Project number
16085
Organization
UA Department of Mining and Geological Engineering
Academic year
2016-2017
The environmental impact of mine tailings dams ranges from merely taking up space to catastrophic failure leading to loss of life and destruction of property. The team sought a benign use for tailings, so they could be removed from mine sites and the environmental threat eliminated.
The team aimed to create an optimal mixture of mine tailings and industrial additives that would be strong enough to be used in the construction of pavement, bricks, and support material for existing tailings dams. The additives tested included fly ash, fiber, and steel rods.
The resulting product was considered successful if it was stronger and more economical than current construction materials. The team delivered brick-shaped and cylindrical samples made according to the optimal formula.
The team aimed to create an optimal mixture of mine tailings and industrial additives that would be strong enough to be used in the construction of pavement, bricks, and support material for existing tailings dams. The additives tested included fly ash, fiber, and steel rods.
The resulting product was considered successful if it was stronger and more economical than current construction materials. The team delivered brick-shaped and cylindrical samples made according to the optimal formula.