Physical modelling of oil sands tailings consolidation

The self-weight consolidation of oil sands tailings and kaolinite slurry is modelled using a new geotechnical beam centrifuge located at the University of Alberta (Geomechanical Reservoir Engineering Facility (GeoREF) centrifuge). The centrifuge is used to create a prototype-effective stress regime in the model, and centrifuge tests are conducted at different initial compositions at acceleration levels of 40 to 100g. The objectives of the centrifuge tests are to study the long-term consolidation behaviour, derive consolidation parameters, verify modelling procedures and to evaluate time-domain reflectometry application for solids content profile monitoring during centrifuge testing. The interface settlement, pore pressure and solids content profiles of the consolidating materials are monitored in-flight. Large strain consolidation parameters are derived from centrifuge tests and compared with parameters determined from a large strain consolidometer. The paper describes the modelling aspect as well as the instrumentation and monitoring of centrifuge tests. The centrifuge results are presented, discussed and compared using results from large strain numerical models.