Evaluation of the Susceptibility to Liquefaction of the Foundation Material of a Tailings DAM

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility to liquefaction of the foundation material of a tailings dam, with the aim of assessing its capacity to withstand critical loads, ensure structural safety, and confirm geotechnical stability. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented: soil liquefaction under cyclic and monotonic loading, Atterberg limits for determining plasticity and shear strength, and models of contractive versus dilative behavior in undrained triaxial testing. These frameworks provide a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises an experimental design using intact foundation samples. Grain‐size analyses (58.6–89.1 % clay; 70.5–98.4 % fines), liquid and plastic limit determinations, and undrained triaxial tests were performed to obtain stress–strain curves and failure modes. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed predominantly contractive behavior without abrupt failure, confirming high cohesion and capacity for plastic deformation prior to rupture. Three specimens exhibited increased brittleness but showed a gradual strength decay at large strains, diverging from the classic liquefaction pattern. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can inform the design of tailings dam foundations, the updating of geotechnical standards, and the enhancement of safety practices in the mining sector. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by integrating grain‐size analysis, Atterberg limits, and undrained triaxial testing within a single protocol. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its provision of a comprehensive, reproducible assessment of fine‐grained soil stability in dam engineering.