P. O.

BOX AC 939 ASCOT, BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Department of Civil and Water Engineering
Tel: +263-(0)9-282078/282007/288413 Fax: +263-(0)9-286803
___________________________________________________________________

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND

WATER ENGINEERING

FINAL YEAR PROJECT LIQUID RETAINING STRUCTURES – TCW 5003

GROUP MEMBERS:

1. PHIRI GIFT – N0171473F

2. GWASHURE FELIX T – N0171944C

3. MAUNDE CHARLEMAGNE – N0172051W

4. CHIDANHO HUGGINS – N0171141R

PROJECT SUPERVISOR: MR. J. CHIMHUNDI

DUE DATE: 24 JUNE 2022

 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND WATER ENGINEERING

FINAL YEAR PROJECT

JUNE 2022

DESIGN OF A TAILINGS THICKENER FOR A NICKEL MINE WITH A 450 000-

LITRE CAPACITY.

"A project submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, National University of Science &
Technology, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of
Engineering Honours (B.Eng. Hons.) in the Field of Civil and Water Engineering.”

i
DECLARATION
We, Gift Phiri, Felix T Gwashure, Charlemagne Maunde, Huggins Chidanho declare that the
work presented here is a product of our work done at the National University of Science and
Technology, and reference to work done by others is duly acknowledged in the report.

Signed: ………………………………. Date ………………………….

Signed: ………………………………. Date ………………………….

Signed: ………………………………. Date ………………………….

Signed: ………………………………. Date ………………………….

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DEDICATION
We dedicate this work to our families and friends who have helped us through financial and
emotional support.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to express our gratitude for the efforts, motivation, and guidance given to us by
our project supervisor, Mr. J. Chimhundi. His tireless efforts to ensure that we produce work
of great quality is highly acknowledged. We would also like to thank the entire department of
Civil and water engineering for their support on our academic journey.

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ABSTRACT
The methodical analysis of a structure's stability, strength, and stiffness is defined as structural
design. To avoid any leakage, all liquid holding structures are intended to be crack-free. This
project, on the other hand, is concerned with the design of a tailings thickening with a capacity
of 450 000 litres for a nickel mine. The area has a high-water table, thus half of the tank's wall
will be erected below ground. There is also a substantial amount of clayey soil on the ground.
The conditions for guaranteeing a satisfactory life span for the structure without undue
maintenance are stricter for liquid-retaining structures than for normal structures, and
satisfactory concrete cover to the reinforcement is required. The PCA tables were used to
analyse the tailings thickener elements. The BS8110 and BS8007 standards were also used in
the overall structure's analysis and design. The tailings thickener has a wall thickness of
250mm, a maximum water table of 3.2m was provided, as well as a freeboard of 0.4m.

Keywords: tailings thickener, structural design, liquid retaining structure

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vi
vii
ANNOTATIONS
Asmin - Minimum area of reinforcement required

Asprov - Area of provided reinforcement

Asreq - Area of tension reinforcement required

b - Effective width of section

BS - British Standards

c - Concrete cover

d - Effective depth of a section

F - Total design load

fcu - Characteristic strength of concrete

fy - Characteristic strength of reinforcement

h - Overall depth of section

Mr - Design moment of resistance of a section

Mu - Design ultimate moment

SLS - Serviceability Limit State

ULS - Ultimate Limit State

v - Design shear stress

V - Shear force due to ultimate load

vc - Critical shear stress

z - lever arm

viii
Contents
DECLARATION .......................................................................................................................ii

DEDICATION ......................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................................................ iv

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... v

ANNOTATIONS ................................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Problem statement ....................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Specific objectives....................................................................................................... 2

1.5 Scope and limitations .................................................................................................. 2

1.6 Codes of Practice ......................................................................................................... 2

1.7 Research methods ........................................................................................................ 2

1.8 Report outline .............................................................................................................. 3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................... 4

1.1 Liquid-retaining structures .......................................................................................... 4

2.1.1 Design of thickeners ..................................................................................................... 4

2.2 Loading........................................................................................................................ 6

2.2.1 Construction loads ........................................................................................................ 6

