Influence of Clay Mineral Content on the Mechanical Properties and Microfabrics of Tailings

Abstract

Clay mineral content has an important influence on the mechanical behavior of tailings, and the mechanical behavior of tailings directly affects the stability of tailings dams. XRF and XRD tests were carried out on tailings from three different regions. The chemical and mineral compositions of the tailings are analyzed. The strength and failure deformation of tailings were studied by carrying out laboratory triaxial compression tests. The effect of clay content on the stress path of tailings was investigated. The microfabric of tailings samples was examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption tests. The results show that the confining pressure corresponding to the samples exhibiting strain hardening increases with increasing clay mineral content in the tailings. The cohesion of tailings increases linearly, and the specific surface area decreases as the content of clay minerals increases. Nitrogen adsorption test results reveal from a microscopic point of view that changes in pore structure are associated with the content of clay minerals. The higher the content of clay minerals is, the higher the proportion of micropores (aggregated interior). Macroscopically, the overall porosity decreases and the fineness of the pores increases with clay content, which will directly affect the mechanical properties of tailings.