Physical and numerical modelling of consolidation of mine tailings

In order to predict the consolidation behaviour of slurried tailings, it is necessary to use large-strain consolidation theory to take account of changes in soil properties during the consolidation process. Such a theory can be incorporated into a numerical model, which has the advantage that it can cope with changes in filing rates, and changes in boundary drainage conditions. The major problem with this type of model is to determine the consolidation parameters for use with the model. The paper summarises the approach adopted at UWA, ehich makes use of the Geotechnical Centrifuge to derive the model parameters, and also to carry out some limited verification of the model. The paper then describes some results which show what can be obtained with the numerical model, demonstrating the effects of different filing rates on density and strength profiles at various times.