applied

sciences
Article
The Seepage and Stability Performance Assessment
of a New Drainage System to Increase the Height of
a Tailings Dam
Chong Liu 1,2 , Zhenzhong Shen 1,2 , Lei Gan 1,2, *, Liqun Xu 1,2 , Kailai Zhang 1,2 and Tian Jin 2
1 State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University,
Nanjing 210098, China; chongliu@hhu.edu.cn (C.L.); zhzhshen@hhu.edu.cn (Z.S.);
yyshen@hhu.edu.cn (L.X.); zhangkailai@hhu.edu.cn (K.Z.)
2 The College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China;
161302030005@hhu.edu.cn
* Correspondence: ganlei2015@hhu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-139-1380-1656




Received: 4 September 2018; Accepted: 4 October 2018; Published: 7 October 2018


Featured Application: The proposed drainage system has potential applications to improve
seepage and slope stability for the similar engineering.

Abstract: Effective methods for extending the storage capacity of tailings for a mining company
include expanding and increasing the height of the tailings dam. However, this change could lead
to an uplift in the phreatic line and a decrease in the slope stability. In this paper, a new drainage
system combining a horizontal drainage pipe with an upward bending slotted pipe was proposed
and applied to the design of a seepage-proof system for the Xigou tailings dam with an increased
height. To accurately simulate the performance of the seepage control system, a three-dimensional
finite element model was established on the basis of a geological investigation of the site conditions.
In this work, a substructure technique was used to model the drainage pipe with a small radius
and dense spacing to reduce the difficulty in mesh generation, and a back-analysis method called
MPSO-BP (modified particle swarm optimization algorithm and a back propagation neural network)
was used to correct the measured permeability coefficients. The results show that the new drainage
system can effectively dissipate the seepage pressure, decrease the phreatic surface, and improve
the safety factors of the slope stability. The proposed drainage system can also meet the seepage
stability requirements of the higher tailings dam. Additionally, this system can be widely deployed
in similar projects.

Keywords: heightened tailings dam; tailing dam drainage system; seepage performance assessment;
substructure technique; slope stability

1. Introduction
A tailings dam is a large-scale, man-made structure that is constructed worldwide to keep
waste tailings away from ongoing mining activities where tailing are mixtures of crushed rocks [1].
Waste tailings pose a potential hazard to communities and ecosystems near mining areas [2]. The
upstream construction method is the main method for raising tailings dams [3]. Currently, in China,
there are 14,000 tailings dams (in operation, inactive, and abandoned), and more than 90% of these
dams are constructed using the upstream method [4]. In the raising method, dikes are sequentially
constructed on the previously deposited tailings, which may be present in a saturated and loose state.
The saturated tailings uplift the phreatic surface, which is usually called the “lifeline” of the tailings
dam, and cause an increase in the pore water stresses in the saturated zone [5]. Therefore, the effective

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840; doi:10.3390/app8101840 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 2 of 20

stresses are reduced, which could lead to slope instability. Over the past few decades, tailings dams
that have undergone failure have caused serious disasters and have drawn public attention regarding
the safety of tailings construction and management [6,7]. Various factors usually contribute to the
failure of a tailings dam, such as extreme events, foundation failure, overtopping, poor operational
and management practices, or a combination of these factors [8–11]. Seepage and a rise in the phreatic
surface are related to 30%–40% of the failures of tailings ponds [12].
Currently, tighter legislation and regulations on tailings disposal have forced the mining
industry to address the disposal of a vast quantity of highly visible waste originating from mining
activities [13,14]. Because suitable land for tailings dams is increasingly rare and expensive in a
developing economy, to reduce costs, the mining industry prefers to expand and increase the height of
tailings ponds instead of constructing a new tailings dam [15]. Increasing the height of a tailings dam
to extend its tailings storage capacity is very common in China’s mines [16]. However, this change
could lead to an increase in the phreatic surface, causing the original drainage system to no longer
meet the requirements of seepage and consolidation after increasing the dam height, thus decreasing
the stability of the tailings dams [17,18]. Hence, a comprehensive analysis of the new drainage system
is essential before the structure is applied to increase the height of an existing tailings dam [19].
The drainage facilities of a tailings dam are complex, and the accurate simulation of the drainage
behavior is a technical problem in seepage calculations. The research on the seepage capacity of a
drainage pipe is mainly divided into theoretical research and numerical simulations. For theoretical
research, by analyzing the structure and permeability of the drainage pipe, Fu et al. [20] affirmed the
seepage capacity of the embedded drainage pipe. Jin et al. [21] proposed a formulation for calculating
the total seepage discharge and obtained the equivalent radius of the filter layer by establishing a
theoretical calculation model of the drainage pipe system. For numerical simulations, finite element
analysis of a draining pipe remains a challenge [22,23]. The major cause of this problem can be
attributed to two factors. The first factor is the difficulty of generating the finite element mesh with
hundreds or even thousands of drainage pipes with small diameters and dense spacing, and the
second factor is the strong nonlinearity in the calculation of the phreatic surface. To avoid these
difficulties, an equivalent medium producing the same flow rate was proposed to model the drainage
pipe. At the same time, many new techniques were developed for simulating the seepage behavior of
the drainage system, such as a substructure technique, a point well model, a semianalytical approach,
or composite element methods [24–26]. However, except when using the substructure technique,
it is difficult to accurately impose the boundary conditions of the drainage facilities in most of the
numerical simulation models; thus, the theoretical strictness of the solutions, to some degree, is not
guaranteed [27]. In this paper, the boundary condition of a sub-element for the drainage pipes satisfies
Signorini’s complementary condition. In addition, the substructure technique can essentially overcome
the singularity at the seepage points and maintain mesh independency.
In this study, to effectively increase the seepage capability, a new drainage system including
horizontal pipes and upward bending slotted pipes is proposed. Compared with traditional drainage
systems, the proposed system has both a reasonable layout method and a strong seepage capability,
which can effectively reduce the water level in the dam slope. Then, the finite element analyses of the
seepage flow behavior of the proposed drainage method are introduced using a model combining the
substructure technique with the variational inequality formulation of Signorini’s type [28]. There are
plans to expand the storage capacity of the Xigou tailings dam, which is located in Hubei Province in
central China (Figure 1); this dam is taken as a case study example. The remainder of this study is
arranged as follows: in Section 3, background information about the tailings pond at the Xigou mine is
collected, including geological characterization and the seepage control system. Section 4 presents
the performance of the new drainage method by a three-dimensional numerical model of the Xigou
tailings dam and demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed drainage method, which is followed
by a dam stability assessment using the limit equilibrium method (LEM) in Section 5. In the final
section, conclusions are drawn.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 3 of 20
Appl.Sci.
Appl. Sci.2018,
2018,8,8,1840
1840 3 3ofof2020

Figure
Figure AAsatellite
1.1.A
Figure1. satellite image
imageofofthe
satelliteimage theXigou
Xigoutailings
Xigou tailings
tailings pond.
pond.
pond.
2. A New Drainage Method for the Tailings Pond
2.2.AANew
NewDrainage
DrainageMethod Methodfor forthetheTailings
TailingsPond Pond
2.1. Layout Method
2.1.Layout
2.1. LayoutMethod
Method
When the height of the dam is increased, the phreatic surface in the tailings dam slope is inevitably
Whenthe the heightofofthe thedamdamisisincreased,
increased, thephreatic phreaticsurface
surfaceininthe thetailings
tailingsdam damslope
slopeisis
raised.WhenTherefore,height to increase the slope stability, a the seepage control system in the embankment must be
inevitably raised. Therefore, to increase the slope stability, a seepage control system inin the
inevitably raised. Therefore, to increase the slope stability, a seepage control system the
proposed
embankment and implemented
must be to accelerate
proposed and the dissipation
implemented to of excessthe
accelerate pore water stresses
dissipation of andpore
excess to lower
waterthe
embankment must be proposed and implemented to accelerate the dissipation of excess pore water
phreatic
stressesandsurface in
andtotolower the
lowerthe downstream
thephreatic
phreaticsurface shell of
surfaceininthethe tailings
thedownstream dam.
downstreamshell As shown
shellofofthe in Figure
thetailings
tailingsdam. 2a,
dam.As the traditional
Asshown
showninin
stresses
arrangement
Figure 2a, themethod uses arrangement
traditional an upwardlymethod inclineduses drainage
an pipe, taking
upwardly inclinedinto accountpipe,
drainage thattaking
the seepage
into
Figure 2a, the traditional arrangement method uses an upwardly inclined drainage pipe, taking into
can quickly
accountthat flow
thatthe out
theseepage and
seepagecan that an
canquickly uneven
quicklyflow flowoutsettlement
outandandthat can
thatan be
anuneven weakened
unevensettlement during
settlementcan canbethe disposal
beweakened
weakenedduringof waste
during
account
ore.
the However,
disposal this
of method
waste ore. has a fatal shortcoming.
However, this method In this
has a case,shortcoming.
fatal when the drainage In this pipeswhen
case, are almost
the
the disposal of waste ore. However, this method has a fatal shortcoming. In this case, when the
parallel
drainage to the
pipes phreatic
are almostline,parallel
the seepageto the stops.
phreatic Even
line, worse,
the the drainage
seepage stops. Evenpipe is then
worse, the vulnerable
drainage
drainage pipes are almost parallel to the phreatic line, the seepage stops. Even worse, the drainage
topipe
blockage
pipe thenand
isisthen failure.toto
vulnerable
vulnerable To solve the
blockage
blockage and
and shortcoming
failure.To
failure. in the
Tosolve
solve traditional
the
the shortcoming
shortcoming method,
ininthe Figure
thetraditional
traditional2b method,
presents
method, a
new
Figurearrangement
Figure 2b2bpresents
presents of athe
anew drainage
new pipe based
arrangement
arrangement ofofthe ondrainage
the many
drainage investigations
pipebased
pipe basedon and
onmanyanalyses
many of tailings and
investigations
investigations ponds.
and
Aanalyses
horizontal
analyses of tailings ponds. A horizontal drainage pipe combined with an upward bending slottedthe
of drainage
tailings pipe
ponds. combined
A horizontalwith an upward
drainage pipebending
combined slottedwithpipe,
an which
upward is inserted
bending into
slotted
pipe,
phreatic which
pipe, which at
line isisinserted
ainserted
certaininto intothe
depth, theis phreatic
proposed.
phreatic lineWhen
line atataacertain
certain depth,isisproposed.
this arrangement
depth, proposed.
is applied When
When athis
to this arrangement
tailings dam with
arrangement
an is applied
is increased to a
applied to height, tailings
a tailings the dam
dam with
phreatic an
with ansurface increased
increased height,
intersects
height, the the phreatic surface
drainagesurface
the phreatic pipe. Thisintersects the
arrangement
intersects drainage
the drainage pipe.
contributes
pipe.
This
toThis arrangement
the arrangement
seepage contributes
of water, whichtois
contributes tothetheseepage
seepage
centrally ofofwater,
dischargedwater,out which
which isiscentrally
of the centrallydischarged
embankment discharged
along out outdrainage
the ofofthe
the
embankment
structure, along
significantly the drainage
improving structure,
the drainage significantly
capacity.
embankment along the drainage structure, significantly improving the drainage capacity.improving the drainage capacity.

