Siamak Paulson’s Post

Flow Failure of “La Luciana” Tailings Storage Facility (Tsf) Due to Seepage (Spain, 1960) This study analyzes the 1960 flow failure of the “La Luciana” tailings storage facility (TSF) in Reocín, Cantabria, Spain, which resulted in 18 fatalities. This disaster is the most significant in terms of loss of human lives in Spain during the 20th century. Geotechnical and hydraulic tests defined the tailings' types and spatial distribution. -Aldo Onel Oliva González, Joanna Butlanska, José Antonio Fernández Merodo, Roberto Rodríguez Pacheco https://lnkd.in/gCy9miUK #Tailings  #tailingsdam #tailingsstoragefacility #TSF

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐖𝐂𝐂 📗 The literature presents a variety of indirect methods for the estimation of the water permeability function directly linked to SWCC properties. This post introduces functions proposed by Burdine (1953), Mualem (1976a), and Gardern (1958a). 📚 The coefficient of permeability is the most variable property in geotechnical engineering. Fredlund, Xing and Huang (1994) highlights that soils that become desaturated are even more difficult to analyze. In this case it is possible for a single soil to have a coefficient of permeability that ranges over 10 orders of magnitude. 📙 To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposals, the SWCC and kw are plotted as a function of matric suction. Both are bounded by the air-entry value (AEV). It is concluded that the first two are more optimal because the permeability coefficient begins to decrease when the soil suction exceeds the AEV. #GeotechnicalEngineering #UnsaturatedSoils #LaboratoryTesting #Soils #MiningTailings

AS 1726:2017, which is the Australian Standard for Geotechnical Site Investigations, provides guidelines for the description and classification of soils and rock. For secondary or minor components of soil, the descriptive terms in AS 1726:2017 are as follows:Trace: Minor components that are present in very small quantities, less than 5% by weight.With: Minor components that are noticeable but do not dominate the soil composition, typically between 5% and 12% by weight.Adjective form of the component (e.g., sandy, silty, gravelly, clayey): When the minor component is between 12% and 25% by weight, it becomes a significant part of the description but still does not dominate the soil.These terms help to convey the relative abundance of the secondary or minor components within the soil matrix. #Geotechincal_Engineering

Soil liquefaction is a geotechnical phenomenon that occurs when saturated soils lose their load-bearing capacity due to vibrations or seismic activity. This is common in granular soils, such as loose sands or gravels, where the water between soil particles cannot escape quickly enough, causing the soil to behave like a liquid. When liquefaction occurs, structures built on these soils can experience displacement, sudden settlements, and even collapse due to the loss of support in the foundations. This effect is especially dangerous in regions with high seismic activity. For liquefaction to occur, specific conditions must be present: the soil must be saturated, made of loose materials, and subject to dynamic loads or vibrations. The consequences of this phenomenon are devastating, affecting buildings, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Geotechnical engineers implement ground improvement methods, such as compaction or drainage, to reduce the risk of liquefaction in susceptible areas. Preventing its effects is essential to ensure the safety and stability of constructions in seismic regions. #GeotechnicalEngineering #Liquefaction #SaturatedSoils #SeismicActivity #SeismicRisk #GeotechnicalPhenomena #StructuralSafety #Settlements #EarthquakePrevention #SafeInfrastructure #GroundImprovement #SoilStability #GranularSoils #CivilEngineering #SafeConstruction

Plate Load Test (PLT) is a simple test to determine compressibility and soil bearing capacity of single and continuous footings. The results can be used for measure soil and rock modulus of subgrade reaction and consequently modulus of elasticity. Beside some limitations (applicable for determining footings settlement with Footing width B<3m, being difficult to perform in aquatic condition, safety issues and the cost in depth), this test is widely used for geotechnical purposes for being relatively quick, easy to perform and cost-effective in comparison with many other in-situ tests. I have performed, analyzed and used the results from this test in many industrial and urban geotechnical investigation projects.

A geotechnical survey involves the investigation of the physical properties of soil, rock, and subsurface conditions at a particular site. This information is essential for designing and constructing buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other infrastructure to ensure safety, stability, and longevity. It is one of the first and essential steps carried out before structures are built to come up with the soil properties and characteristics.

1. The settlement reduction is higher with geosynthetic encased granular coloumns compared to ordinary granular columns. 2. The settlement improvement factor for ordinary granular columns increases with increase in diameter of the granular column (for the same c/c spacing of columns). However, the geosynthetic encased columns show higher better performance with smaller diameters due to larger hoop confinement effects. 3. The granular material with higher friction angles resulted in higher settlement improvement factors for columns with and without encasement.  4. The influence of installation pattern on the settlement improvement factor was significant only with encased granular columns. 5. The influence of the encasement on the settlement improvement factor is more significant in the case of softer soils as they cannot provide adequate lateral support on their own.  6. The geosynthetic encasement of granular columns has obstructed the slip sur￾faces passing through them leading to larger factor of safety values.  The conclusions stated as understandable above have been taken from the reference below and shared for informational purposes. Geosynthetic Encased Granular Columns: Design and Analysis under Vertical and Lateral Loads, Rajagopal Karpurapu, Jayapal Jayarajan and Sunil Ranjan Mohapatra, Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference 2020, December 17-19, 2020

The Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI) is a numerical measure of the potential for soil liquefaction. This index can be used to quantify the severity of the liquefaction and take the necessary precautions to avoid it. This is widely used in construction projects where there are concerns about soil liquefaction.

The Dynamic Probe Test (DPT) is a crucial field test utilized in geotechnical engineering to evaluate soil strength and density. By driving a cone or probe into the ground with a fixed weight dropped from a specific height, the test determines the soil's resistance. This data is vital for estimating bearing capacity and soil compaction. #GeotechnicalEngineering #SoilTesting

The primary geotechnical challenge affecting the project area is liquefaction, which leads to the loss of soil strength during seismic activity