2.2.2 Permanent loadings ....................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Site conditions ............................................................................................................. 7

2.3.1 Granular soil and rising water table .............................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................. 9

3.1 Design Procedure ............................................................................................................. 9

3.1.1 Initial tank considerations ............................................................................................. 9

3.1.2 Structural analysis ......................................................................................................... 9

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CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS ............................................................... 11

4.1 Design parameters .......................................................................................................... 11

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................... 31

5.1 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 31

5.2 Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 31

References ................................................................................................................................ 32

Appendix B: Post-construction structural assessment guide ................................................... 34

Appendix C: Schedule of materials ......................................................................................... 39

Appendix D: Minutes conducted during the research.............................................................. 41

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Structural design is defined as a methodical investigation of the stability, strength, and rigidity
of structures (Paulay & Priestley, 1992). Furthermore, structural design is carried out in order
to meet the criteria for regular structural requirements such as suitable strength, durability, and
lack of excessive cracking or deflection. According to (Anchor, 1992), a structure meant to
hold liquid must meet structural design standards as well as be structured so that the liquid does
not leak or percolate through the concrete structure. According to (Darwin, et al., 2016), when
designing structures to retain liquids, it is common to discover that if the structure has been
proportioned and reinforced so that the liquid is retained without leakage, and also that the
strength provided is more than adequate. For liquid retaining structures, the requirements for
ensuring a reasonable service life without undue maintenance are more stringent than for
standard structures, and adequate concrete cover to the reinforcement is required. Similarly,
for the retaining walls, the concrete must be of high quality and properly compacted.

1.1 Background
It is required to design a tailings thickening with a capacity of 450 000 litres for a nickel mine.
The location has a high-water table, and the tank will be built with half of its walls below
ground level. The area is also known to have considerable volumes of clayey soils for the nickel
tailings thickener. The wall end conditions are as follows: the bottom is fixed and the top is
free.

1.2 Problem statement

The tailings thickener design considerations must be centred on meeting the criteria of suitable
strength, durability, avoiding flotation, and avoidance of excessive cracking and deflection.

Because the tailings may contain free gases or dissolved salts that might harm typical concrete
or steel reinforcing, an examination of the nature and effect of hostile components present will
be conducted. Based on the inquiry results, it will be established whether there is a need to
enhance the reinforcing cover, the cement composition of the concrete mix, the use of particular
types of cement, or the use of a special liner to the concrete tank, in accordance with the code
of practice.

1
1.3 Objectives
The main objective is to design a tailings thickener for a nickel mine with a 450 000-litre
capacity.

1.4 Specific objectives

1 Determine design parameters.
2 Examine the loading due to worst-case scenarios.
3 Design the walls, base, and roof and produce a bending schedule and structural drawings.
4 Provide a schedule of materials.
5 Provide a post-construction analysis.

1.5 Scope and limitations

The main design aspects were focused on float resistance, serviceability limit design, and
ultimate state design. The thickener was intended to be crack-free to prevent leaks. As a result,
the reinforced concrete thickener was built to bear the applied stresses without cracks that
would allow leakage by providing the right quantity and distribution of reinforcement, as well
as the proper spacing and detailing of construction joints. Other design considerations that were
overlooked but are important in the design of a tailings thickener include concrete mixes and
admixtures, shrinkage resistance, and thermal stresses. Because thermal loads (cyclic) and
soil/structure interaction have not been incorporated for simplicity, the calculations reported in
this project are not conclusive in terms of the actions considered. The scope of the design
question, and also the duration of the project, were the primary constraints for the limitations.

1.6 Codes of Practice

The code of practice that is specified for the design of the liquid retaining structures locally is
the British Standard codes (BS8110: Part 1-3 and BS8007:1987). However, these codes have
been replaced by Eurocodes (Eurocode 0: BS EN 1990, Eurocode 2: BS EN 1992-1- 1, BS EN
1992-3). As for this project, British standards shall only be observed.

1.7 Research methods

The data for the thickener will be obtained mostly from the code of practice, and when the code
does not address the subject, data will be obtained from other literature studies that do not
conflict with the design code. Furthermore, it will be investigated to determine the quality level
of local construction workmanship in terms of construction practice quality and building

2
material availability. This will be assumed based on an examination of the site's building
methods.

