FEA stability of Zelazny Most tailings dam

Prosject: Finite Element Analysis of Zelazny Most Tailings Dam
Client: KGHM Polish Copper Co. Tailings Management Division
Contact period: 2009-2010
NGI's role: Perform finite element analyses of the dam stability

Project desciption: 
NGI is contracted by PHP Mercus to carry out static finite element analysis (FEA) of the stability and the deformations for the Zelazny Most tailings dam. Zelazny Most is a depository dam for copper tailings waste situated near to Lubin and Polkowice in Poland and is the second largest of its kind in the world.

Construction of the dam began in 1974 and it has been under constant expansion since start of operation in 1977. The dam is at present 14.3 km in total length and has a maximum height of about 57 m. NGI has previously delivered instrumentation systems and carried out laboratory tests in connection to this project. Dr. Kaare Höeg, Expert Adviser at NGI, was engaged directly by the KGHM Polish Copper Co. as a member of the International Board of geotechnical Experts (IBE)".

Zelazny Most is a depository dam for copper tailings waste in Poland.