Figure
Figure
Figure 2.2.2.The
Thelayout
The layoutofofthe
layout thedrainage
drainagepipes.
drainage pipes.(a)
pipes. (a)Traditional
(a) Traditionalapproach.
Traditional approach. (b)
approach.(b) AAA
(b) new
new drainage
drainage
new method
method
drainage method
combining a horizontal
combiningaahorizontal pipe with
horizontal pipe with an an upward bending slotted pipe.
combining an upward
upwardbending
bendingslotted
slottedpipe.
pipe.

2.2.
2.2.Slotted
2.2. SlottedDrainage
Slotted DrainagePipes
Drainage Pipes
Pipes
Theslotted
The
The slotteddrainage
slotted drainagepipes,
drainage pipes,as
pipes, asshown
as shownin
shown inFigure
in Figure3a, 3a,use
use
useaaapolyethylene
polyethylene
polyethylene (PE)
(PE)(PE) material
material
material and
and andare
are are
designed
designed
designed with with a combination
with aa combination
combination of of holes
of holes
holes and and slots
and slots [29].
slots[29].
[29].TheThe outer
Theouter diameter
outerdiameter
diameter of
of of the
thethe pipe
pipe
pipe and
andand the
thethe wall
wall
wall
thickness
thickness
thickness ofofthe
of thepipe
the pipeare
pipe are7575mm
mmand
mm and666mm,
and mm,respectively.
mm, respectively.Figure
respectively. Figure
Figure3b3b shows
3bshows
shows 1212
12 permeable
permeable
permeable slots
slots
slots that
that are
that
are are
evenly
evenly distributed
distributed
evenly distributed along along
along the
the longitudinal
longitudinal wall
wall of
of the
the pipe.
pipe. Holes
Holes with
with 8-mm
8-mm
longitudinal wall of the pipe. Holes with 8-mm diameter are designed diameter
diameter are
aredesigned
designed
ininin aspiral
spiral
aaspiral shapewith
shape
shape withaaaspacing
with spacingofof150–200
spacing 150–200mm
150–200 mmon
mm onthe
on thebottom
the bottomofof
bottom the
ofthe seepage
theseepage
seepage slots.
slots.
slots. Braided
Braided
Braided screens
screens
screens
of stainless
ofofstainless steel
stainless steel wire
steel wire areare used
are used in the
usedininthe filter
thefilter layer
filterlayer
layer of
ofof the
thethe drainage
drainage
drainage system.
system. According
According
system. According to the
to the principle
toprinciple ofof
the principle
drainage
ofdrainage
drainage and
andand depressurization
depressurization
depressurization of
of ofthe
thethe filter
filter layer,
layer,
filter layer, the
thethe pore
pore diameter
diameter
pore diameter of
of of the
thethe stainless
stainless steel
steel
stainless wire
wire
steel isis is
wire
matched
matched
matched withthe
with
with thecomposition
the compositionofofthe
composition thetailing
tailingparticles,
tailing particles,as
particles, asshown
as showninin
shown Table
Table1.1.
inTable 1.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 4 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 4 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 4 of 20
(a) 150-200 mm Ø8 mm Stainless wire (b)
(a) 150-200 mm Ø8 mm Stainless wire (b)
Stainless wire
Stainless wire Wall groovel
Wall groovel

(c) Stainless wire

(c) Stainless wire Tailings sand
Tailings sand
Tailings soil
Tailings soil

Figure 3. The structure of a slotted drainage pipe. (a) Pipe structure. (b) Pipe section. (c) Pipes are clad
Figure
with 3. screen
the The structure
screen as of alayer.
as aa filter
filter slotted drainage pipe. (a) Pipe structure. (b) Pipe section. (c) Pipes are clad
layer.
with the screen as a filter layer.
Table 1. The aperture of the stainless steel filter.
Table 1. The aperture of the stainless steel filter.
Table 1. The aperture of the stainless steel filter.
Tailingsdd0.075
Tailings 0.075
/%/% 95 95 90 9080 70
80 50
70 4050 3040 2030 1020 510 5
Tailings
Filtering Net dMesh
0.075/%
Numbers 12095 90100 80 100 70 50 40 30 20 10 5
Filtering Net Mesh Numbers 120120 120 100 80
100 8080 6080 6060 6060 60 60 60
Filtering Net Mesh Numbers 120 120 100 100 80 80 60 60 60 60
With this
With this arrangement,
arrangement, seepage
seepage thatthat previously
previously went went through
through the the holes
holes isis replaced
replaced by by seepage
seepage
With this arrangement, seepage that previously went through the holes is replaced by seepage
through
through the slotted
the slotted surfaces,
slotted surfaces, which
surfaces,which is beneficial
whichisisbeneficial
beneficialfor for increasing
forincreasing
increasingthe the seepage
theseepage
seepagearea area of
areaofofthe the drainage
thedrainage
drainage pipe
pipe
through the pipe
in
in the tailings
the tailings dam.
tailingsdam. Through
dam.Through
Through rough
rough calculations,
calculations, the use of the proposed new drainage structure can
in the rough calculations, the the
use use
of the of proposed
the proposed new drainage
new drainage structure structure
can
increase
can the seepage
increase capability
the seepage to approximately
capability to approximately 20 times more than that of the traditional drainage
increase the seepage capability to approximately 20 times20 moretimesthanmore
that thanof thethat of the traditional
traditional drainage
structure.
drainage
structure.structure.
Traditional drainage
Traditional drainage pipes
pipes (Figure
(Figure 4) 4) are
are widely
widely usedused in practice
practice in in China.
China. The diameter of a
Traditional drainage pipes (Figure 4) are widely used ininpractice in China. The Thediameter
diameter ofof
aa
traditional
traditional drainage pipe
drainage pipe is 100
pipeisis100
100mm,mm,
mm,and and 8
and88holes holes
holeswithwith diameters
withdiameters of
diametersofof1010mm 10 mm
mmare are located
arelocated
located in a section of
traditional drainage inin a section
a section ofof
the pipe.
the pipe. The
The seepage
seepage area
area ofof aa single
single hole
hole is is equal
equal to to3.14
3.14×× (5 (5 mm)
mm) == 78.5 78.5 mmmm 22.. The
The values
values of
of the
the
the pipe. The seepage area of a single hole is equal to 3.14 × (5 mm) = 78.5 mm . The values of the 2
contact area
contact (CA) and
area (CA)
(CA) and the
the total
total seepage
seepage area area (SA)
(SA) of of a 1 m pipepipe areare equal
equal to to 3140
3140 cm cm and
22 and 61.8061.80 cm
cm
2, ,,
22
contact area and the total seepage area (SA) of aa11mmpipe are equal to 3140 cm2 and 61.80 cm
respectively. Therefore,
Therefore, the
the seepage
seepageratioratio(SR)(SR)isis(62.80/3140)
(62.80/3140) × 100% 100%= == 2%. However, for the slotted
respectively.
respectively. Therefore, the seepage ratio (SR) is (62.80/3140) ××100% 2%.2%. However,
However, forforthe the slotted
slotted
drainage
drainage pipe, the
pipe,the
drainage pipe, theSASA value
SAvalue of a permeable
valueofofaapermeable
permeableslot slot is
slotisis equal
equal
equal to
toto 1000
10001000 mm
mm mm ×
× 10 10
× mm mm
10 mm = 100
= 100= 100 cm
cm2.cm
2. There
2
There . There
areare 12
are
12
permeable
12 permeable
permeable slots
slots distributed
slots distributed
distributed along
along
along the
thethe longitudinal
longitudinal
longitudinal wall
wall ofofof
wall a apipe,
apipe,
pipe, and
andandthe the
the total
total
total SASA
SA value
valuevalue is is
is 1200
12001200cmcm
2. ..
cm
22

Therefore, the
Therefore, the SR
SR value
valueis
value is38.2%.
is 38.2%.By
38.2%. Bycomparing
By comparingthe
comparing thevalues
the valuesofof
values ofthetheSRs,
the SRs,itit
SRs, itisis
isclear
clearthat
clear that
that the the
thenewnew
new drainage
drainage
drainage
pipe can raise the seepage
pipe can raise the seepage capability
seepage capability
capability by by approximately
byapproximately
approximatelyaafactor a factor of
factorofof20. 20.
20.