1.8 Report outline

The remaining chapters of this report are given as follows:

Chapter 2 of the review of the literature that effectively covers the aspects of the design and
tries to give the approach to be applied.

Chapter 3 describes the approach that will be used to meet the project's objectives.

Chapter 4 provides structural analysis as well as design calculations.

Chapter 5 provides project conclusions and recommendations based on the project objectives.
The appendices section will include structural drawings as well as project details such as the
post-construction structural assessment and material schedule.

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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter intends to offer a brief discussion on the basis of the design of liquid retaining
structures in terms of structural element composition, loading, and influence of site conditions.

1.1 Liquid-retaining structures

Structures that should retain or exclude liquid are referred to as liquid-retaining structures.
These constructions are often circular, rectangular, or conical in shape. Depending on the type
of structural element under consideration, hydrostatic loading in liquid retaining structures can
cause cracking due to direct tension, flexure, or a combination of direct tension and flexure.
(Ghosh, 2013). Checks are done to ensure that a suitable section thickness is chosen for shear
stresses created at the base of a wall. However as referred to by (Paulay & Williams, 1980),
Shear is rarely a dominant action impact, and the section thickness should be set so that shear
reinforcement is not required in the wall. The quantity of reinforcement, the size of
reinforcement bars, and the cross-sectional area of concrete all influence cracking, which is an
important consideration in the design of liquid-retaining structures. It is caused by
reinforcement resistance to strains in concrete generated by chemical hydration of cement in
the concrete mix, dry shrinkage, and climatic factors (Chen & Mahadevan, 2008). The next
section will discuss the retaining wall being in the form of a thickener.

2.1.1 Design of thickeners

The primary function of thickening, according to (Svarovsky, 2000), is to increase the solids
concentration in the feed stream. Furthermore, (Goula, et al., 2008) stated that the addition of
chemicals known as flocculants aids gravity settling in tailings thickeners. The inlet stream to
a thickener is commonly referred to as feed or influent. Figure 2-1 depicts a thickener, and it
can be seen that as a feed stream enters the thickener, the solids settle to the bottom. Clarified
liquor overflows to the top and settled solids underflow is removed from the bottom (Clarkson
& Williams, 2021).

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Figure 1 Illustration of a tailings thickener.

Tailings containment structures, like all other liquid-retaining structures, must be planned and
built using solid structural engineering principles. A tailings thickener's design also involves
the design of floors, walls, roofs, and joints.

Generally, the design of membrane floors does not take bending moments into account.
However, settlements and the risk of non-uniform stiffness (local hard and soft areas) in the
subgrade should be considered. Retaining structure walls are meant to withstand soil pressure
as well as hydrostatic pressures, and effective reinforcement should take into account the
resulting forces. Vertical steel limit state design necessitates a check for limit state cracking for
the service loads. For structural design, three methods are commonly available. These methods
are: direct calculation using Appendix 6 of BS 8007, use of tables and charts e.g., PCA tables,
use of computer programs such as CRACK.

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Most liquid retaining wall roofs are reinforced concrete flat slabs, and their design is similar to
that of flat slabs. Domed roofs are also used and are designed using elastic shell analysis. To
resist the horizontal component of the dome thrust, a circumferentially pre-stressed dome ring
should be supplied at the base of the dome shell for domed roofs. Joints must be designed,
detailed, and built to be long-lasting, low-maintenance, and low-risk. Three main types of joints
in liquid retaining structures are movement joints, construction joints, and expansion and/or
contraction joints (Mendes, et al., 2014).

2.2 Loading
The loadings considered in the design of liquid retaining structures are as follows.

2.2.1 Construction loads

Construction loads are often temporary and occasionally exceed design loads. It is standard
procedure to ensure that a structure has enough structural capacity to handle heavy construction
loads before imposing such loads on it. Examples of such construction loads are mobile cranes
being placed on the floor of a reservoir or backfilling to a structure that is partially completed
(Fitchen, 1989).

