Author: Mohsen Moogui
Date: November 2024
First Presented: GeoTails website
INTRODUCTION
The stability of tailings dams is a critical concern, particularly during staged construction. As these dams are raised in phases, the risk of instability increases due to changing loads and the potential development of excessive pore water pressure within the dam structure or its foundation. Effective monitoring of these pressures is essential to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam, especially during construction stages when risks are heightened.
Role of Piezometers in Tailings Dam Monitoring: Piezometers are widely used to monitor pore water pressure in tailings dams, providing essential data for stability assessments. Vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) offer significant advantages over traditional standpipe piezometers, particularly in low-permeability materials such as clay and tailings. The ability of VWPs to provide real-time responses to changes in external pressure is crucial for managing the dynamic conditions of staged construction.
Advantages of Multilevel Vibrating Wire Piezometers:
Key Benefits of Piezometer Monitoring:
Crucial Factors in Data Interpretation: Interpreting piezometer data requires extensive expertise, particularly in complex sites where multiple factors can influence pore pressures, such as:
Adopting a Risk-Based Approach: A risk-based approach to instrumentation ensures that the most effective combination of tools is used to address major risks during staged construction. This involves:
Conclusion: The use of advanced piezometer systems, particularly multilevel VWPs, is crucial for assessing the risk of instability in tailings dams during staged construction. GeoTails Consulting leverages these technologies to deliver tailored monitoring solutions that ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable tailings management.
Contact GeoTails Consulting today to discuss how our expertise in piezometer data interpretation and tailings management can support your next project.
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