Dillon, MJ & Wardlaw, HJ 2010, 'Strength and liquefaction assessment of tailings', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Mine Waste 2010: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 347-360, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1008_30_Dillon
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1008_30_Dillon/)
Abstract: Historically, in situ testing of tailings has been primarily based on drilling techniques with the recovery of 
tube samples, coupled with standard penetration test (SPT), shear vane testing and laboratory test work used 
to assess the tailings properties. These techniques have limitations. In more recent time, the uses of cone 
penetrometer testing (CPTu) and associated analytical techniques have lead to an improved understanding 
of tailings in situ properties. 
A combination of both drilling and CPTu techniques is considered appropriate for identifying the key 
engineering properties of tailings. The results of the investigation can then be used in both stability and 
seismic liquefaction analyses. 
Results from the investigation of two different tailing deposition regimes are presented together with their 
strength and liquefaction assessments.