Saleh-Mbemba, F, Aubertin, M, Mbonimpa, M & Li, L 2010, 'A new testing procedure to assess shrinkage of paste tailings', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2010: Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 495-504, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1063_44_Saleh-Mbemba
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/1063_44_Saleh-Mbemba/)
Abstract: A reliable and representative testing procedure is required to characterise shrinkage phenomena in paste 
tailings exposed to surface conditions. Existing methods to obtain the shrinkage curve have been developed 
mainly for clayey soils. These methods are not entirely adequate for cohesionless, low plasticity tailings. The 
testing procedure presented in this paper involves measurements on elongated tailing specimens that are 
free to contract. The method described here is easily repeatable and enables progressive measurement of the 
relatively small changes in the sample volume during the drying process. Testing results obtained on 
Bulyanhulu paste tailings are shown and compared with those obtained from pressure plate testing.