117 / 2021-12-02 12:28:15

The influence of micron-sized soil particles on the settlement-consolidation evolution process of tailings under confined conditions

Fine-grain tailings; Sedimentary characteristics; Secondary consolidation; Particle science; Macro-micro correlation

Public Security and Emergency Management > 4. Ecological Security and Land Restoration

Fine-grain tailings have a unique soil structure, which leads to a long consolidation time and has an important influence on dam-building technology. However, the formation process of its structure is not clear. Based on micron-scale observation techniques and digital image processing technology, settlement-consolidation macro correlation test of fine-grain tailings is carried out. The effect of micron-sized soil particles on the settlement-consolidation of tailings is studied. The results show that the mineral constituent and content of micron-sized soil particles have influence on the settlement characteristics of tailings slurry. There is a critical fine-grained content for the impact on settlement characteristics. The flocculated structure of fine-grain tailings will constantly change during settlement-consolidation process. This is an important factor affecting the settlement-consolidation properties of fine-grain tailings. A macro-correlation model of settlement-consolidation is proposed. The model is able to describe settling-consolidation evolution of fine-grain tailings from microstructure scale. The research results can lay the foundation for solving the problem of tailings ponds strata formation conditions.