The Critical State Line Parameters ofΒ Iron Ore Tailings from Basic Laboratory Tests: Updated Insights with Additional Data
December 16, 2024
Characterizing iron ore tailings using the critical state soil mechanics (CSSM) framework has become standard practice in Brazil to support the static liquefaction assessments of tailings storage facilities (TSF) undergoing decommissioning processes and the design of filtered tailings stacks. This has resulted in a substantial published database of iron ore critical state (CS) parameters, as most iron ore TSF projects are situated within the Iron Quadrangle (Minas Gerais) in Brazil, an area renowned for hosting one of the worldβs largest reserves of iron ore.
In early 2024, the authors presented a database containing CS parameters derived from laboratory testing of 26 iron ore sources. Based on newly published data, this database has been expanded. This article compiles CS parameters from an updated database that includes 40 iron ore tailings from various sites in Brazil and worldwide. These parameters are then compared to basic laboratory data including specific gravity (πΊπΊπ π ), fines content (πΉπΉπΉπΉ), mean particle size (π·π·50), coefficient of uniformity (πΉπΉπ’π’), Atterberg limits represented by the plasticity index (PI) and liquid limit (LL), minimum (ππππππππ) and maximum (ππππππππ) void ratios as well as the iron oxide content. The aim is to establish correlations between basic iron ore tailings data and CS parameters, providing a screening approach to determine whether laboratory results fall within expected ranges, or if more detailed tests are necessary when assessing static liquefaction for iron ore TSFs.
Ccotohuanca, J. and D. Klassen. 2024. βThe Critical State Line Parameters ofΒ Iron Ore Tailings from Basic Laboratory Tests: Updated Insights with Additional Data,β in Proceedings of the Tailings and Mine Waste Conference, 10-13 November 2024. Colorado, USA.