Modelling unsaturated silty tailings and the conditions required for static liquefaction

The potential for static liquefaction of tailings is a major focus in the design and operation of tailings storage facilities. This research models the behaviour of unsaturated tailings, with a variety of degrees of saturation, addressing the propensity for static liquefaction during monotonic loading. Unsaturated triaxial tests, including constant suction conditions and constant water–air mass conditions, were performed. A bounding surface plasticity model was used to simulate the results. The constant mass condition is relevant to undrained closed-system loading, which may prevail during fast deformation after the tailings becomes unstable, when the air and water in the pore space remain locked inside the tailings. Boyle's law and hydraulic hysteresis were accounted for to model the changes of pore air and water pressures, and suction, with the change in tailings volume. Good agreement was achieved between test results and model simulations. Additional simulations to mimic rising water tables under constant total stress states in the field, situations that may trigger instabilities, are also shown. Results are added to charts which relate peak and post-liquefaction strengths, as well as collapse lines, to measures of initial state, for unsaturated conditions, which may be of use in practice.