Abstract
In order to study the spatio-temporal distribution law of pore water pressure and consolidation degree of tailing dams, the distribution law of pore water pressure and consolidation degree of tailing dams under spatio-temporal coupling was investigated based on numerical simulation and similar model test with the Anzigou tailing pond as the research object. Through numerical simulation, the changes of pore water pressure and consolidation degree of tailings dam under different stacking time and stacking height were analyzed, and according to the similarity theory, a similar model of tailings dam was designed and indoor tests were conducted to monitor the changes of pore water pressure and consolidation degree of the model tailings dam at different stages, which verified the reliability of the results of the numerical simulation, and revealed the spatial-temporal evolution of the pore water pressure of the tailings dam in the course of operation. The results of the study show that the pore water pressure and consolidation degree of the tailing dam are changing at different stages. The results show that the consolidation degree of the tailings dam decreases from the initial dam to the reservoir area in the horizontal direction, while it increases from the top of the dam downward in the vertical direction. The time required for consolidation decreases with the increase of accumulation load. The similar model test verified the numerical simulation results, and further revealed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the pore water pressure of the tailings dam. The pore water pressure of the tailings dam decreases horizontally from the early stage dam to the reservoir area, and increases vertically from the top of the dam downward, and the poorly drained silt region difficult to be consolidated is gradually formed at the bottom of the dam with the increase of the number of sub-dam levels. The spatial and temporal distribution of pore water pressure and consolidation degree has an important impact on the safety of tailings dams, and reasonable pressure management and consolidation control measures can effectively improve the stability of tailings dams. The study provides theoretical support for the design and safety monitoring of tailings dams, and helps to improve the safety management of tailings dams.