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Influence of Fill Scheme on Oil Sands Tailings Consolidation Modelling in a Geotechnical Centrifuge

  • Author / Creator
    Hall, Taylor
  • A series of geotechnical centrifuge modelling experiments were conducted on a kaolinite slurry and treated fluid fine tailings (FFT) material to assess consolidation behaviour. Consolidation modelling for both materials was conducted using both a single and layered fill scheme, and the results were compared. The layered fill scheme was developed to simulate the deposition of tailings more closely at the field scale and how this technique effects results obtained from centrifuge consolidation testing. The centrifuge models were also simulated using a large strain consolidation numerical model and the results were compared. Settlement curves, final void ratio and stress profiles were created for both materials at the end of testing. Both kaolinite and FFT achieved higher settlement in the layered fill tests after similar centrifuge consolidation times, though this value was small (<3%). This discrepancy was attributed to slight variations in initial solids contents for the different tests and variations in the G-level during centrifuge testing. The observed settlement rate was slower in the numerical models compared to the centrifuge tests, but numerical model results were in agreement using an adjusted hydraulic conductivity function for both materials. Significant settlement was observed in the FFT centrifuge models without developing appreciable levels of effective stress.

  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Graduation date
    Spring 2021
  • Type of Item
    Thesis
  • Degree
    Master of Science
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-rza2-nr43
  • License
    This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.