Login | Register

Experimental and Computational Assessment of Tailings Binder Matrices for Construction Purposes in Cold Regions

Title:

Experimental and Computational Assessment of Tailings Binder Matrices for Construction Purposes in Cold Regions

Mahmood, Ali A. (2012) Experimental and Computational Assessment of Tailings Binder Matrices for Construction Purposes in Cold Regions. PhD thesis, Concordia University.

[thumbnail of Mahmood_PhD_S2012.pdf]
Preview
Text (application/pdf)
Mahmood_PhD_S2012.pdf - Accepted Version
20MB

Abstract

Mine tailings are the waste materials of the mining industry. They are typically disposed of in tailings ponds surrounded by tailings dams. This traditional method of disposal has caused severe environmental damage throughout the years. In this study a new approach of sustainable development of tailings is attempted. The study consisted of two phases – experimental and computational. In Phase 1, six different types of tailings are gathered from mines in Eastern Canada and subjected to a series of laboratory tests. Tailings were stabilized using different compositions of binder materials: Portland cement, slag, fly ash along with a new type of binder called Calsifrit. These experiments aimed at verifying the suitability of tailing-binder matrices as road construction material. Furthermore, weathering tests assessed feasibility of using the matrices in cold regions.

In Phase 2 a computational program was developed using the Discrete Element Method to support the engineer’s decision with regards to the application of the binder tailing materials in construction.

Experimental results show that these tailings binder matrices passed the freezing/thawing durability and TCLP tests. In addition, these matrices sustained high compression loads. Using these results, a statistical equation is developed to predict the unconfined compressive strength of the tailings binder matrices. Simulations show that the computer program developed was able to model successfully the unconfined compressive strength and freezing/thawing durability characteristics of the tailings binder matrices.

Divisions:Concordia University > Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science > Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Item Type:Thesis (PhD)
Authors:Mahmood, Ali A.
Institution:Concordia University
Degree Name:Ph. D.
Program:Civil Engineering
Date:16 February 2012
Thesis Supervisor(s):Elektorowicz, Maria
Keywords:Mine Tailings, Discrete Element Method, Calsifrit
ID Code:973667
Deposited By: ALI ABDUL-W. MAHMOOD
Deposited On:20 Jun 2012 17:58
Last Modified:18 Jan 2018 17:37
All items in Spectrum are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. The use of items is governed by Spectrum's terms of access.

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads per month over past year

Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
- Research related to the current document (at the CORE website)
Back to top Back to top