100 mm
100mm mm 100
100mm
100 mm
100mm

Ø10 mm Ø10
Ø10 mm
mm
Ø10 mm
mm
Ø100mm

m
0 m
m
10 m
Ø100

Ø100
Ø

Figure4.4.
Figure
Figure Thestructure
4.The
The structureofof
structure ofaaatraditional
traditional drainage
traditionaldrainage pipe.
drainagepipe.
pipe.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 5 of 20

2.3. Drainage Pipe Filter

The choice of the filter layer directly determines whether the drainage system can be maintained.
The improved new drainage pipe is clad with stainless steel wire braided screens, as shown in Figure 3c.
The new filtering net mesh is selected after the size distribution of the tailings sands is investigated and
analyzed, and this mesh prevents tailings of certain sizes from entering the permeable slots. To improve
the filter permeability performance and enlarge the permeable area, this design allows approximately
80% of the fine tailings to pass through the wire screen, while 20% of the coarse sands stay outside
of the screen. Therefore, the possibility of blocking and the failure of the proposed drainage pipes is
lower than in traditional drainage pipes. For calculating the thickness of the filter layer, which can
be used to determine the median element of the substructure technique during simulations, it can be
assumed that the filter layer is a regular circle. Based on the law of mass conservation and Darcy’s law,
the seepage of the equivalent filter layer is equal to the seepage of the drainage pipe, which can be
written as follows:
1/4πD2 v1 = 1/4πd2 v2 (1)

where D and d are the diameters of the equivalent filter layer and the drainage pipe, respectively, and
v1 and v2 denote the discharge velocity of the tailings and filter layer, respectively.

v = ki (2)

Here, k is the permeability coefficient, and i is the hydraulic gradient.

When neglecting the loss of the water head, i1 = i2 , the permeable coefficient k = Cd2 ,
(Liu et al. 2005).
Substituting Equation (2) into Equation (1) provides

D2 d220 = D20
2 2
d (3)

and
D = ( D20 /d20 )d (4)

where d20 and D20 are the equivalent diameters of the tailings and the filter layer, respectively; D20 can
be obtained by redrawing the gradation curve in which the particles smaller than a certain size are
removed.
The slotted pipe has the effect of an anchor pulling and reinforcing the tailings dam. The stability
of the tailings dam is increased to some extent. Therefore, the requirements for a long-term and
effective drainage system of the tailings dam can be satisfied.

3. Site Characterization of the Xigou Tailings Dam

3.1. Project Description

The Xigou silver mine is located in Shiyan City in the northeast area of the Hubei Province in China.
As shown in Figure 5, the tailings dam was raised using the upstream method in a narrow V-shaped
valley, in which the valley bank slopes are steep, with a gradient of approximately 40–60 degrees on the
northern hill and a gradient of approximately 30–50 degrees on the southern hill. To take advantage of
the natural closed basin, a cross-valley permanent tailings pond was constructed. The tailings slurry
was discharged into the pond through multiple spigots in the pipeline along the dam embankment.
An initial dam was built using locally available, residual rockfill material. The height and crest
width of this dike were 18 m and 5 m, respectively. The dam was designed to have an upstream
slope of 1 V: 1.7 H (vertical: horizontal) and a downstream slope of 1 V: 2 H. With the addition of
a tailings discharge, the crest of the dam was progressively raised over the past 20 years or more,
and the tailings dam was completely filled in according to the terms of the original design. Currently,
the most important challenge faced by the mining company is the disposal of forthcoming waste ore.
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 6 of 20

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 6 of 20

To save land, reduce costs, and ensure the mining company’s safety and sustainable development,
the company decided to expand and increase the height of the current tailings dam and improve the
storage
Appl. capacity
Sci. 2018, 8, 1840of its waste ore. 6 of 20

Figure 5. The schematic map of the Xigou tailings pond.

An initial dam was built using locally available, residual rockfill material. The height and crest
width of this dike were 18 m and 5 m, respectively. The dam was designed to have an upstream slope
of 1 V: 1.7 H (vertical: horizontal) and a downstream slope of 1 V: 2 H. With the addition of a tailings
discharge, the crest of the dam was progressively raised over the past 20 years or more, and the
tailings dam was completely filled in according to the terms of the original design. Currently, the
most important challenge faced by the mining company is the disposal of forthcoming waste ore. To
save land, reduce costs, and ensure the mining company’s safety and sustainable development, the
company decided to expand Figure
Figureand5.
5. The
The schematic
schematic
increase themap
map of
of the
height of Xigou
the Xigou tailings pond.
tailingstailings
the current pond. dam and improve the
storage capacity of its waste ore.
Figure
AnFigure 66presents
initial dam was
presents aatypical
built cross-section
using
typical of
of the
the Xigou
locally available,
cross-section residual
Xigou tailings dam.
rockfill
tailings dam. Thedifferent
material.
The different material
The height
material zones
andzones
crest
are
width illustrated
of this dikein the
were diagram.
18 m and The
5 m, base and abutments
respectively. The dam of the
was dam
designed
are illustrated in the diagram. The base and abutments of the dam consist of strongly weathered and consist
to of
have strongly
an weathered
upstream slope
and
of moderately
1 V:
moderately weathered
1.7 H (vertical:
weathered crystal
horizontal)
crystal tuff. tuff.
andThe The tailing
a downstream
tailing material
material slope
zones ofzones
1are 2are
H.composed
V:composed With of of sand
thesilty silty sand
addition tailings
of a tailings
tailings and
and silty
discharge, soil tailings.
the crest
silty soil tailings. The The
ofrest rest
theofdam of the material
was progressively
the material zones, categorized
raised over
zones, categorized as man-made
the past soil,
as man-made 20 years soil, are
or more,
are shown. shown.
The and
bottomThe
the
bottom
tailings of thewas
dam
of the tailings tailings
dam dam
completely
is at is at an elevation
filled
an elevation 910 m,ofwhile
inofaccording 910
to m,
thewhile
termsthe
current current
ofdamthecrest dam
original crest is
design.
elevation elevation
Currently,
at is atthe
an elevation an
elevation
most of
important 1003.84 m.
challenge The upstream
faced by the slope
mining ratio is
company1:4 (V:H)
is the (Figure
disposal 7).
of 1003.84 m. The upstream slope ratio is 1:4 (V:H) (Figure 7). To meet the needs of mining production, To
of meet the
forthcoming needs
wasteof mining
ore. To
production,
save
the land, theplanned
reduce
ultimate ultimate planned
costs,height
and of height
ensure thethe of the dam
mining
tailings tailings damm,
company’s
is 100 issafety
100
andm, and
and
the the elevation
crest elevation
sustainable
crest will exceed
development,
will exceed the
an
an elevation
company
elevation of of
decided
10301030m.m.
to The
expand
The ultimate
and increase
ultimate storage
storage thecapacity
height
capacity ofof
of
thethe
the Xigou
current
Xigou tailings
tailings
tailings dam
dam isis253.45
dam 253.45 millionm
and improve
million m3.3 .
the
According
storage
According to
tothe
capacity theofnational
its waste
national design
ore. codes
design codes of China [30], after increasing increasing the the height,
height,thethetailings
tailingsdamdamisis
classified
Figure
classified as
as6grade
presents
grade 3.3. However,
a typical considering
However, considering that
cross-section the Xigou
of the poisonous tailingstailings
dam.can
tailings can
The pollute andmaterial
different
pollute and poseaahazard
pose hazard
zones
totothe
are thecommunity
community
illustrated in theandand ecosystems
ecosystems
diagram. The base nearandtheabutments
mining areas,
mining areas, of the thedam
the dam
dam must be
must
consist bestrongly
of raisedto
raised toweathered
grade22when
grade when
and
checking
checking the
moderately the safety factors
safety factors
weathered of the
of the
crystal slope
tuff.slope stability.
stability.
The tailing material zones are composed of silty sand tailings and
silty soil tailings. The rest of the material zones, categorized as man-made soil, are shown. The bottom
of the tailings dam is at an elevation of 910 m, while the current dam crest elevation is at an elevation
of 1003.84 m. The upstream slope ratio is 1:4 (V:H) (Figure 7). To meet the needs of mining production,
the ultimate planned height of the tailings dam is 100 m, and the crest elevation will exceed an
elevation of 1030 m. The ultimate storage capacity of the Xigou tailings dam is 253.45 million m3.
According to the national design codes of China [30], after increasing the height, the tailings dam is
classified as grade 3. However, considering that the poisonous tailings can pollute and pose a hazard
to the community and ecosystems near the mining areas, the dam must be raised to grade 2 when
checking the safety factors of the slope stability.

Figure6.
Figure 6. The
The geological
geological cross-section and the layout
layout of
of the
the drainage
drainagecontrol
controlsystem.
system.

Figure 6. The geological cross-section and the layout of the drainage control system.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 7 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 7 of 20

Figure7.
Figure 7. The
The Xigou
Xigou tailings
tailings dam
dam in
in 2017.
2017. (a)
(a) Downstream
Downstream area.
area. (b)
(b) Drainage
Drainage pipes
pipes at
at an
an elevation
elevation of
of
955m.
955 m.

