Stability Analysis of Tailings Dam based on the Combination of Seepage and Stress

Abstract

According to an example of a tailings dam, a numerical model is established by finite difference software FLAC3D, and a tailings dam is calculated and analyzed by the combination of fluid-solid coupling and strength subtraction method. The distribution of seepage field and flow rate of tailings dam and the approximate position of saturation line are determined. The coupling effect of stress field and seepage field under different dry beach length is analyzed. The result shows that with the decrease of dry beach length, the shear strain region gradually becomes wider and forms a through area, and the area with large shear strain appears at the top of the dam in the initial stage. The seepage flow of the tailings dam increases gradually, the saturation line rises and the safety factor of the tailings dam is reduced, so it is necessary to ensure the length of the tailings dam to be large enough in order to stabilize the tailings dam.