Abstract
Numerical analyses based on deformation, such as finite element or finite difference methods, are becoming standard practice in the industry to assess the vulnerability of tailings dams.
These techniques allow the modelling of flow liquefaction capturing the post-peak behaviour observed in this type of material. The choice of the constitutive model is paramount in the analysis, along with the calibration of its parameters.
This study aims to compare the performance of four constitutive models – HSS, NorSand, CASM, and SANISAND – in modelling flow liquefaction in tailings dam.
First, the consequences of calibrating using only Consolidated Isotropically Undrained triaxial Compression (CIUC) tests are studied at an elemental level. Then the response in the analysis of potential flow liquefaction in real dam scenarios is explored using the finite element method software PLAXIS 2D.
These comparative assessments highlight the models’ calibration performance in terms of progressive failure, failure mechanisms and stress paths. The findings underscore the applicability of these models in assessing dam vulnerability to flow liquefaction, contributing to improved risk management in the mining industry.
