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.