Study on Consolidation and Drainage Characteristics of Fine-Grained Tailings in Geotextile Bags Under Dynamic Load

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tailings dams built using tailings have faced several technical challenges in recent years. However, the use of the geotextile bag method can provide a good solution to issues such as difficult dam construction, poor drainage, and stability of the dam. In order to address these concerns, the author conducted an experimental study using the geotextile bag built-in air bag pressurization test method. Nine sets of horizontal test conditions were designed, which included the air bag application position, air bag pressure variation range, and air bag pressure application mode. The research aimed to investigate the dynamic load on the geotextile bag of fine-grained tailings consolidation drainage characteristics. The results showed that the peak pressure of the loaded air bag has the greatest impact on the degree of tailings consolidation drainage rate. The loading method of variable peak pressure was found to be more conducive to increasing tailings retention and practical operation of the project. TEST BACKGROUND China is a nation that is rich in mineral resources, and as the mineral processing technology and recovery efficiency continue to improve, the size of tailings has become smaller and smaller. Traditional upstream and midline methods of constructing tailings dams can result in low permeability, high infiltration line, poor drainage, consolidation difficulties, and sand imbalance, which can all affect the stability of the dam. The geotextile bag method has recently gained attention from scientific researchers and engineers due to its good permeability and sand retention function, and has seen some success in the field of tailings dams. However, the role of the geotextile bag method in ensuring the safety and stability of tailings dams needs further exploration. Additionally, there are several new problems that need to be addressed. This paper aims to examine the use of built-in pressurized airbags for accelerating the solidification and drainage of fine-grained tailings in molded bags.