Development of methods to predict the dynamic behavior of fine coal refuse: Preliminary results from two sites in Appalachia

Michael E. Kalinski, Joshua L. Phillips

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Over the past 40 years, approximately 15 mine tailings dams have failed worldwide as a result of earthquake shaking. Methods to analyze the dynamic response and liquefaction resistance exist for soil, but fine coal refuse, including slurry that is hydraulically placed behind the dike, is inherently different than soil. Therefore, a research study is underway to understand and predict the dynamic behavior of fine coal refuse. To date, field testing has been performed at two coal refuse impoundments in eastern Kentucky. Laboratory resonant column testing was used to measure modulus reduction curves (i.e. the relationship between shear modulus, material damping, and shear strain) of undisturbed specimens. Field standard penetration testing, seismic cone penetrometer testing, and geophysical surface wave testing was performed to measure blow count (N60), cone tip resistance (q c), and shear wave velocity (v s). Field vane shear data were acquired to correlate peak and residual undrained shear strength to q c. Preliminary results of this study include development of modulus reduction curves for fine refuse and development of methods to estimate peak and undrained shear strength based on in situ CPT testing. Future results will include correlation of overburden-corrected field data to cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) to predict liquefaction resistance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, GSP 181
Edition181
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventGeotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics - Sacramento, CA, United States
Duration: May 18 2008May 22 2008

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
Number181
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

ConferenceGeotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV Congress 2008 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySacramento, CA
Period5/18/085/22/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of methods to predict the dynamic behavior of fine coal refuse: Preliminary results from two sites in Appalachia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this