July 20, 2023, Perth, WA, Australia – Dr. Zhenhe Song, Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Knight Piésold Australia, presented a study on an integrated approach to selecting soil shear strength parameters at the Mine Waste and Tailings Conference 2023. The conference, which was organised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) in collaboration with The University of Queensland, was held in Brisbane, Queensland on July 13–14, 2023. 

As part of Session 2A, Dr. Song presented the paper, “Selection of soil shear strength parameters based on integrated in situ tests, lab tests and numerical calibration approach,” with other topics covering parameter selection for tailings storage facility (TSF) and waste rock dump design. The paper, which was co-authored by Rob Truby and Dr. Jim Luo of Knight Piésold Australia, introduced an integrated approach that was adopted to characterise the undrained shear strength of deposited tailings and foundation soil for the stability and deformation assessment of an upstream TSF.

The study covered three material types controlling the stability of the TSF that were encountered during site investigations, comprising coarse-grained silty/sandy tailings, fine-grained silty/clayey tailings, and residual soil. The integrated approach involved advanced in situ tests, a comprehensive laboratory testing program, and numerical modelling. By utilising the benefits of test and modelling methodologies, the undrained strengths of tailings and residual soil could be more accurately determined for different stress conditions.

The two-day conference welcomed over 500 delegates from around the world, exploring the latest in all aspects of life cycle waste rock and tailings management, from site selection and design to post-closure care.

“Presenting at an AusIMM conference was a great opportunity to share our latest study with the Australian and global mining community,” said Dr. Song. “At Knight Piésold Australia, we continue to focus on sustainable mining development and in delivering engineering expertise to mining companies through best practices and technologies in the field.”