Critical State Line Laboratory Testing for Tailings Dams: Planning, Execution, and Interpretation

May 23, 2024

ABSTRACT Critical state soil mechanics (CSSM) is crucial for assessing and understanding tailings dam safety risks related to liquefaction. Applying CSSM requires assessment of the critical state line (CSL) and other soil properties through a laboratory testing program, typically on reconstituted samples. For tailings dams, there are additional challenges with heterogeneity, pore water chemistry, and geochemical effects. This paper describes the planning, execution and interpretation of CSL laboratory testing programs, and applications of the results on tailings dam projects.

Mrak, C., D. Klassen and N. Gullayanon. 2024. “Critical State Line Laboratory Testing for Tailings Dams: Planning, Execution, and Interpretation,” in Proceedings of the 30th Symposium of the Vancouver Geotechnical Society, ‘Dams, Dikes and Levees.’ 17 May 2024. Vancouver, B.C.