Modeling consolidation of tailings impoundments in one and two dimensions

Estimating spatial variability of material produced by tailings consolidation represents a relatively unknown area of practice. With the ability to model tailings impoundments in two and three dimensions, SVOffice’s large strain consolidation modelling package represents a new way of approaching these problems. Such modeling allows for the inclusion of flux and stress boundary conditions, drainage restrictions caused by liners, the effects of permeable zones on consolidation behaviour, etc. Benchmarking of this software is an ongoing process. This paper builds upon previous papers in evaluating 1 and 2 dimensional consolidation of previously published scenarios. It also includes the modeling of tailings deposits composed of several materials. The results show that multidimensional consolidation analyses can provide new insights into the consolidation behaviour of tailings. [All papers were considered for technical and language appropriateness by the organizing committee.]Non UBCUnreviewedOthe