A column study of the hydro-mechanical behavior of mature fine tailings under atmospheric drying

In this paper, the hydro-mechanical behavior and physical properties of mature fine tailings (MFT) under atmospheric drying are investigated through a column study. In the study, evaporation takes place in the development of suction in the upper parts of the column and increasing suction leads to higher strength in the tailings. After 5 days, the suction in the first lift is around 17 kPa in the upper part of the column. When a second lift is added, the first lift initially loses strength but over a 30 days' period, the strength is recovered to its prior value and suction in the second lift reaches 500 kPa. The vane shear strength values show a substantial increase in the strength of the MFT after 30 days under atmospheric drying and drainage. The 90% strength found in the column exceeds the threshold (5 kPa). The hydraulic-mechanical properties of the deposited tailings are closely coupled due to several mechanisms, such as evaporation, drainage, self-consolidation, suction and crack development. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of the placement behavior of multiple lifts of MFT and thus contribute to reclamation design standards and reduce the use of dedicated disposal areas.