Aims

1. to introduce students to the design and risk assessment of slopes, tailing dams and retaining structures according to the up to date international standards (Eurocode 7 and ICOLD Bulletins).
2. to enable students to apply their knowledge to a practical problem
3. to introduce the concepts and principles underlying the stability of slopes
4. to introduce the techniques for analysis, design and stabilisation of slopes, tailing dams and retaining structures

Module Summary:

This module develops a student's knowledge of the principles underpinning the assessment of the stability of slopes with tailing dams being a key application and retaining structures. The module will also develop the skills necessary for the design of these structures aiming to guarantee a safe and economic design. To this end, the module will also deliver basic knowledge of quantitative risk assessment. Particular attention is paid to the stability analysis of existing tailing dams.

Outline Of Syllabus

* lectures and practicals on the numerical and analytical methods available to carry out slope stability assessment
* lectures and practicals on the key failure modes taking place in a tailing dam
* lectures on soil liquefiability
* lectures and practicals on quantitative risk assessment
* lectures and practicals for the design of a retaining structure (e.g. gravity wall, georeiforced slope) according to Eurocode

Slope stability analysis: introduction
Main failure mechanisms: translational, rotational and compound failure mechanisms
Simple Limit Equilibrium Methods (Fellenius and Bishop simplified) for rotational mechanisms

General Limit equilibrium methods
Tutorials on carrying out LEM analyses according to Eurocode 7 using the correct partial safety factors

Finite Element Analysis with strength reduction technique of a slope. Tutorial using RS2.
Pros & cons of slope stability assessment by FEM analyses versus LEM analyses

Computer exercise using Rocscience and Oasys or Matlab for a slope subject to tension cracks.
Hazard assessment at the level of an entire region

Design of cuttings and fills: use of stability charts.
Principles of cost-benefit analyses.

Design of geosynthetic reinforcement for reinforced slopes
Design of soil nails and anchors

Calculation of earth pressure by Coulomb and Rankine methods for the design of retaining walls
Tutorials on earth pressure calculation

Tailing dams, their modes of failure
Liquefaction of soils
Measurement of soil liquefiability
Measurements of tailing properties by CPT, SPT tests, piezometers etc.

Quantitative risk assessment of tailing dams
How to capture tailing variability in engineering modelling
Design of mitigation measures

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is taught as an intensive block in order to provide an immersive learning experience with a flexible integration of lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. This format also allows part time and full time students and CPD delegates to attend. This is a module which focuses on practical applications. The module includes lectures to explain the theory, small group teaching activities to explain the practice and tutorials to teach design principles. A computer exercise is included to provide real-case examples of theory seen during the classroom sessions. It allows opportunities to practices skills and it relates directly to the assessment.

Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Each student will undertake an individual coursework comprising 1. The assessment of the stability of a slope 2. The design of a geo-reinforcement to stabilise a slope. 3. Literature review of a scientific topic relevant to design and assessment of tailing dams to be chosen by the student among a range of topics on offer.