Mitigation of wind erosion of lead mine tailings dams in Missouri -- Laboratory study of a solution

Author

Narasimham Venkata Rachakonda

Abstract

"A laboratory study was conducted to find the effect of gravel cover on the mitigation of wind erosion of lead mine tailings dams. The experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel on geometrically scaled models of tailings dams.

Continuous gravel covers to the extent of 20%, 40% and 60% of the length of the slope were provided on the model embankments. The experiments were conducted on embankments with three different slopes (3:1, 4:1 and 5:1). The threshold velocities for the onset of erosion and the location of initiation of erosion was recorded in all cases.

It was found that the threshold velocities increased with increasing percentage of gravel cover for any given slope. However, between different slopes, beyond certain percentages of gravel cover, the threshold velocities varied depending on the slope angle. The effect of slope has been discussed.

Because of increase in threshold velocities, wind erosion can effectively be controlled by providing sufficient amount of gravel cover. Recommendations were made for determining the percentage of gravel cover to be provided on a particular tailings dam, based on the test results and the available wind data"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Stephenson, Richard Wesley

Committee Member(s)

Lentz, Rodney
Finaish, Fathi
Stevens, M. Merrill

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 1996

Pagination

viii, 35 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (page 34).

Geographic Coverage

Missouri

Rights

© 1996 Narasimham Venkata Rachakonda, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Tailings dams -- Missouri -- Design and construction
Wind erosion

Thesis Number

T 7122

Print OCLC #

35241736

Electronic OCLC #

961477412

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Rachakonda, Narasimham Venkata, "Mitigation of wind erosion of lead mine tailings dams in Missouri -- Laboratory study of a solution" (1996). Masters Theses. 1514.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/1514