Engineering and Technology

The slip surface mechanism of delayed failure of the Brumadinho tailings dam in 2019

F. Zhu, W. Zhang, et al.

Discover the delayed failure mechanism behind the catastrophic 2019 Brumadinho dam collapse. This pivotal study by Fangyuan Zhu, Wangcheng Zhang, and Alexander M. Puzrin uncovers how the growth of slip surfaces, influenced by construction practices and creep deformation, led to this tragic event. Learn about the key factors that will inform future risk assessments of decommissioned tailings dams.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

The 2019 Brumadinho dam failure resulted in significant loss of life and environmental damage. This study investigates the delayed failure mechanism, occurring three years after tailings disposal ceased. A numerical model simulating the dam's lifecycle reveals that slip surface growth along weak fine tailings layers was preconditioned by construction and discharge history, and driven by creep deformation after closure. The slip surfaces grew until reaching a critical length, triggering catastrophic failure. Key factors controlling failure time are identified, aiding future risk assessment of decommissioned tailings dams.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Jan 16, 2024

Authors

Fangyuan Zhu, Wangcheng Zhang, Alexander M. Puzrin

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