3.2.
3.2. Layout
Layout of
of the
the Seepage
Seepage Control
Control System
System
According
According to to the
the hydrogeologic
hydrogeologic conditions
conditions of of the
the tailings
tailings damdam withwith anan increased
increased height
height at at the
the
site, a seepage control system consisting of horizontal drainage pipes
site, a seepage control system consisting of horizontal drainage pipes and upward bending slottedand upward bending slotted
drainage
drainage pipes
pipes isis proposed
proposed in in the
the slope
slope ofof the
thedam,
dam, as asshown
shownin inFigure
Figure6.6. TheThe horizontal
horizontal drainage
drainage
pipes
pipes consist of the current pipe and the planned pipes. Based on the national design standard and
consist of the current pipe and the planned pipes. Based on the national design standard and
experience
experienceininsimilar
similarprojects,
projects,thethecurrent
current horizontal
horizontal drainage
drainage pipes were
pipes arranged
were arrangedat elevations of 934,
at elevations of
940, 950, 960, 970, and 985 m, and the planned straight pipes were designed at
934, 940, 950, 960, 970, and 985 m, and the planned straight pipes were designed at elevations of 1003, elevations of 1003, 1008,
1013,
1008, 1018,
1013,and1018,1023andm.1023
Them.horizontal spacingspacing
The horizontal of eachof row of drainage
each row of drainagepipes forpipes
bothfortheboth
currentthe
and ultimate conditions is 10 m, and the length of each drainage pipe
current and ultimate conditions is 10 m, and the length of each drainage pipe is 40 m. The inclinedis 40 m. The inclined angle
between the straight
angle between drainage
the straight pipe and
drainage the and
pipe horizontal directiondirection
the horizontal is 5 degrees. The tailings
is 5 degrees. Thedam contains
tailings dam
3contains
layers of3 slotted
layers of slotted drainage pipes that are constructed from the line segment and thebending
drainage pipes that are constructed from the line segment and the upward upward
section.
bendingThe first layer
section. of the
The first upward
layer of thebending
upwardpipe intersects
bending pipe with the horizontal
intersects drainage pipe
with the horizontal at an
drainage
elevation
pipe at an elevation of 1002 m. The lengths of the horizontal section and the curve section are 40m,
of 1002 m. The lengths of the horizontal section and the curve section are 40 m and 154 m
respectively. The highest point
and 154 m, respectively. and thepoint
The highest lowest point
and the of the second
lowest point of layer
the of the upward
second layer of bending pipe
the upward
are arranged
bending pipeatare
elevations
arranged of 996 m and 950ofm,996
at elevations respectively.
m and 950 Them,length of the line
respectively. Thesection
lengthis of
30 the
m, and
line
the total length is 136 m. The third layer of the upward bending pipe intersects
section is 30 m, and the total length is 136 m. The third layer of the upward bending pipe intersects the embankment at
elevations of 934 m and 960 m, respectively. All the pipes are made of PE
the embankment at elevations of 934 m and 960 m, respectively. All the pipes are made of PE materialmaterial and DN100 slotted
pipes. The equivalent
and DN100 slotted pipes.diameter of the filterdiameter
The equivalent layer is 0.75
of the mfilter
and it is determined
layer is 0.75 m and by itanalyzing the size
is determined by
distribution of the tailings sands.
analyzing the size distribution of the tailings sands.
4. Seepage Control System in the Xigou Tailings Dam with an Increased Height
4. Seepage Control System in the Xigou Tailings Dam with an Increased Height
4.1. The Finite Element Model
4.1. The Finite Element Model
Before the calculation is performed, the construction of a 3D finite element model can be performed
Before the calculation is performed, the construction of a 3D finite element model can be
as follows: specify the range of the numerical simulation, determine the type of elements and the
performed as follows: specify the range of the numerical simulation, determine the type of elements
type of analysis, locate the position of geometry, input the material parameters, input the boundary
and the type of analysis, locate the position of geometry, input the material parameters, input the
conditions, mesh generation, and set the initial conditions and calculation phases.
boundary conditions, mesh generation, and set the initial conditions and calculation phases.
As shown in Figure 8a, a three-dimensional finite element mesh was generated for evaluating the
As shown in Figure 8a, a three-dimensional finite element mesh was generated for evaluating
performance of the seepage-proof system design and the impact of increasing the height at the Xigou
the performance of the seepage-proof system design and the impact of increasing the height at the
tailings dam project. This model consisted of 356,221 nodes and 985,641 brick elements (with a small
Xigou tailings dam project. This model consisted of 356,221 nodes and 985,641 brick elements (with
number degenerated into tetrahedral elements). The size of the numerical model was 700 m in the
a small number degenerated into tetrahedral elements). The size of the numerical model was 700 m
direction of the dam axis and 1000 m in the direction parallel to the river. The bottom of the model
in the direction of the dam axis and 1000 m in the direction parallel to the river. The bottom of the
was at an elevation of 800 m, and the highest elevation of the model was 1202 m. The topographic
model was at an elevation of 800 m, and the highest elevation of the model was 1202 m. The
and tailings material zone, as well as the seepage-proof system including the horizontal pipes and the
topographic and tailings material zone, as well as the seepage-proof system including the horizontal
bending slotted pipes, are shown in Figure 8b–d.
pipes and the bending slotted pipes, are shown in Figure 8b–d.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 8 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 8 of 20

Figure 8. (a) A 3D finite element mesh for the Xigou tailings pond with an increased dam height. (b)
Figure 8. (a) A 3D finite element mesh for the Xigou tailings pond with an increased dam height.
Tailings material zone. (c) Drainage control system. (d) Mesh of drainage pipes.
(b) Tailings material zone. (c) Drainage control system. (d) Mesh of drainage pipes.

The boundary conditions were defined as follows: corresponding to the water level of a tailings
The boundary conditions were defined as follows: corresponding to the water level of a tailings
pond, the hydraulic head on the upstream dam surface was variable at different raising stages, and the
pond, the hydraulic head on the upstream dam surface was variable at different raising stages, and
water head was
the water headconstantly 910 m 910
was constantly on the
m downstream dam surface.
on the downstream The lateral
dam surface. Theand bottom
lateral andboundaries
bottom
inboundaries
the modelinwere taken to be impermeable. The potential seepage boundaries were
the model were taken to be impermeable. The potential seepage boundaries applied at the
were
remaining
applied at the remaining boundaries, including the tailings dam surface and the ground above theand
boundaries, including the tailings dam surface and the ground above the upstream
downstream
upstream and water levels, the
downstream embankment,
water and the boundaries
levels, the embankment, and theof the drainage
boundaries pipe.
of the The potential
drainage pipe.
seepage boundary satisfied Signorini’s complementary condition.
The potential seepage boundary satisfied Signorini’s complementary condition.

4.2.
4.2.The
TheSubstructure
Substructure Method
Method and Boundary Conditions
and Boundary Conditions
Non-steady
Non-steady saturated seepage flow
saturated seepage flow was
was used
used inin this
this paper.
paper.The Thesubstructure
substructure method
method waswas
proposed
proposed by modeling a densely deployed drainage pipe of a small diameter by subdividing thethe
by modeling a densely deployed drainage pipe of a small diameter by subdividing
drainage
drainage element. Three-layerelements
element. Three-layer elementsexist
existinineach
eachcross-section
cross-section of of
thethe drainage
drainage pipe
pipe (Figure
(Figure 9). 9).
From
Fromthe theboundaries
boundaries of the drainage pipe to
drainage pipe to the
theelement
elementfacefaceininthe
theradial
radialdirection,
direction, thethe original
original
elements,
elements, the elements,and
the filter elements, andthethedrainage
drainage element
element are are identified.
identified. The perimeter
The perimeter lengths lengths
of the of
the filter
filter andand drainage
drainage elements
elements are consistent
are consistent with with the circular
the circular cross-sections
cross-sections of theand
of the filter filter and
pipe. pipe.
The
inner
The boundaries
inner boundaries of the drainage
of the drainageelement as the
element potential
as the potentialseepage
seepagesurface are are
surface specified
specifiedas as
thethe
complementarycondition
complementary condition of Signorini’s
Signorini’s type
type[31].
[31].This
Thiscondition
conditionisisrepresented
represented asas
follows:
follows:
(  z , q ( )  0
n
 φ ≤ z, qn (φ) ≤ 0(on  s ) (5)
((φ−z )zq)nq(()φ) 0= 0 (on Γs ) (5)
n
where Γs is the potential seepage boundary, ϕ is the total water head, qn is the flux out of the boundary,
and z Γiss the
where is the potential
vertical seepage boundary, φ is the total water head, qn is the flux out of the boundary,
coordinate.
and z is the vertical coordinate.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 9 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 9 of 20

Figure 9.
Figure 9. The construction of a drainage substructure.

