An Integrated Geotechnical Framework for Coarse Mine Waste Dumps - Connecting Field-Scale Gradation, Stress-Dependent Shear Strength, and Flow-Slide Mobility
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Lecture Hall (to be confirmed), Linnanmaa Campus
Topic of the dissertation
An Integrated Geotechnical Framework for Coarse Mine Waste Dumps - Connecting Field-Scale Gradation, Stress-Dependent Shear Strength, and Flow-Slide Mobility
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science (M.Sc.) Marco Arrieta
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Oulu Mining School
Subject of study
Geotechnical Engineering
Opponent
Professor David Saiang, Luleå University of Technology
Custos
Professor Zongxian Zhang, University of Oulu
Understanding mine waste dump behaviour through material structure, strength, and mobility
Mine waste dumps are among the largest man-made earth structures in the mining industry. Their performance depends on the characteristics of the rock fragments from which they are built, how these materials respond to increasing stress, and how they behave if a failure occurs.
This dissertation investigates the links between material structure, shear strength, and flow-slide mobility in coarse mine waste dumps. The research combines field-scale characterization of rock fragment distributions, evaluation of stress-dependent shear-strength behaviour, and analysis of documented flow-slide events.
The results show that information contained in the material structure can help explain differences in mechanical response and provide insight into how strength evolves under increasing stress. The work also examines the factors controlling the mobility of flow slides once failure occurs.
By connecting material characterization, mechanical behaviour, and failure consequences within a single framework, this research contributes to improved understanding, analysis, and management of large mine waste dumps.
This dissertation investigates the links between material structure, shear strength, and flow-slide mobility in coarse mine waste dumps. The research combines field-scale characterization of rock fragment distributions, evaluation of stress-dependent shear-strength behaviour, and analysis of documented flow-slide events.
The results show that information contained in the material structure can help explain differences in mechanical response and provide insight into how strength evolves under increasing stress. The work also examines the factors controlling the mobility of flow slides once failure occurs.
By connecting material characterization, mechanical behaviour, and failure consequences within a single framework, this research contributes to improved understanding, analysis, and management of large mine waste dumps.
Created 17.6.2026 | Updated 18.6.2026