Numerical sensitivity analysis for stress-strain simulation and flow liquefaction assessment of tailings storage facilities using the NorSand constitutive model

With the advent of critical state Soil Mechanics (CSSM), the void ratio began to be recognized as a key parameter, along with the stress state, which defines the mechanical behavior of soils and other particulate geomaterials by using the state parameter. The state parameter is the difference between the current and critical void ratio so that its definition requires the critical state line (CSL) identification. This work presents numerical calibration results, using the NorSand constitutive model, from three sets of triaxial compression tests selected from the literature. The SIGMA/W module of the Geostudio® System was adopted to perform the simulations of the triaxial compression tests, and the results showed adequate fit between real tests and numerical simulations. The parameters necessary for the modeling with NorSand model, defined from the numerical calibration, were used in a stress-strain evaluation of a hypothetical upstream tailings dam. These simulations allowed the evaluation of the differences in the tailings storage facility (TSF) responses in terms of both deformation behavior and flow liquefaction instability. Flow liquefaction instability is described in the literature as a complete loss in shear strength and the development of excessive strains due to the contractive response of tailings when subjected to low confining stress. The results suggest that the use of the NorSand model is, in general, a good option to reproduce the typical strain-softening behavior of such structures. Furthermore, it was clear the high sensitivity of the constitutive model parameters, drawing attention to the importance of best laboratory practices for carrying out triaxial tests to obtain reliable parameters for NorSand modeling.