Combined with the substructure technique and the variational inequality formulation of
Combined with the substructure technique and the variational inequality formulation of
Signorini’s type, the singularity at the seepage points can be eliminated to reduce the work involved
Signorini’s type, the singularity at the seepage points can be eliminated to reduce the work involved
with generating the mesh and solving the equation.
with generating the mesh and solving the equation.
4.3. Phreatic Surface of the Tailings Dam
4.3. Phreatic Surface of the Tailings Dam
To obtain the initial hydraulic properties and the phreatic surface of the tailings dam, 16 boreholes
To obtain the initial hydraulic properties and the phreatic surface of the tailings dam, 16
were arranged at the dam site (with the locations of the boreholes as shown in Figure 6. According
boreholes were arranged at the dam site (with the locations of the boreholes as shown in Figure 6.
to the geological engineering survey results, the initial permeability coefficients of each material
According to the geological engineering survey results, the initial permeability coefficients of each
are shown in Table 2, as the permeability coefficients of the tailings materials and foundation are
material are shown in Table 2, as the permeability coefficients of the tailings materials and foundation
different from depths to depths and from locations to locations [32]. A limitation of the borehole
are different from depths to depths and from locations to locations [32]. A limitation of the borehole
tests is that only part of the region’s permeability coefficients is estimated [33]. The borehole testing
tests is that only part of the region’s permeability coefficients is estimated [33]. The borehole testing
results could not be used to calculate a numerical model. To obtain the precise permeability coefficients
results could not be used to calculate a numerical model. To obtain the precise permeability
used for calculations, the MPSO-BP method and the in-house made finite element code were used to
coefficients used for calculations, the MPSO-BP method and the in-house made finite element code
back-calculate the initial seepage field [34].
were used to back-calculate the initial seepage field [34].
Along the main channel, 16 piezometers were installed to continuously measure the phreatic
Along the main channel, 16 piezometers were installed to continuously measure the phreatic
surface and its range of variation. Using the observation wells in the boreholes, the steady-state
surface and its range of variation. Using the observation wells in the boreholes, the steady-state
groundwater level was measured during the exploration of the Xigou tailings dam. Figure 3 presents
groundwater level was measured during the exploration of the Xigou tailings dam. Figure 3 presents
the location of the phreatic line at the typical cross-section. The groundwater level reflected the normal
the location of the phreatic line at the typical cross-section. The groundwater level reflected the
conditions of the tailings dam and was used as the initial seepage field because the seepage control
normal conditions of the tailings dam and was used as the initial seepage field because the seepage
system was designed according to this condition. The distribution of the water head of the initial
control system was designed according to this condition. The distribution of the water head of the
seepage field could be used for back analysis. The basic idea of the MPSO-BP method is that the
initial seepage field could be used for back analysis. The basic idea of the MPSO-BP method is that
difference between the measured water heads at the boreholes and the fitness water heads is minimized.
the difference between the measured water heads at the boreholes and the fitness water heads is
The objective function can be written as
minimized. The objective function can be written as
nn
minf f=∑ w
c m 2
min wi ((hhic −
 i  hhmi ))2
i i
(6)
(6)
i= 1
i 1

c m are the
where nn is
where is the
the total
total number
number of piezometers, w
of piezometers, wii is
is the
the weight
weight at the ith
at the ith borehole, and hhiic and
borehole, and and hhiim are the
calculated
calculated and
and measured
measured water
water heads
heads at the ith
at the ith borehole,
borehole, respectively.
respectively.
The iterative process of the back-calculation was implemented with the MPSO-BP method based
on a modified particle swarm optimization algorithm and a neural network simulator. The algorithm
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 10 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 10 of 20

The iterative
parameters were as process of the
follows: theback-calculation
maximum iterations was implemented with theof
is 1000, the number MPSO-BP
particlesmethod based
is 20, weight
on a modified particle swarm optimization algorithm and a neural network simulator.
function ω = 0.4–0.9, c1 = 3.3, and c2 = 1.7. The back-analysis results showed that when the permeability The algorithm
parameters were
coefficients of all as
thefollows:
materials theatmaximum iterations
the site were taken inis Table
1000, the number
2, the value of
of particles is 20,function
the objective weight
function = 0.4–0.9,
was minimized at all
ω c = 3.3, and
1 observation c = 1.7. The back-analysis results showed that when
2 boreholes. Figure 10 compares the calculated and measured the permeability
coefficients
groundwater of all the materials
levels at each at the site were
borehole, taken in
indicating Table
that the2, initial
the value of the objective
seepage field wasfunction was
reasonably
minimized at all observation
simulated using boreholes.
the back-calculated Figure 10 compares
permeability the The
coefficients. calculated and
range of measured
error could begroundwater
controlled
levels at each borehole, indicating that the initial seepage field was reasonably simulated
to below 5% between the calculated and measured phreatic surface, which also verified the rationality using the
back-calculated permeability
of the inverse results. coefficients.
Therefore, The range ofpermeability
the back-calculated error could be controlled were
coefficients to below 5% between
acceptable for a
the calculated
further and measured
performance assessmentphreatic
of thesurface,
seepage.which also verified the rationality of the inverse results.
Therefore, the back-calculated permeability coefficients were acceptable for a further performance
assessmentTable
of the
2. seepage.
The comparison between the measured and calculated permeability coefficients.

Permeability Coefficient Corrected Permeability

Table 2. The comparison between the measured and calculated permeability coefficients.
(cm/s) Coefficient (cm/s)
Parameters Corrected Permeability
Permeability
HorizontalCoefficient (cm/s)
kx Vertical ky Horizontal kx (cm/s)
Vertical ky
Parameters Coefficient

Moderately weathered crystal tuff Horizontal 2.3∙10–7kx Vertical k–7y

2.1∙10 Horizontal–7kx
2.5∙10 Vertical ky–7
2.3∙10
Moderately
Strongly weatheredcrystal
weathered crystal tuff
tuff × 10−7–5
2.3 5.7∙10 × 10−–57
2.14.8∙10 × 10−–57
2.55.7∙10 2.3 × 10−7–5
4.8∙10
Strongly weathered
Initial dam crystal tuff × 10−5–3
5.7 3.3∙10 × 10−–35
4.83.3∙10 × 10−–35
5.71.5∙10 4.8 × 10−5–3
2.1∙10
Initial dam 3.3 × 10−3–4 3.3 × 10−–43 1.5 × 10−–43 2.1 × 10−3–4
Silty sand tailings
Silty sand tailings
5.0∙10
5.0 × 10−4
4.5∙10
4.5 × 10−4
5.1∙10
5.1 × 10−4
4.3∙10
4.3 × 10−4
Silty
Silty soil tailings
soil tailings 8.0 8.0∙10
× 10−5
–5
6.46.4∙10
–5
× 10−5 8.28.2∙10
–5
× 10−5 7.1∙10
7.1 × 10−5
–5

Silty clay
Silty clay −
1.4 1.4∙10
× 10 –55 1.21.2∙10−
× 10 –55 −
× 10 –55
3.23.2∙10 −
2.5∙10
2.5 × 5
10 –5
Artificial clay
Artificial clayI I × 10−5–5
5.1 5.1∙10 × 10−–55
5.15.1∙10 × 10−–55
5.15.1∙10 5.1 × 10−5–5
5.1∙10
Artificial clay II
Artificial clay II × 10−3–3
3.3 3.3∙10 × 10−–33
3.13.1∙10 × 10−–22
5.05.0∙10 4.3 × 10−3–3
4.3∙10

Figure 10. The

Thecomparison
comparisonbetween
betweenthe measured
the and
measured calculated
and values
calculated of the
values water
of the head
water at the
head at
boreholes.
the boreholes.

4.4. Numerical Results

4.4. Numerical Results

4.4.1. Performance Estimation of the Seepage-Proof System

4.4.1. Performance Estimation of the Seepage-Proof System
In this section, the performance assessment of the proposed seepage control system after the height
In this section, the performance assessment of the proposed seepage control system after the
of the dam was increased was described under extreme operating conditions using the previously
height of the dam was increased was described under extreme operating conditions using the
proposed method. Under this condition, the water level of the tailings impoundment was 1029.0 m
previously proposed method. Under this condition, the water level of the tailings impoundment was
1029.0 m from the flood prevention calculation. With the calculation of the finite element model, the
distribution of the water head and the free surface of the typical cross-section were compared under
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 11 of 20

Appl.
from
Appl. Sci.
the
Sci. 2018,
8, 8,
flood
2018, 1840
prevention
1840 calculation. With the calculation of the finite element model, the distribution 1111
of of
2020
of the water head and the free surface of the typical cross-section were compared under the two
thetwo
the twoconditions
conditions conditions ofsetting
settingdrainage
of settingofdrainage drainage
and without and
and withoutdrainage,
without
drainage, asdrainage,
shown as inasFigure
shown
shown ininFigure
11. Figure11.11.
Initially, Initially,nono
noInitially,
additional
additional
additional
seepage seepage
seepage
control control
control
structure was structure
structure
set upwas was
duringsetset
upup during
during
operation. operation.
operation.
The TheThe
distribution distribution
distribution
of the water ofof the
the
head water
water head
head
changed
changed
changed
along along
thealong
axis of the
thethe axis
axis of
of the
dam, the
and dam,
dam,
theandand the equipotential
the equipotential
equipotential line was line
line was relatively
was relatively
relatively sparse
sparsesparse
upstream upstream
upstream
of theof ofthe
dam, the
dam,while
dam, whilethe theequipotential
equipotentialline linewas
washighly
highly densenear nearthethejunction
junctionofofthetheheaping
heapingdam dam andthe the
while the equipotential line was highly dense dense
near the junction of the heaping dam and theand initial
initial
initialThe
dam. dam.
dam. The phreatic
The phreatic
phreatic surface
surfacesurface was smooth
was smooth
was smooth in the in in the upstream
the upstream
upstream tailing
tailingtailing zone,
zone,
zone, but but it
but itout
it was waswas out
of out
the ofof the dam
theslope
dam dam
slope
slope downstream.
downstream. When
When it it reached
reached thethe initial
initial dam,
dam, the
the phreatic
phreatic line
line showed
showed a a significant
significant depression
depression
downstream. When it reached the initial dam, the phreatic line showed a significant depression due to
due
due
the toto the
the high-permeability
high-permeability
high-permeability rockfill
rockfillrockfill material,
material,
material, which whichwhich
then then
then
traveled traveled
traveled downstream
downstream
downstream inin
in a nearly ahorizontal
nearly
a nearly horizontal
horizontal
state.
state. The
state.predicted predicted
The predicted maximum
maximum seepage
seepage gradient
gradient was
was 1.50, which
1.50, appeared appeared
which appeared at the junction
at the junction ofofthethe
The maximum seepage gradient was 1.50, which at the junction of the heaping
heaping
heaping dam and initial dam.
dam anddam and
initial dam.initial dam.

