Evaluation of Phosphatic Clay Disposal and Reclamation Methods. Volume 6: Predictive Methodology for Evaluating Disposal Methods

摘要

A predictive methodology was developed based on characteristic engineering properties of phosphatic clays and sand-clay mixes. Twelve phosphatic clays and several sand-clay mixes were selected to provide a range of properties that bracket the full range of phosphatic clay characteristics and their measured properties were used as input for the predictive methodology. A field investigation was also undertaken at five active and retired settling areas and one sand-clay mix reclamation area in an attempt to refine the predictive methodology. A finite difference computer program (SLURRY) was developed to predict the consolidation behavior of phosphatic clays and sand-clay mixes under self-weight stresses and large strain during filling of settling areas and in the subsequent quiescent consolidation period. Program SLURRY is flexible and allows the user to specify a variable filling rate, clay properties, and any user specified functions of effective stress. Predictions from program SLURRY agreed with results from other computer programs. Program SLURRY uses conventional consolidation theory and implicitly accounts for large strains by means of numerical methods which reduces execution time and cost.