Monitoring of local permeation abnormalities in mine tailings dams using geophysical and visual observation methods

The article puts forward an idea of local permeation abnormality monitoring in bodies of hydrotechnical fill structures by means of complexing of visual observations and groundpenetrating radar method. Visual observation assesses processes in such bodies by certain signs displayed on their surface. Ground-penetrating radar examines these processes with assistance of electromagnetic waves. Complexing of these methods enables efficient use of their advantages at the shortcomings abated. The earlier studies showed that these methods, when integrated, identified local abnormalities of permeation processes. This article proves the proposed idea by the annual monitoring data obtained in a filling damp of a tailings pond by the methods of ground-penetrating radar and visual observations. The monitoring was aimed to control the dam areas with previously detected deformations and influent seepages inside the dam body and on its surface. The ground-penetrating radar data helped identify water-saturated soil areas, specify zonal permeation heterogeneity of the dam body and update the dam structure. The rating of the dam soils was performed by their properties and water saturation per the dam sections versus velocities of electromagnetic waves. The research results agree well with the measurement data on water levels in pressure-observation wells.

Maksimov D. A., Dyakov A. Yu. Monitoring of local permeation abnormalities in mine tailings dams using geophysical and visual observation methods. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2021;(8):154-163. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2021_8_0_154.

D.A. Maksimov¹, Scientific Researcher, e-mail: maximoffda@gmail.com, A.Yu.
Dyakov¹, Scientific Researcher, e-mail: dyakov@goi.kolasc.net.ru,
¹ Mining Institute, Kola Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences, 184209, Apatity, Russia.

D.A. Maksimov, e-mail: maximoffda@gmail.com.

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