Stochastic beach profile modelling

Authors: Seddon, KD; Pirouz, B; Fitton, TG Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1504_35_Seddon

Cite As:
Seddon, KD, Pirouz, B & Fitton, TG 2015, 'Stochastic beach profile modelling', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Paste 2015: Proceedings of the 18th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 455-465, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1504_35_Seddon



Abstract:
Modelling of a tailings beach using a time series of thickener output (flow rate and solids concentration) was first reported by Fitton et al. (2007). Seddon and Fitton (2011) presented statistical data on the performance of thickeners, and showed that the observed concave shape in tailings beaches could be adequately explained by this variability. They then proposed a stochastic method for the generalised modelling of tailings beaches. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the application and results obtained by the use of this method. This paper shows how thickener performance statistics in the form of frequency functions for variations in (a) underflow solids concentration; and (b) mass flow rate, can be combined with a set of rheology results to develop a predictive beach slope distribution. Data developed from this distribution are then used as an input to a deposition modelling program. The developed beach profile is presented for a typical case.

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