The presentation and project overview
The technical presentation delivered by Thomas Pennington will focus on a liner system feasibility study and subsequent design for a large new tailings storage facility. The project involved the selection of a suitable geomembrane liner system, including evaluation of geomembrane specifications such as colour, polymer type (HDPE or LLDPE), thickness, and surface texturing. Candidate geomembrane products were then subjected to immersion testing in site-specific tailings solution to assess long-term chemical compatibility and identify the product with the greatest anticipated design life.
The liner system design included assessment of the loads acting on the geomembrane during both construction and operation, including thermal expansion and contraction, downdrag forces resulting from tailings settlement, and wind uplift prior to burial. These assessments informed the design of anchor trenches capable of accommodating the predicted loads. The study also looked at constructability including geomembrane welds, operational protection measures, including the use of protection geotextiles to minimise installation and operational damage, and scour protection measures at tailings deposition points to maintain the integrity of the liner system throughout the operational life of the facility.
The ICE Yorkshire and Humber Early Careers Network and meetings
The network represents graduates, students, technicians, and apprentices based across Yorkshire and Humber. This includes those in higher education and/or working towards getting professionally qualified.
Our meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet local like-minded graduates, students, apprentices, and technicians within the ICE. They also provide a great environment for support and advice no matter what stage you are in your career. We always welcome new members along and look forward to hearing new ideas.
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