2.2.2 Permanent loadings

According to (Anchor, 1992) structures are designed to retain liquids should be designed for
both full and empty conditions, and the assumptions regarding loading structure should be such
that the most critical effects are produced. Furthermore, consideration should be given to the
possibility of sliding and overturning. Water reservoir loads are primarily caused by pressure
from retained liquids. The typical weights of retained liquids are shown in Table 2-1 below.
Liquid loads must take into account the actual density of the liquid as well as any transient
circumstances, such as suspended or deposited silt or grit. Liquid levels should be taken to the
tops of walls for ultimate limit state circumstances, providing that the liquid outputs are shut.
The liquid level shall be taken to the working top liquid level or the overflow level, depending
on the working conditions, for serviceability limit state conditions (Bequette, 2003).

Allowance should be made for the effects of any adverse soil pressures on walls, based on soil
compaction and/or surcharge, as well as the structure's condition during construction and in
service (Punmia & Jain, 2007).

6
Table Error! Use the Home tab to apply 0 to the text that you want to appear here.0.1
Typical liquid weight (Forth & Martin, 2014)

Type of liquid Weight (KN/m3 )

Water 10
Raw sewage 11
Digested sludge 10.4
Sludge from vacuum filters 12

External reservoir walls are frequently subject to soil pressure; this load is taken into account
when the reservoir is empty. Positive pressure from the soil must be ignored when designing
for conditions when the reservoir is full. The soil's passive resistance cannot be developed until
the concrete is fully loaded by pressure from the contained liquid (Handy, 2007). To resist
liquid pressure on plane walls, a combination of horizontal and vertical bending moments can
be used. The pressure to be resisted by bending moments in the vertical and horizontal planes
should be assessed. It is also necessary to take into account the effects of direct wall tension
caused by flexural action in adjacent walls. Reinforcement should be provided at all corners
where walls are rigidly joined to resist horizontal bending moments (Ching, 2020).

2.3 Site conditions

When aggressive substances (chemicals) and rising water tables are suspected, site inspection
is critical (Calkins, 2008). Some waters with dissolved free carbon dioxide, natural acids, or
salts may be aggressive, necessitating special precautions. Dissolved salts can cause serious
deterioration in concrete and steel corrosion (Son, 1993). The exposure conditions and their
classification are shown in Table 2.3.1 below.

7
Table 2.3.1 Exposure conditions (BS8110-1: 1997, Table 3.2)

Environment Exposure Conditions

Mild Concrete surfaces protected against weather
or aggressive conditions
Moderate Concrete surfaces sheltered from severe rain
or freezing whilst wet.
1 Concrete subject to condensation
2 Concrete surfaces continuously
underwater
3 Concrete in with non-aggressive soil
Severe Concrete surfaces exposed to severe rain
alternate wetting and drying or occasional
freezing or severe condensation.
Very severe Concrete surfaces exposed to seawater spray
de-icing salts (directly and indirectly),
corrosive fumes, or severe freezing
conditions whilst wet
Extreme Concrete surfaces exposed to abrasive action
e.g., seawater carrying solids or flowing
water with Ph

2.3.1 Granular soil and rising water table

The tank's foundation is heavily influenced by the soil conditions beneath it, as well as the
rising water table. Because it prevents differential settlement, uniform soil is ideal for founding.
When the tank is empty, it tends to rise in the ground or float if the founding soil contains water
(Bell, 1991). If the structure is subject to groundwater pressure it should be designed to resist
flotation. The deadweight of the empty structure with any anchoring devices should provide a
safety factor of not less than 1.1 against uplift pressures during construction and in service. A
factor of 1.1 should be used only where the maximum groundwater level can be assessed
accurately; otherwise, the factor should be assessed (Anchor, 1992).

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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Design Procedure
The design of the circular tailings retaining thickener is considered to be in two fundamental
steps namely; initial tank considerations and the structural analysis.

