Cyclic Triaxial Strength of Mine Tailings

Abstract

The cyclic strength of sand deposits is influenced by a number of factors including density, grain size, previous loading history, in situ stresses, age, particle shape and structure. In the case of uncompacted tailings sands, of concern because of their high potential for liquefaction, a number of these factors do not show a large variation. Test data on uncompacted tailings sands which the practicing engineering could use to obtain a preliminary estimate of cyclic strength parameters are compiled and reviewed. Data from 20 tailings and 13 non‐tailings materials is presented for comparison purposes. The correction for relative density for normalizing test data is discussed. A Modified Stress Ratio (MSR) plot is suggested which enables the determination of cyclic strength parameters for the anisotropically consolidated case from strengths on isotropically consolidated samples. The accuracy of this determination is adequate for engineering purposes. Finally, a method outlining the use of compiled data for evaluation of cyclic strength of tailings sands is presented.