Experimental study on the mechanism effect of seepage on microstructure of tailings

The deformation of microstructure of tailings caused by seepage is the main factor that leads the tailings dam to be damaged and lose stability. The effect of seepage on microstructure of tailings has been studied by a self-made observation testing apparatus of micro-mechanics and deformation of tailings, and its mechanism also has been explained in mechanics of particulate matter. The results show that the deformation response to microstructure of tailings is fast under load. The settlement of sample increases stepwise. Firstly, the fine particles crumble, then skeleton particles move, so as to noticeable settlement. Because the loose particles migrate taken by seepage water, the upper pores become bigger and lower pores become smaller. The relation of seepage water and settlement changing with time could be divided into two stages. In each stage, the rates of seepage and settlement reduce with time, and between the two stages, the rate of settlement increases significantly and the rate of seepage reduces with time. The seepage has significant effect on the particle size distribution of tailings in different depths, which has a little effect on the coarse tailings; the proportion of fine tailings increases significantly with the depth increasing; the minimum particle size decreases gradually and median diameter reduces stepwise with the depth increasing.

► The effect of seepage on microstructure of tailings has been studied in this paper.
► The settlement of sample to which response is fast increases stepwise under load.
► The particle size distribution changes as particles migrate taken by seepage water.
► Regulations between time and seepage water or settlement are divided into two stages.
► The seepage has significant effect on particle size distribution at different depths.