Application of the 3D Limit Equilibrium Method in Tailings Dam Breach Analysis

Application of the 3D Limit Equilibrium Method in Tailings Dam Breach Analysis

Authors: Julie Castellanos, Salina Yong, Violeta Martin
Conference: Tailings and Mine Waste 2022
Date: November 6-9, 2022

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a case study of a tailings storage facility undergoing closure activities, where three-dimensional limit equilibrium analysis (3D LEA) was used to estimate the breach geometry, breach location, and potential outflow volumes. Data from seismic cone penetration and laboratory testing were used to evaluate the behavior (flowability) and strength of the in-situ tailings. Key factors such as the pre-mine topography, dam geometry, dam materials, tailings properties, and pore pressure conditions were considered in the 3D LEA. The case study highlights the importance of integrating soil mechanics concepts with dam breach analysis methodologies to provide a more meaningful approach for evaluating the potential runout impacts of a slump-type failure mode. The proposed approach can be used to facilitate risk assessments and inform emergency preparedness and response planning.

 

Download the full paper.

Download

Recent Insights

January 2024
Balancing Act: Water Usage Management Vital for a Sustainable Future
January 2024
A Difficult Balance Between Engineering, Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects
November 2023
Knight Piésold Commences with the ESIA for Haib Copper
November 2023
Insights from the Compilation and Critical Assessment of Breach and Runout Characteristics from Historical Tailings Dam Failures: Implications for Numerical Modelling
November 2023
Earthquake-induced Deformation Analysis of a TSF Undergoing Tailings Reprocessing
November 2023
Case Study: Approach to Determining the Risk Mitigation Priority of a Historic TSF in North America
October 2023
Data Management and Insights for Effective Tailings Storage Facility Management
October 2023
The Role of Sensitivity Analysis in Selecting Dam Breach Parameters
October 2023
Influence of Increased Confining Stress on Undrained Behavior of Tailings: A Case History at the Candelaria Mine
October 2023
The Re-use of Existing Bituminous Stabilised Materials for the Rehabilitation of National Route 7 - Case Study
September 2023
Transición energética para gerentes de mina
August 2023
Interview: Guillermo Barreda, Gerente General, Knight Piésold Perú
July 2023
Selection of Soil Shear Strength Parameters Based on Integrated In Situ Tests, Lab Tests and Numerical Calibration Approach
June 2023
Leveraging Knowledge and Experience of a Well-Formed Independent Tailings Review Board to Enhance Tailings Facility Safety
May 2023
Is the Implementation of Dry Stacking for Tailings Storage Increasing? A Southern African Perspective
February 2023
Canadian Consulting Engineer's Lifetime Achievement Awards: Jeremy Haile
February 2023
Geotechnical Characterization of Collapsible Salty Sands Subjected to Monotonic and Cyclic Loadings – A Case Study for Areas with High Seismicity
November 2022
Evaluation of Tailings Behaviour for Dam Breach Assessments
November 2022
Tailings Improvement by Stress-Densification from Waste Rock Capping