using CPTu tests will be evaluated, and recommendations for conducting stability analyses will be provided.

BENEFITS

► Receive certification in the name of the International Geotechnical Center as a specialist in Tailings Dams, Waste Dumps, and Leach Pads Design.

► Get trained by an experienced speaker in the field.

► Receive slides and materials for each module.

► Be able to make necessary academic inquiries through the CGI Virtual Campus forums.

► Choose the start date and complete the diploma at your own pace and schedule within the access period. You can pause and review the videos as many times as needed to grasp the knowledge being imparted.

► Access a network of professionals from various countries worldwide. Our diploma program includes technicians, university students, engineers, master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral candidates, as well as individuals from various professional backgrounds.

► Access the database of participant inquiries and responses, as well as technical reports generated in each module and supporting theses.

OBJECTIVES

► Review the fundamental concepts of critical state soil mechanics.

► Study in detail the causes that led to the failure of the Feijão I dam (Brumadinho, Brazil).

► Evaluate various factors in the laboratory to understand the factors that control the magnitude, triggering, and fragility of the materials.

► Determine if a material is susceptible to static liquefaction using CPTu tests and empirical methodologies.

► Provide recommendations for conducting stability analyses.

SYLLABUS

► Module 5: Static Liquefaction in Tailings Deposits

a. Characterization of Co-disposed Filtered Tailings

b. Zoning of Deposits

c. Stability and Deformation Analysis

d. Seismic Design 

e. Waterproofing

f. QA - QC

g. Case Studies

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