3.1.1 Initial tank considerations

This section of designing is referred to as the primary stage of design. It is the stage through
which the tank is sized, the capacity is checked and the ground conditions are assessed. After
the tank has been initially sized i.e., dimensions the tank, the tank is then checked for flotation;
where the total weight of the tank, composed of the weight of the walls and the weight of the
flooring slab is compared to the up-thrust force due to groundwater. A factor of safety of 1,1 is
the minimum factor of safety against flotation (BS 8007) and is the ratio of tank weight to the
up-thrust force. If the calculated factor of safety is less than 1.1, the tank will float when the
water table rises. Other factors such as tank shape, construction detail, maintenance, repair
methods, concrete mix design, and concrete temperature are all taken into account at this early
stage of design.

3.1.2 Structural analysis

Structural analysis of the tank is divided into five major functions. After the tank has been sized
and the capacity checked the tank is then designed for the following;

1 Crack width design

2 Design for ultimate moment M and horizontal tensional force Ft
3 Design for shear
4 Design for deflection
5 Check for minimum steel.

The design chart on the next page shows the design procedure.

9
Design Procedure

Note: On the first stages of the design after calculating acr , if w > 0.2mm then repeat stage 2
up to when the value of w < 0.2mm then continue to the ultimate design.

10
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS
4.1 Design parameters
Engineer Responsible N0171473F, N0171944C, N0172051W,
N0171141R
Regulation authority Ministry of Mining and local city council
Date of Submission June 2022
Relevant building regulations and design BS 8007 Code of practice for design of
codes concrete structures for retaining aqueous
liquids BS8110 The structural use of
concrete, Part 1
Intended use of structure (as per client’s Tailings thickener of 450 000 litres capacity
request)
Exposure conditions Very severe, as per BS8007 recommendation
as to design to at least very severe conditions;
mining area hence design considers for
corrosive fumes and anticipation of freezing
in coldest months.
Subsoil conditions Clayey soils
Material data Concrete grade 40 (for all elements), avoid
use of admixtures except for admixtures that
improve workability, aggregate with low
drying shrinkage and low water absorption
Reinforcement – specify high yield strength
steel with ribbed or deformed surface. This
has increased bond performance which helps
to control cracking (fy = 460N/mm2, γ =
1.05)
Other relevant information Self-weight of concrete = 24 kN/m3, Nickel
tailings unit weight = 14kN/m3. All
dimensions shown on drawings are in
millimetres.

11
4.2 Design Calculations

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The check is not satisfied therefore reinforcement has to be re-designed. Solutions can be using
a high diameter or reduce spacing of bars.

30
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion
The research focused on the design of a circular tailings thickener for a nickel mine with a 450
000 litre capacity. The area has a high-water table and the tank is to be constructed with half
its wall below ground level. The structure satisfied the design criterion set out. The structure
was designed and checked for shear, bending and cracking etc. The schedule of materials for
the construction of the tailings thickener was prepared and also showed the quantities of
materials needed. This project helped to understand the design and analysis procedure of a
tailings thickener.

5.2 Recommendations
The structure could be designed for seismic loading in future studies. Future studies could focus
on the use of pre-stressed concrete for the tank. Additional non-destructive tests could be done
to check the strength and stability of the structure.

31
References
Anchor, R., 1992. Design of Liquid Retaining Concrete. s.l.:s.n.

Bell, F. G., 1991. Engineering geology of Quaternary soils: II Methods of treatment.

Geological Society, London, Engineering Geology Special Publications, 7(1), pp. 39-62.

Bequette, B. W., 2003. Process control: modeling, design, and simulation. s.l.:Prentice Hall
Professional.

Calkins, M., 2008. Materials for sustainable sites: a complete guide to the evaluation,
selection, and use of sustainable construction materials. s.l.:s.n.

Chen, D. & Mahadevan, S., 2008. Chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion and concrete
cracking simulation. Cement and Concrete Composites, 30(3), pp. 227-238.

Ching, F. D., 2020. Building construction illustrated.. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons..

Clarkson, L. & Williams, D., 2021. An Overview of Conventional Tailings Dam Geotechnical
Failure Mechanisms. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, pp. 1-24.

Darwin, D., Dolan, C. W. & Nilson, A. H., 2016. Design of concrete structures (Vol. 2).. New
York(NY): McGraw-Hill Education.