Figure
Figure
Figure 11.11.
11. The
The
The comparison
comparison
comparisonofofofthe
the thehydraulic
hydraulic
hydraulic head head contours
contours
head andphreatic
and and
contours phreatic
phreatic surfacesurface atat
a atypical
at a typical
surface typicalcross-
cross-
cross-section
in section
section inin
the system the
the system
without
system without
drainage
without drainage
and
drainagewith and
the
and with the
proposed
with the proposed drainage
drainagedrainage
proposed system. system.
system.

To
ToTodecrease
decrease
decrease the
the phreatic
the phreatic
phreatic surface,
surface,
surface, the
the new
the new
new seepage
seepage
seepage control
control
control system
system
system was
was
was arranged
arranged
arranged in
ininthe
the
the process
process
process of
ofof
increasing
increasing thethe damdam height.
height. The
The predicted
predicted seepage
seepage field
field of the
of the finite
finiteelement
increasing the dam height. The predicted seepage field of the finite element simulation is illustrated. element simulation
simulation is illustrated.
is illustrated.
Figure
Figure11
Figure 1111plots
plots
plotsthethe phreatic
thephreatic line
phreaticline and
lineand pressurehead
andpressure head distribution
distribution
distribution ofofof
the the
the whole
whole
whole seepage
seepage
seepage field
field
field (with
(with
(with thethe
the real
real line
line representation).
representation). Clearly,
Clearly, thethe phreatic
phreatic lineline
waswas reduced,
reduced, the
real line representation). Clearly, the phreatic line was reduced, the variation in the water head was the variation
variation in in
the the water
water head head
was
was gentle,
gentle,
gentle, and
and and
thethe the
freefree free
surfacesurface
surface nono no longer
longer
longer escaped escaped
escaped from
from from
the
the the downstream
downstream
downstream slope.
slope. slope.
By By By calculating
calculating
calculating the
the the
seepage
seepage
seepage
gradient,
gradient, gradient,
thethemaximum the maximum
maximum seepage seepage
gradientgradient
seepagegradient decreased
decreased decreased
from1.50
from 1.50from 1.50which
toto0.83,
0.83, to 0.83,
which which occurred
occurred
occurred atatthethesame at
same
the same
location location
as in the as in
system the system
without without
drainage. drainage.
Figure 12 Figure
presents 12 presents
the
location as in the system without drainage. Figure 12 presents the three-dimensional free surface and the three-dimensional
three-dimensional free surface free
and
surface
the
the and the
contour
contour mapmapcontour
ofofthethemap of the groundwater
groundwater
groundwater level
level level distribution
distribution
distribution andand shows
shows and shows
that
that due
due tothat
to
the due
the to the sufficient
sufficient
sufficient seepage-
seepage-
seepage-proof
proof system, system,
the the distribution
distribution of the of the
seepage seepage
flow flow
field was field
more
proof system, the distribution of the seepage flow field was more uniform in the tailings area, andwas more
uniform uniform
in the in the
tailings tailings
area, and
area,
the and the
overall overall
fluidization fluidization
was was
smoother smoother
compared compared
with the with
absence
the overall fluidization was smoother compared with the absence of the drainage system. The abovethe absence
of the of
drainage the drainage
system. system.
The above
The above numerical
numerical
numerical resultsclearly
results results
clearly clearlythat
indicate
indicate indicate
thatthethethat the proposed
proposed
proposed newnewseepagenew seepage
seepage control
control control
system
system system
cancannot can not
notonlyonly
only effectively
effectively reduce
reduce the the seepage
seepage pressure
pressure and
and depress
depress the
the pore
pore
effectively reduce the seepage pressure and depress the pore water stresses but also improve the water stresses
stresses but
but also
also improve
improve thethe
overall
overall groundwater
groundwater movement
movement trend
trend andandthe
the local
localseepage
seepage field.
field.
overall groundwater movement trend and the local seepage field. These effects should be properly These
These effects
effects should
should bebeproperly
properly
considered
considered
considered in
ininthe
thetheperformance
performance
performance assessment
assessment
assessment of the
ofof
thetheseepage-proof
seepage-proof
seepage-proof system.
system.
system.

Figure 12. The comparison of the 3D free surface and the contour map of the groundwater level
Figure12.12.The
Figure Thecomparison
comparisonofofthe
the3D3Dfree
freesurface
surfaceand
andthe
thecontour
contourmap
mapofofthe
thegroundwater
groundwaterlevel
level
distribution in the system without drainage (a) and with the proposed drainage system (b).
distribution
distribution inin the
the system
system without
without drainage
drainage (a)(a)
andand with
with the
the proposed
proposed drainage
drainage system
system (b).
(b).

4.4.2.
4.4.2. Comparison
Comparison ofof the
the Seepage
Seepage Results
Results with
with Different
Different Drainage
Drainage Conditions
Conditions
ToTofurther
furtherevaluate
evaluatethe
theeffectiveness
effectivenessofofthe
thenew
newdrainage
drainagesystem,
system,the
theperformance
performanceassessments
assessments
of the seepage without drainage measures, with only horizontal drainage measures
of the seepage without drainage measures, with only horizontal drainage measures and with and withthe
the
proposed drainage measures were compared and analyzed. The process of increasing the height ofof
proposed drainage measures were compared and analyzed. The process of increasing the height
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 12 of 20

4.4.2. Comparison of the Seepage Results with Different Drainage Conditions

To further evaluate the effectiveness of the new drainage system, the performance assessments
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 12 of 20
of the seepage without drainage measures, with only horizontal drainage measures and with the
proposed
the dam was drainage measures
divided were
into five compared
stages and analyzed.
to simulate The process
the sequential raisingof increasing
of the dam. theInheight of the
each filling
dam
stage, the influence of the seepage control system and the variation in the seepage gradient stage,
was divided into five stages to simulate the sequential raising of the dam. In each filling were
the influenceunder
researched of the the
seepage
threecontrol system
different and theconditions.
drainage variation inFigure
the seepage gradient
13 shows thewere
changeresearched
in the
under
maximum the three
seepagedifferent drainage
gradient valuesconditions.
and the minimum Figure 13 shows
depth thephreatic
of the change in the maximum
surface when theseepage
tailings
gradient values and the minimum depth of the phreatic surface when
dam was raised sequentially, indicating that if there was no drainage system, then the behavior the tailings dam was raisedof
sequentially, indicating that if there was no drainage system, then the behavior
the phreatic surface was inconsistent and changed sharply in the location position, leading to a large of the phreatic surface
was inconsistent
seepage gradient andand changed
a shallowsharply in the After
burial depth. location
the position,
horizontalleading
drainage to apipe
largewas seepage
arranged gradient
in the
and a shallow burial depth. After the horizontal drainage pipe was
heightened slope, the overall and local seepage gradient was improved, causing the maximumarranged in the heightened slope,
the overall
seepage and local
gradient to beseepage
reduced gradient was improved,
by approximately 15% andcausing the maximum
the minimum burialseepage
depth to gradient to be
be increased
reduced by approximately 15% and the minimum burial depth to be increased
by approximately 5.6 m; however, the minimum burial depth was slightly higher than the national by approximately 5.6 m;
however, the minimum burial depth was slightly higher than the national
standard during the last two stages. Due to the effect of the water guide of the upward bending standard during the last two
stages.
slotted Duepipe,tothe
theproposed
effect of the water guide
drainage system of acted
the upward bendingchannel,
as a drainage slotted pipe,
which thecould
proposed drainage
accelerate the
system acted as a drainage channel, which could accelerate the dissipation of pore
dissipation of pore water stresses and the process of consolidating the tailings slurry to further reduce water stresses and
the
the process of consolidating
free surface. A stable seepagethe tailings slurrybe
field could to observed
further reduceduringthe free surface.
various raisings. A The
stable seepage
maximum
field
seepagecould be observed
gradient duringbyvarious
was reduced raisings.40%,
approximately The andmaximum seepageburial
the minimum gradientdepth waswas reduced
increasedby
approximately 40%, and the minimum burial depth was increased by
by approximately 9.3 m. Compared with only horizontal drainage pipes, all the minimum burialapproximately 9.3 m. Compared
with
depths only horizontal
with drainage
new drainage pipes,
pipes metall the
the national
minimumstandard.
burial depths with new
All three of thesedrainage
cases pipes met the
reflected the
national standard. All three of these cases reflected the characteristics of the
characteristics of the increase in the seepage gradient and the decrease in the depth with the rise of increase in the seepage
gradient
the tailingsandpond.
the decrease
However, in the
thedepth with theofrise
performance theofnew
the seepage
tailings pond.
controlHowever,
system was the performance
better than the of
the new
other two seepage
cases. control system was better than the other two cases.

