Geomechanical Performance of Gold Ore Tailings-Synthetic Fiber Composites

This research paper assesses the geomechanical performance of a composite material comprising gold ore tailings and polymeric fibers in geotechnical structures. It involves a suite of geotechnical characterization assessments, compaction trials, and comprehensive examinations of the chemical and geotechnical properties of the tailings. The evaluation of the geomechanical behavior of the tailings involved triaxial tests under both drained and undrained isotropic consolidation conditions. These tests were conducted considering both unreinforced samples and samples reinforced with polymeric fibers. The study’s results revealed that polypropylene fibers significantly strengthened gold ore tailings, demonstrating their practical efficacy as reinforcing elements across various applications. Reinforced samples exhibited continuous strength increase under drained conditions, contrasting with the brittle behavior of unreinforced ones. The fibers effectively maintained strength under undrained conditions, enhancing stability during loading. They also increased friction angles and cohesive intercept, resisting deformations. Additionally, they improved stress and deformation distribution within composites and delayed shear modulus decrease with distortional strains, supporting their use in dry stacking structures despite significant deformations. Finally, these research findings contribute to the development of more reliable and sustainable practices for tailings disposal within the mining sector.