Spatial Variability and Statistical Analysis of Tailings Dam Soil Properties

Abstract Tailings storage facilities are constructed to store waste from the mining industry, and these dams are typically raised over time by production rates. Tailings dam failures highlight the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of tailings soil strength parameters to enhance the efficiency and reliability of these structures’ design, construction, and operation. Typically, tailings strength is evaluated using a deterministic approach. While this method provides a baseline, it often fails to account for the inherent variability and heterogeneity of tailings materials, which can significantly influence dam stability. A statistical approach, which evaluates the probability distributions of physical and strength parameters, offers a more comprehensive and accurate framework for understanding these variations. The present work aims to study the variability of soil properties of tailings dam by assessing the probability distribution of physical and strength parameters based on geological investigation data that seeks to improve predictive models for the behavior of tailings materials. The outcomes of this study will contribute to the development of safer and more efficient tailings dams, ultimately reducing the risk of dam failures and their associated environmental, social, and economic consequences.