13. The comparison of the burial depth of the phreatic surface (a) and
Figure 13. and the
the maximum
maximum seepage
seepage
gradient (b) in various cases.
cases.

4.4.3. Local Failure Analysis of the Drainage Pipe

4.4.3. Local Failure Analysis of the Drainage Pipe
During the construction and long-term operation of the tailings dam, the drainage pipes may be
During the construction and long-term operation of the tailings dam, the drainage pipes may be
blocked, which results in a local blockage and low permeability of some drainage pipes in the seepage
blocked, which results in a local blockage and low permeability of some drainage pipes in the seepage
system
system [35,36].
[35,36]. Therefore,
Therefore, to
to further
further confirm
confirm the
the rationality
rationality of
of the
the new
new drainage
drainage system,
system, aa stochastic
stochastic
simulation analysis was carried out for a new drainage system due to partial blockage resulting in a
simulation analysis was carried out for a new drainage system due to partial blockage resulting in a
decrease
decrease inin the
the permeability
permeability coefficients.
coefficients. It
It was
was assumed
assumed that
that the
the blockage
blockage probability
probability of
of all
all drainage
drainage
pipes was random and had a uniform distribution. The simulation method and steps of the local
pipes was random and had a uniform distribution. The simulation method and steps of the local
failure
failure of
of the
the drain
drain pipe
pipe are
are as
as follows.
follows.
1 Select the object elements, including the horizontal and upward bending drainage pipes for the
1. Select the object elements, including the horizontal and upward bending drainage pipes for the
three-dimensional finite element model, and then set the percentage of the local failure.
three-dimensional finite element model, and then set the percentage of the local failure.
2 Introduce the concept of random numbers, and sample them randomly according to the uniform
distribution. When the ratio, which denotes the sum of the volume of the damaged elements to
the total volume of drainage elements, reaches the set percentage of local failure, the sampling
is stopped.
3 Modify the permeability coefficients of the random sampling elements to be consistent with the
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 13 of 20

2. Introduce the concept of random numbers, and sample them randomly according to the uniform
distribution. When the ratio, which denotes the sum of the volume of the damaged elements to
the total volume of drainage elements, reaches the set percentage of local failure, the sampling
is stopped.
3. Modify the permeability coefficients of the random sampling elements to be consistent with the
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8,
nearby 1840
tailings material. 13 of 20

A total of 20 groups
groups of of samples
samples were generated
generated for the 5% random random local blockage rate of the
drainage pipes, and the seepage calculation was carried out. Two positions in the tailings dam were
selected
selected to
torecord
recordthe elevation
the elevation of the phreatic
of the line,line,
phreatic and aandstatistical analysis
a statistical was conducted.
analysis As shown
was conducted. As
in Figure 14, when the number of samples reached 13 groups, the average
shown in Figure 14, when the number of samples reached 13 groups, the average elevation of the elevation of the phreatic
line at two
phreatic positions
line tended totended
at two positions be stable.
to beTherefore, it could be
stable. Therefore, considered
it could that the selected
be considered that the random
selected
sample
randomnumber
samplewas representative.
number The average
was representative. Thevalue
averageof the phreatic
value of thesurface of the
phreatic tailings
surface dam
of the could
tailings
converge under the condition of a random local blockage. The 20 groups of
dam could converge under the condition of a random local blockage. The 20 groups of samples were samples were calculated
and analyzed,
calculated andand the upper
analyzed, andand lower envelope
the upper and lowergraphs
envelopeof the phreatic
graphs line
of the of the tailings
phreatic dam
line of the were
tailings
drawn,
dam were as shown
drawn, in as Figure
shown15a. Compared
in Figure with the seepage
15a. Compared with thefield without
seepage fieldblockage, a 5% random
without blockage, a 5%
local
randomfailure
localhad somehad
failure influence on the phreatic
some influence on the line of the
phreatic tailings
line of thedam. Thedam.
tailings localThe
phreatic
local line had
phreatic
aline
larger
haddeviation
a larger than that without
deviation than that thewithout
blockage,
theand the maximum
blockage, and theheight
maximumdifference
heightbetween the
difference
upper and lower envelopes reached 6.5 m, occurring near the initial dam.
between the upper and lower envelopes reached 6.5 m, occurring near the initial dam. The maximum The maximum seepage
gradient reached 1.33,
seepage gradient but 1.33,
reached it didbutnotitexceed
did notthe dam body’s
exceed the damallowable seepage gradient.
body's allowable seepage gradient.

Figure 14. The fluctuation of

Figure 14. of the
the mean
mean height
height of
of the
the phreatic
phreatic surface
surface at
at xx == 00 and
and xx == 100 m.

Similarly,
Similarly, 20
20 sets
sets of
of samples
samples were
were generated
generated for
for the
the calculation
calculation and
and analysis
analysis of
of the
the 10%
10% random
random
local
local failure. The numerical results are shown in Figure 15b. The variation rule of the seepage field
failure. The numerical results are shown in Figure 15b. The variation rule of the seepage field
was
was consistent
consistent with
with the
the 5%
5% blockage
blockage condition,
condition, except
except that
that the
the degree
degree of
of deviation
deviation of
of the
the local
local free
free
surface
surface was
was increased,
increased, and
and the
the maximum
maximum height
height difference
difference between
between the
the upper
upper and
and lower
lower envelopes
envelopes
reached
reached 9.6
9.6 m.
m. The
The maximum
maximum seepage
seepage gradient
gradient of
of the
the dam
dam increased
increased by
by 0.14
0.14 of
of that
that of
of the
the 5%
5% failure
failure
and was still within the permissive seepage gradient.
and was still within the permissive seepage gradient.
4.4.4. Sensitivity Analysis of the Tailings Material
Considering the randomness of the tailings drainage process and the uncertainty of sedimentation,
a sensitivity analysis of the permeability coefficients of the tailings to the seepage field during the
construction and operation of the tailings dam was carried out. To further understand the drainage
effect of the new drainage system, the horizontal permeability coefficient of the tailings was reduced by
1.5 times, or the vertical permeability coefficient was increased by 1.5 times. Reducing the horizontal
or increasing the vertical permeability coefficient was equivalent to exerting a water-blocking effect
 Figure 14. The fluctuation of the mean height of the phreatic surface at x = 0 and x = 100 m.

Similarly, 20 sets of samples were generated for the calculation and analysis of the 10% random
local failure. The numerical results are shown in Figure 15b. The variation rule of the seepage14field
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 of 20
was consistent with the 5% blockage condition, except that the degree of deviation of the local free
surface was increased, and the maximum height difference between the upper and lower envelopes
on the dam.
reached 9.6 m.This
The meant that the
maximum phreatic
seepage surface
gradient ofof the
the damdam would be
increased byuplifted. To prevent
0.14 of that of the 5%seepage
failure
damage, the drainage system must have a stronger
and was still within the permissive seepage gradient. ability to guide water.

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 14 of 20

4.4.4. Sensitivity Analysis of the Tailings Material

Considering the randomness of the tailings drainage process and the uncertainty of
sedimentation, a sensitivity analysis of the permeability coefficients of the tailings to the seepage field
during the construction and operation of the tailings dam was carried out. To further understand the
drainage effect of the new drainage system, the horizontal permeability coefficient of the tailings was
reduced by 1.5 times, or the vertical permeability coefficient was increased by 1.5 times. Reducing
the horizontal
Figure 15. orThe
15. Theincreasing
phreatic the
surface
phreatic vertical permeability
envelope
surface diagram
envelope coefficient
of drainage
diagram waselements
elements
of drainage equivalent
at (a) 5% to exerting
at blockage
(a) a water-
(b) 10%
5% blockage
blocking
(b) effect
10% on the dam. This meant that the phreatic surface of the dam would be uplifted. To
blockage.
blockage.
prevent seepage damage, the drainage system must have a stronger ability to guide water.
The simulation
simulationresults
resultsfrom
fromFigure
Figure16a show
16a showthat after
that thethe
after horizontal permeability
horizontal coefficient
permeability was
coefficient
decreased
was decreased by 1.5 times, the free surface of the tailings dam was raised, with an average uplift m
by 1.5 times, the free surface of the tailings dam was raised, with an average uplift of 4.5 of
and
4.5 ma and
maximum uplift uplift
a maximum of 6.3 m. When
of 6.3 the vertical
m. When permeability
the vertical coefficient
permeability was increased
coefficient by 1.5 by
was increased times,
1.5
the elevation
times, of the phreatic
the elevation surface of
of the phreatic the dam
surface wasdam
of the not obvious
was notand was only
obvious and noticeable in the locally
was only noticeable in
uplifted area,uplifted
the locally with anarea,
average
withuplift of 2.9 m and
an average a maximum
uplift of 2.9 m uplift
and aofmaximum
3.6 m. Theuplift
calculation
of 3.6indicates
m. The
that the performance
calculation indicates ofthat
the the
seepage-proof
performance system is less
of the sensitive to the
seepage-proof variation
system in the
is less permeability
sensitive to the
coefficient of the tailings materials.
variation in the permeability coefficient of the tailings materials.

16. The comparison of the phreatic surface at a typical cross-section (a) for the cases with a
Figure 16.
permeability coefficient
change in the permeability coefficient and
and with
with different
differentpipe
pipespacings
spacings(b).
(b).

