Dynamic properties of coal waste refuse in a tailings dam

Xiangwu Zeng, James A. Goble, Lei Fu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Failure of tailings dams due to earthquakes occurred several times in the past, causing significant loss of properties and human lives as well as severe environmental problems. In the US, government regulatory agencies such as the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) require comprehensive seismic analyses in the design of tailings dams. This paper presents the results of an extensive laboratory testing program on coarse and fine coal waste refuses. Representative samples were taken from a tailings dam in the Appalachian coalfield. Shear modulus and damping ratio versus shear strain curves for the two types of refuse are established. In addition, the response of fine refuse to cyclic loading including the generation of excess pore pressure was investigated using cyclic triaxial tests. Implications for design are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, GSP 181
Edition181
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventGeotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics - Sacramento, CA, United States
Duration: May 18 2008May 22 2008

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
Number181

Conference

ConferenceGeotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySacramento, CA
Period5/18/085/22/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Building and Construction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture

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