Comparative stability analysis of tailings storage facilities

• Main Authors: Vergiagara, Vega, Yulianto, M. Rahman, Anggara, Rochsyid, Saptono, Singgih
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Embankment stability; Finite element method; Mathematical analysis; Mineral processing; Monte Carlo simulation; Probabilistic analysis; Reliability analysis; Safety factors; Stability analysis; Statistical analysis; Storage facilities; Tailings; Upstream
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0061808

Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is a facility needed to manage tailings storage resulting from mineral processing. Generally speaking, TSF stability analysis is conducted using the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) to determine the Safety Factor (FOS). Relying exclusively on LEM alone is inaccurate because it only meets the static equation and does not consider stress-strain deformation. To solve LEM's shortcomings, the Shear Reduction (SRT) Finite Element method was used to determine the stability of TSF. Performance comparison of Upstream TSF, TSF downstream, and Centerline TSF in statistical and pseudo-statistical load conditions utilizing LEMs and SRT is given in this paper. In order to calculate the probability of failure (Pf) and the reliability index (β) of each TSF, consideration of tailings behavior intrinsic, sensitivity, and probabilistic analysis in the context of Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and Point Estimate Method (PEM) is applied. The key factors impacting TSF stability are the base foundation and embankment friction angle, as well as embankment cohesion. Further analysis yields that Centerline TSF has a higher reliability index with a value of 0,6 in static loading and 0,46 in pseudo-static loading, lower failure probability with 18,18% in static loading 26,76% pseudo-static loading than Upstream TSF and Downstream TSF.