4.4.5.
4.4.5. Sensitivity
Sensitivity Analysis
Analysis ofof the
the Drainage
Drainage Pipe
Pipe Spacing
Spacing
The
The seepage
seepage flow
flow behaviors
behaviors inin the
the tailings
tailings dam
dam with
with an
an increased
increased height
height are
are usually
usually related
related to
to
the
the spacing of the drainage pipes. If the drainage pipes are more densely installed, the elevation of
spacing of the drainage pipes. If the drainage pipes are more densely installed, the elevation of
the
the phreatic
phreatic surface
surface can
can be
be more
more drastically
drastically lowered. However, with
lowered. However, with aa decrease
decrease in
in the
the pipe
pipe spacing,
spacing,
the
the construction
construction becomes
becomes more
more difficult,
difficult, and
and the
the construction
construction costs
costs increase. To design
increase. To design aa reasonable
reasonable
drainage
drainage pipe spacing, a spacing from 6 m to 14 m with an increment of 2 m was simulated
pipe spacing, a spacing from 6 m to 14 m with an increment of 2 m was simulated toto assess
assess
the
the performance of the seepage behavior. Currently, the drainage pipe spacing was taken to be 10
performance of the seepage behavior. Currently, the drainage pipe spacing was taken to be 10 m
m
according
according to
to the
the design
design requirements.
requirements.
The numerical results with different pipe spacings are depicted in Figure 16b, indicating that
with a decrease in the pipe spacing, the phreatic surface was significantly reduced in the tailings dam,
especially when the pipe spacing was larger than 10 m. The change in the pipe spacing in a certain
range had no significant effect on the phreatic surface. When the pipe spacing decreased from 10 m
to 6 m, the location of the phreatic surface showed marginal sensitivity and increased by only 1.7 m
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 15 of 20

The numerical results with different pipe spacings are depicted in Figure 16b, indicating that
with a decrease in the pipe spacing, the phreatic surface was significantly reduced in the tailings
dam, especially when the pipe spacing was larger than 10 m. The change in the pipe spacing in a
certain range had no significant effect on the phreatic surface. When the pipe spacing decreased from
10 m to 6 m, the location of the phreatic surface showed marginal sensitivity and increased by only
1.7 m for a 6 m pipe spacing and by 2.5 m for an 8 m pipe spacing compared to a 10 m pipe spacing.
However, when the pipe spacing was increased from 10 m to 14 m, the increase in the free surface
was rapid, and the phreatic surface increased by 7.2 m and 10.6 m for the 12 m pipe spacing and 14 m
pipe spacing, respectively. Therefore, the designed 10 m pipe spacing was suitable for the drainage
pipe arrangement.

5. Stability Analysis
The stability of a slope depends on its geometry, its material properties, and the position of the
phreatic surface [37]. The geometry and the material properties of the Xigou tailings dam were obtained
according to the results of the geotechnical investigations and laboratory experiments, as listed in
Table 3. The previously calculated effect of the three-dimensional FEM was used to locate the phreatic
surface [38]. For simplicity, the stability of the tailings dam can be viewed as a two-dimensional
plane-strain problem, and the stability analysis can be performed using the Slope/w software packages
in the basis of saturated soil mechanism [39]. According to the Chinese national codes, ordinary rigid
LEMs, including the Swedish method of slices and a simplified Bishop method, are recommended to
obtain a factor of safety (FOS) and analyze the stability of tailings dams under different conditions.
(a) For the Swedish method of slices, the FOS is written as

Σ[c0 j b j sec α j + (Wj cos α j − u j b j sec α j ) tan φ0 j ]

Fs = (7)
ΣWj sin α j

(b) For the simplified Bishop’s method of slices, the FOS is written as

Σ[c0 j b j + (Wj − u j b j ) tan φ0 ] m1

j
Fs = (8)
ΣWj sin α j + ΣQ j e j /R

tan φ0 j sin α j
m j = cos α j + (9)
Fs
where bj is the width of the jth slice; αj is the angle of the jth slice bottom with the horizontal slice; Wj
is the weight of the slice; c’ and φ’ are the effective cohesion and the effective angle of friction that
develop along the potential failure surface, respectively; and uj is the average pore water pressure
at the bottom of the jth slice; Qj is the horizontal inertial force; R is radius of circular failure surface;
and ej is vertical height between Qj and the center of the failure circle.
To estimate the stability of the tailings dam, the FOSs of the heightened tailings dam were
calculated under various conditions, such as a normal water level, an extremely high water, and special
operations. The seepage-proof system played a significant role in the stability. For comparison,
the cases of no drainage and horizontal drainage were estimated. At the same time, considering the
randomness of the tailings drainage process and the uncertainty of sedimentation, the FOSs under
the condition of a change in the permeability coefficient were calculated. Under the seismic working
condition, the FOSs were obtained using a quasi-static method according to the National Code of
China [31]. An earthquake ground acceleration of 0.15 g was used based on the location of the mine,
which was classified as being in earthquake zone VII.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 16 of 20

Table 3. The tests results of the physical and mechanical properties of the tailings samples.

Volume-Weight (kN/m3 ) Soil Indicators in Nature

Parameters
Unity Saturated Unity Cohesion (c’) Friction Angle
Weight (γ) Weight(γd ) (kPa) (φ’) (◦ )
Moderately weathered crystal tuff 26.9 27.9 2000.0 38.0
Strongly weathered crystal tuff 24.5 25.5 50.0 27.0
Starter dam 21.0 21.9 18.0 24.0
Silty sand tailings 19.2 20.1 4.0 30.0
Silty soil tailings 19.9 20.9 8.0 27.0
Silty clay 19.7 20.6 24.0 20.0
Artificial clay I 21.0 20.8 18.0 24.0
Artificial clay II 22.0 21.7 12.0 20.0

The calculation results, presented in Figure 17 and Table 4, show that when the new drainage
system is implemented properly, the tailings dam is safe under a variety of working conditions, and the
safety factors, including the Swedish method of slices and the simplified Bishop’s method, meet the
requirements. When there was no drainage system, the slope was unstable under different working
conditions. If only the horizontal drainage system was used, the FOSs met the national standard under
the normal water level, while the FOSs were marginally lower than the value required by the national
code under the extremely high level; for the seismic working condition, the FOSs of the Swedish
method of slices and the simplified Bishop’s method were 1.106 and 1.165, respectively, and marginally
satisfied the national code. Therefore, the design of the new drainage system effectively reduced the
phreatic surface and enabled the higher tailings dam to meet the relevant national requirements for
sliding stability.

Table 4. The calculated results of the FOSs (factor of safety) of the slope stability under different
working conditions.

Factor of Safety
Condition Case The Ordinary Method Bishop’s Simplified
of Slices Method
Calculated Standard Calculated Standard
No drainage a 1.235 1.25 1.268 1.35
Normal
Horizontal drainage b 1.321 1.25 1.362 1.35
water level
New drainage c 1.542 1.25 1.677 1.35
No drainage d 1.063 1.15 1.126 1.25
Horizontal drainage e 1.142 1.15 1.236 1.25
Extremely New drainage f 1.521 1.15 1.580 1.25
high water kx reduced 1.5 times g 1.437 1.15 1.478 1.25
ky increased 1.5 times h 1.415 1.15 1.456 1.25
Earthquake i 1.106 1.05 1.165 1.15
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 17 of 20
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 17 of 20

Figure17.
Figure 17.The
The stability
stability analysis
analysisresults forfor
results thethe
tailings damdam
tailings (cases a–h). a–h).
(cases

6. Conclusions
To satisfy the needs of the mining industry for extending its tailings pond storage capacity, a
new drainage method was suggested to effectively decrease the phreatic surface. The proposed
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1840 18 of 20

drainage system was successfully implemented in designing a seepage-proof system for the higher
Xigou tailings dam where the seepage damage may increase. In this study, the MPSO-BP method was
used to back-analyze the real permeability coefficients at the site, and a systematic case study of the
seepage field analysis was performed using the substructure technique and the variational inequality
formulation of Signorini’s type in a three-dimensional finite element model. The major conclusions are
summarized as follows:

1. Compared with only setting horizontal drainage pipes or with no drainage pipes, the performance
of the new drainage system not only effectively reduced the seepage pressure and depressed
the water table but also improved the overall groundwater movement trend and the local
seepage field.
2. A stochastic simulation analysis was carried out for analyzing the local failure of the new drainage
system, in which 5% and 10% of local blockages have a marginal influence on the seepage field,
and the upper and lower envelopes show a lower deviation from the free surface without local
failure. The maximum seepage gradients reached 1.43 for the 5% local failure case and 1.57 for
the 10% local failure case, but these values were still within the permissive seepage gradient.
3. The sensitivity analysis of the tailings material showed that the performance of the seepage control
system was insensitive to the change in the horizontal and vertical permeability coefficients.
The sensitivity analysis of the drainage spacing indicated that the designed 10 m pipe spacing
was suitable for the drainage pipe arrangement.
4. Utilizing the LEM, the potential failure surface was evaluated, and the corresponding FOSs
were obtained at different water levels. Comparing the FOSs under various drainage system
conditions, it was obvious that the cases without drainage and with horizontal drainage seemed
to lead to an unstable tailings dam under the normal water level or the extremely high water
level. However, when the new drainage system was implemented properly, the tailings dam was
safe under a variety of working conditions.

Author Contributions: C.L. and L.X. designed the framework and wrote the manuscript. C.L. and K.Z. collected
the data. C.L. and Z.S. mainly responsible for the simulation analysis. C.L. and L.G. verified the results of our wor.
C.L. and T.J. discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/Yalong
River Joint Fund grant number U1765205, the Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant
number 51609073, a Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education
Institutions grant number YS11001, and the CRSRI Open Research Program grant number CKWV2017515/KY.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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