Analyses of Flow Failures of Mine Tailings Dams

Abstract

A characteristic common to most tailings dam failures is that the mine tailings tend to liquefy and flow over substantial distances, with potential for extensive damage to property and life. In order to be able to assess the potential for damage in case of such failure, it is necessary to be able to predict the characteristics of the flow and the possible extent of flood movement. This paper presents analytical procedures for making such evaluations. The behavior of tailings materials during flow is represented by a Bingham plastic rheological model in these analysis procedures. It is apparent from the analyses that the flow of phosphate tailings would be expected to be turbulent but flows for other types of tailings would be expected to be laminar. The procedures described are applicable for flow of tailings on horizontal and sloping planes and in prismatic valleys. The analyses can be performed using dimensionless charts in the case of flow on planes, and a computer program in the case of flow in prismatic valleys.