Fitchen, J., 1989. Building construction before mechanization.. s.l.:MIT Press.

Ghosh, K., 2013. Analysis and Design Practice of Hydraulic Concrete Structures. s.l.:PHI
Learning Pvt. Ltd.

Goula, A. M., Kostoglou, M., Karapantsios, T. D. & Zouboulis, A. I., 2008. A CFD
methodology for the design of sedimentation tanks in potable water treatment: Case study: The
influence of a feed flow control baffle. Chemical Engineering Journal, 140(1-3), pp. 110-121.

Handy, R. L., 2007. Geotechnical engineering: soil and foundation principles and practice.
s.l.:McGraw-Hill Education.

Mendes, P., Lopes, J. G., De Brito, J. & Feiteira, J., 2014. Waterproofing of concrete
foundations. Journal of performance of constructed facilities, 28(2), pp. 242-249.

Paulay, T. & Priestley, M., 1992. Seismic design of reinforced concrete and masonry buildings.
s.l.:s.n.

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Paulay, T. & Williams, R., 1980. The analysis and design of and the evaluation of design
actions for reinforced concrete ductile shear wall structures.. Bulletin of the New Zealand
Society for Earthquake Engineering, 13(2), pp. 108-143.

Punmia, B. C. & Jain, A. K., 2007. Limit state design of reinforced concrete.. s.l.:Firewall
Media.

Son, L. H., 1993. Building maintenance technology. s.l.:y. Macmillan International Higher
Education.

Svarovsky, L., 2000. Solid-liquid separation. s.l.:Elsevier.

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Appendix B: Post-construction structural assessment guide
This section is divided into two sections that discuss the post-construction structural
assessment. The first section, B1, summarizes the process of analysing the thickener after
construction. The second section, B2, goes into detail about the need for structural assessment
after the structure has been in use for a while.

B1: Process of structural assessment and retrofitting of the nickel tailings thickener:

This section gives a general guideline on the structural assessment to be conducted on the
thickener.

Step 1: Desk survey: a collection of existing information on the structure.

1. Study of (historical) documents and other evidence which includes construction tear,
planned static system, and original construction type.
2. Documented refurbishments/ change of use.
3. Thickener load history.
4. Determination of future load capacities the thickener.

Step 2: Preliminary survey: description of the actual structure.

1. Geometric survey:
a) Identification of the general structural system, load bearing, and non-load bearing structural
elements.
b) Identification of structural changes/ differences compared to the original construction
documentation.
c) Identification of visible deformations.
d) Survey of cross-sections and reinforcement of structural elements.
e) Identification of deformations and displacements/imperfections.
2 Determination of the extent of visible mechanical damage/decay/alterations.
3 Decision on immediate safety interventions.

First output: Preliminary report.

Step 3: Deterioration and check survey: grading of structural members.

1. Determination of deformations (impact on load capacity/effect on serviceability)

2. Determination of modulus of elasticity (E-modulus) of main members.
3. Grading of structural elements (determination of mechanical properties)

34
4. Assessment of remaining cross-section of structural members.
5. Determination of cracks/mechanical damage/ (static critical/uncritical)
6. Determination of the real extent and depth of deterioration/ alterations and possible causes.
7. Assessment of (remaining) concrete properties (impact on load capacity)
8. Assessment of joint connections (intact load transfer/no contact)

Step 4: Structural analysis: evaluation of static-constructive safety and serviceability of

building components.

1. Determination of the distribution of the forces in the structure.

2. Assumptions about the actual static system included connections.
3. Load assumption/design loads.
4. Evidence of load-carrying capacity of the structural system.
5. Punctual evidence of load carrying capacity of connections.
6. Evidence of buckling (compressed elements) and torsional buckling (bent
elements)
7. Estimate/determination of future working load due to the use of the building.
8. Verification of serviceability limit state.
9. Verification of structural safety and reliability.

Second output: Diagnostic report.

Step 5: Analysis of special requirements: dealing with special requirements.

• Design requirements (building regulation, monument preservation, etc.)

• Crack control.

• Requirements on energy efficiency.

• Aesthetics features (if required)

Step 6: design of interventions: design of refurbishment, repair, or strengthening interventions.

