Based on the analysis method for tailings dam in upstream raising method presently used in metallurgy and nonferrous metals tailings depository in the world, an effective stress analysis method of seismic response for high tailings dam was developed according to the results of engineering geological exploration, static and dynamic test and stability analysis on Baizhishan tailing dam 113.5 m high. The law of generation, diffusion and dissipation of seismic pore water pressure during and after earthquake was investigated, and the results of tailings dam's acceleration, seismic dynamic stress and pore water pressure were obtained. The results show that the seismic stability and liquefaction resistance of high tailings dam are strengthened remarkably, and the scope and depth of liquefaction area at the top of dam are reduced greatly. The interior stress is compressive stress, the stress level of every element is less than 1.0 and the safety coefficient of every element is greater than 1.0. The safety coefficient against liquefaction of every element of tailing dam is greater than 1.5 according to the effective stress analysis of seismic response by finite element method. The calculated results prove that liquefaction is the main reason of seismic failure of high tailing dams, and the effect of seismic inertia forces on high tailing dams' stability during earthquake is secondary reason. Central South University Press, Sole distributor outside Mainland China: Springer 2007.
The basic types of tailing dams including upstream, modified centerline, centerline and downstream construction methods are described and the pros and cons of each presented. Key issues that dictate the type of dam to be selected will be discussed. These issues typically include tailing properties, site characteristics, site seismicity, construction materials including tailing and beneficial use of other materials generated by the mining process will be discussed. Alternate types of deposition will be described ranging from single point to multiple spigots to subaerial deposition. Also tailing dams will be compared to water dams to show the differences in design approach. One of the key differences is the approach to the use of drainage.