microstructure Featured Items
Webinar

An Update of the CPT-based Classification System Using Behavior-based Descriptions (Webinar #14)

Focused on providing an update of the CPT-based SBT classification systems using behavior-based descriptions. The update includes a method to identify the existence of microstructure in soils. Examples are used to illustrate the advantages of such a system.

CPT Microstructure geotechnical investigation and testing
Webinar

Introduction to the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) (Webinar #1)

This first webinar will be an Introduction to CPT, and cover the history of the CPT, basic soil parameters and the soil behavior type chartsbehavior-based descriptions. The update includes a method to identify the existence of microstructure in soils. Examples are used to illustrate the advantages of such a system.

CPT Soil Parameters Microstructure geotechnical investigation and testing
Publication Event

Investigation of geotechnical, hydromechanical, and chemical behaviour of polymer-treated tailings, Paste 2021: 24th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Paste 2021

To better understand the inline flocculation technique for enhanced water recovery from fine-particle suspensions, this paper studied the impacts of two typical salts, NaCl and CaCl2 on the geotechnical, hydrological, hydromechanical, and chemical behaviour of polymertreated synthetic tailings slurry using a low-shear mixer for continuous flocculation under controlled conditions. The results are discussed in light of the contribution of the polymer treatment to improved rehabilitation outcomes and the role geotechnical, hydromechanical, hydrological and chemical properties play to achieve this goal.

inline flocculation dewatering rate consolidation aggregates microstructure water recovery salinity
Publication Event

Use of reactive MgO-activated slag in high sulphide-bearing lead-zinc cemented backfill, Paste 2019: Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings, Paste 2

The long-term strength of cemented backfill mass with ordinary Portland cement binder generally decreases with sulphide content due to the formation of expansive phases such as gypsum. This paper investigates the potential of using commercial reactive MgO-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag (MgO-GGBS) in cemented backfill from high sulphide content lead-zinc mine tailings to prevent long-term strength loss. The study focuses on the effect of MgO-GGBS content and the reactive MgO dosage on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and the shrinkage/expansion rate. The test results showed that the 28-day UCS of cemented backfill achieved the target strength (?1.0 MPa) with 14 wt% MgO-GGBS content, and the reactive MgO dosage affected the long-term UCS and the shrinkage/expansion rate of cemented backfill body. The main hydration products when using MgO-GGBS were hydrated calcium/magnesium silicate (C-S-H/M-S-H) and hydrotalcite-like phases (Ht). Cemented backfill has a porous opening microstructure. Micro-expansion produced by appropriate MgO content can increase microstructure density, which increases short- and longterm UCS of cemented backfill body, while sustained expansion produced by excessive MgO could destroy the MgO-GGBS microstructure, decreasing the UCS of cemented backfill. We conclude that the mechanical and extension properties of cemented backfill body are highly dependent on the reactive MgO content of the MgO-GGBS. The optimum value of responsive MgO content of MgO-GGBS was 2.5–7.5 wt% to achieve the long-term stability of cemented backfill.

cemented backfill slag binder unconfined compressive strength shrinkage rate microstructure lead zinc