• Local replacement of connections or structural elements with the same material (no changes
in the existing structural scheme)

• Bracing measures, reinforcements, or replacement of existing elements with new ones

(upgrading, changes in the existing structural scheme)

• Addition of supporting structures/constructions

35
• Verification of load-carrying capacity of the structure (same material and same structure).

• Calculation according to old standards at the time of construction.

• Verification of load-carrying capacity of the existing structure with increased loads or

reinforced/upgraded (changes in the existing structural scheme)

• Calculation according to current rules.

Third output: Executive report.

B2: Periodical reviews and reporting

Inspections should be conducted by engineers or other personnel with appropriate training and
competency and furthermore, the inspections should be more rigorous than site observation.
Routine inspections are conducted on a pre-defined schedule (e.g., a weekly inspection of
perimeter thickener), and may target specific activities (e.g., daily inspection of tailings
pipelines). Their objective is to identify any conditions that might indicate changes in tailings
facility performance and therefore require follow-up. Of particular significance are new
occurrences or observed changes in erosion, sinkholes, boils, seepage, settlement around the
structures ground area, displacements or cracking of structural components and also clogging
of drains.

Special inspections are conducted during (if safe and practical to do so) and after unusual or
extreme events that may impact the facility (e.g., heavy rainfall, windstorms, seismic events,
exceedance of minimum freeboard). Significant changes to normal operations, nearby
construction activity, or other unusual events might also trigger special inspections. The review
should critically assess the actual performance against the design and make recommendations
for improvements and risk mitigation actions.

Components of the review:

• confirmation of assumptions used in the design—the assessment of stability under normal

and design meteorological events, in situ tailings parameters (density, strength, and
permeability), and position of phreatic surface.

• the performance of control measures such as underdrains (for seepage control), or internal
filters (which control internal erosion or piping) as provided in the design.

36
• the performance of surveillance and monitoring systems—the status and condition of the
monitoring systems, their performance in detecting changes in lead indicators (environmental
and/or structural) and the analysis and evaluation of monitoring data against predicted trends.

• groundwater monitoring results—comparison of the groundwater levels and quality against

baseline data and against design and closure criteria.

It is important that collected data and reports be securely stored and backed up, and that the
electronic records be tamper-proof and retrievable. This is particularly important to preserve
corporate knowledge, given the high turnover rate of mine site personnel. In addition, data
should be continuously plotted, with time to highlight sudden changes for checking against
trigger levels.

Data collected can be obtained from laboratory analysis and operating surveillance. Laboratory
analysis includes such data as observed from water quality analysis of influent and effluent
quality of tailings water, and also from the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the
tailings, that is the potential of acid generating. Operating surveillances include such
information as meteorological data and monitoring of hazards such as avalanche risk. The
frequency of certain surveillance activities may be increased if results are outside the expected
range and such an increase in frequency is one of the pre-defined actions to be taken. In
addition, there may be other circumstances where it would be appropriate to increase the
frequency of surveillance. A manual should be prepared for the conditions under which the
frequency of monitoring of certain parameters needs to be increased, and the conditions under
which normal frequency can be resumed. Personnel responsible for taking these actions should
also be identified, as well as the reporting requirements. People tasked to perform reviewing
results should consider the potential outcomes identified through risk assessment and be open
to the possibility that the information provided by surveillance is pointing to a potential risk
that had not been anticipated.

B3 Rapid assessment

This section discusses situations in which changes observed can provide a quick guideline to
call the structural engineer or a different professional or to have a general guide of the problem
at hand. Changes potentially related to physical risks:

• changes in tailings ponding level and freeboard.

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• evidence of deformation or changes in the condition of containment structures (e.g., bulges,
cracks, sinkholes).

• evidence of newly formed or expanding areas of erosion.

• evidence of piping or unexpected tailings or water movement through the containment

structures. Changes potentially related to tailings or water transport

• condition of tailings lines, spigots and associated infrastructure for tailings transport and
deposition.

• condition of pumps for tailings or water.

• any indications of leaks from tailings or water lines.

