Unconfined Compressive Strength of Synthetic and Natural Mine Tailings Amended with Fly Ash and Cement
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 7
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of binder amendment on the unconfined compression strength (UCS) of mine tailings and assess applicability of using the amended materials in earthworks. Natural and synthetic (i.e., laboratory prepared) mine tailings were used to assess the effects of tailings particle size and tailings solids content on UCS. Two types of off-specification fly ashes and Types I and II portland cement were used as cementitious binders. Tailings and fly ash mixtures were prepared at 70, 80, and 90% solids content and amended with 10 or 20% binder. Unconfined compression strength tests were conducted on specimens cured for 7 days. In general, UCS increased with an increase in tailings particle size, solids content, and/or increase in ratio of fly ash for amended tailings specimens. A multivariate regression model was developed to predict UCS of tailings amended with fly ash as a function of (1) tailings water content, (2) water-to-binder ratio, and (3) ratio of fly ash. The model was developed using data from synthetic tailings specimens and validated via tests on natural tailings and data compiled from literature. The model is applicable for estimating the UCS of candidate fly ash amended hard rock mine tailings and low plasticity soils (i.e., liquid ). The UCS of high plasticity materials was underpredicted with the model.
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Acknowledgments
Financial support for this study was provided in part by the Mountain Plains Consortium awarded to North Dakota State University through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Support also was provided by Colorado State University. The opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Mountain Plains Consortium, North Dakota State University, or Colorado State University.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 7 • July 2017
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 4, 2016
Accepted: Nov 16, 2016
Published ahead of print: Feb 20, 2017
Published online: Feb 21, 2017
Published in print: Jul 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 21, 2017
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