Numerical Analysis of Upcycled Iron Ore Tailings in Ballast Columns for Hydrocarbon Storage Tanks

The upcycling of iron ore tailings (IOT) as an alternative material for ballast columns presents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for ground improvement. This study investigates the performance of limestone-based and shale-based IOT ballast columns in controlling vertical displacement and reducing the settlement of hydrocarbon storage tanks. A numerical analysis was conducted to compare their effectiveness against conventional ballast columns under a 67 m diameter tank, subjected to an operational pressure of 184 kPa. The results indicate that limestone-based IOT columns reduced maximum settlement to 128.94 × 10⁻³ m, representing a 55.6% decrease compared with conventional ballast columns (290.51 × 10⁻³ m), and a 59.7% reduction relative to shale-based IOT columns (319.47 × 10⁻³ m). This improvement highlights the enhanced mechanical behaviour of limestone-based IOT, making it a promising alternative for geotechnical applications. The findings confirm that IoT-based ballast columns, particularly those using limestone, can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials while contributing to sustainable waste management. By upcycling mining waste, this approach not only improves ground stability but also minimises the environmental impact of tailings disposal. These results encourage further research into the optimisation of IOT mixtures and their application in large-scale construction projects. The use of IOT in geotechnical engineering aligns with global efforts to promote sustainability in infrastructure development.