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Appendix C: Schedule of materials

Item Work/Materials Unit Quantity

1 Groundwork
Excavation for foundations m3 450
Concrete foundations m3 410
Concrete Slab 100mm m3 171

2 Superstructure
Floor
Concrete Floor
50 kg Cement bags No 150
River Sand m3 22
19mm Stone m3 22

Walls
50 kg Cement bags No 135
River Sand m3 45
19mm Stone m3 45

3 Finishes
Exterior Plastering
Wall
50 kg Cement bags No 1
Pit sand m3 0.3

Interior Plastering
50 kg Cement bags No 1
River sand m3 0.3

Floor
50 kg Cement bags No 5

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River sand m3 5.6

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Appendix D: Minutes conducted during the research
Date of Meeting Purpose of Meeting Meeting Description, Notes and
Issues
15 April 2022  Devising a working plan. The literature, which included
 Familiarising with the tailings research into the significance of
thickener and other Liquid high-water tables on tank design and
Retaining Structures. the impact of clayey soils on project
 Designation of work for design, was distributed to the group
chapter 1, 2 and 3. members. At each meeting, a
different team member was to take
minutes. During this meeting, each
member discussed their previous
attachment and personal experience
and how it can benefit the project's
success..
21 April 2022  Task designation. Huggins and Felix were entrusted by
 Discussion on academic the group leader to ensure that all
writing. work complies with local regulatory
agencies as well as international
standards, while Charlemagne was
tasked with gathering and
supervising all design work. Gift
was entrusted for reviewing all
construction-related activity.
Charlemagne and Gift made
significant contributions to
structural approaches and literature
production.
2 May 2022 Progress check and discussion on Online meeting to check on each
Chapter 1,2 and 3 group member's progress and to
address each other's project-related
problems and issues. All tasks
assigned to members were

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 completed. Gift presented his results
on the construction's impact on the
project, as well as a method for post-
construction structural assessment.
Felix's dedication on completing the
assignment on schedule was
outstanding.
7 May 2022 Discussion and compilation of Following the submission of each
(Online chapters 1,2, and 3 group member's contribution to
meeting) Referencing Chapters 1, 2, and 3, the chapters
were compiled. Huggins used an
innovative technique to scheduling
materials as well as an efficient
method of holding meetings.
9 May 2022 Sizing of the tank wall It was decided on a suitable tank
shape. To size the tank, preliminary
design was completed. Calculations
for vertical steel reinforcement were
performed. Calculations for hoop
reinforcement were performed.
Both crack widths were measured.
Charlemagne mentioned his contact
work with mining authorities as well
as a case study of a thickener. The
work of Charlemagne added
authenticity to the structural
architecture.
16 May 2022 Designing of the base The base was preliminarily sized.
Reinforcement calculations were
performed utilising moments and
checks, including the minimal area
of steel reinforcement.

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19 May 2022 Designing of the foundation A pile foundation was planned.
Felix chaired the discussion and
provided feedback on all areas that
needed improvement, achieving the
goal of producing high-quality
academic work.
03 June 2022 Design drawings and detailing The drawings were created using
AutoCAD software. Various steel
bars were used to detail the wall,
base, and foundation. Huggins'
contributions on local practises
resulted in changes to some critical
components of the design.
10 June 2022  Schedule of materials A material schedule was created
(Online  Post construction structural utilising the materials that will be
meeting) assessment utilised in the construction of the
tailings thickening. Gift made
significant contributions as a result
of his exposure to construction
during his attachment. Other
members' suggestions helped to
make the assumptions more relevant
to the topic at hand.
18 June 2022  Project compilation The project was finished. Felix did a
 Referencing thorough proofreading of the entire
 Proof reading and grammar project. Harvard referencing was
check used.
23 June 2022 Printing of project and checking A meeting was held to review all
printed materials. work and sign documents.
Charlemagne was entrusted with
printing all A4 papers, whereas
Felix was tasked with printing all A3
pages. Charlemagne and Gift did the

43
 binding. Gift and Huggins were
responsible for ensuring that the
required AutoCAD drawings and
word documents were completed in
accordance with the project
supervisor's standards. All members
thoroughly reviewed and approved
the work.

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