The Problem

Production and disposal of mining and municipal waste poses many challenges from a geotechnical design and analysis perspective. Proper initial design can lead to much more efficient management of waste during and after project closure. Issues of concern from an analysis perspective include: stability of waste deposits such as landfills, waste rock and tailings impoundments; seepage of water, gas and contaminants through these facilities; design of cover or cap systems to prevent water infiltration or the release of gases and water; settlement and consolidation of waste; long term performance; and heterogeneity of waste and the associated characterization of material properties.

The Solution

GeoStudio can address these issues and concerns in a variety of ways from pre-construction, through construction stages, and into long term performance analysis. The strength of the integration capability in the software allows for differing levels of complexity. Both steady state and transient process can be considered as can the coupling of heat, gas and water fluxes to climate conditions. Through use of Add-In models, the user can consider random variation in material properties or hysteretic effects. In addition, seepage models can be linked with contaminant transport models or with slope stability models as required for a comprehensive solution.