The effect of consolidation and loading stress paths on the static liquefaction of mine tailings
Date
2003
Authors
Tshabalala, Lourence
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Abstract
The reliability of using isotropically consolidated specimens in the laboratory
determination of liquefaction characteristics of cohesionless sands, as is common
practice today, is evaluated.
Two series of triaxial tests involved the conventional undrained loading of
isotropically and anisotropically consolidated specimens. The third series of tests
utilized anisotropically consolidated specimens loaded by following special undrained
stress paths.
Test results revealed that liquefaction characteristics obtained from isotropically and
anisotropically consolidated specimens are different. The effective angles of friction
mobilized at peak shear stress and at steady state were greater for anisotropically
consolidated specimens.
Loading stress path is seen to have no effect on the liquefaction characteristics
derived from conventional loading of anisotropically consolidated specimens.
The critical stress ratio line is observed to be the line determining the initiation of
liquefaction so that any stress path attempting to cross this line, regardless of
direction of approach, immediately shows strain-softening behavior leading to
liquefaction.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built
Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of
the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering.
Keywords
Mining engineering., Tailings dams -- South Africa -- Research.