Dam failure evolution and radon exhalation pattern of uranium tailings reservoir under the simulated heavy rainfall condition

Abstract

A scaled model of the uranium tailings reservoir was constructed in lab to investigate the evolution of dam failure under the continuous rise of water level in the simulated reservoir. Throughout the test, model damage images, dip line changes, displacement variations, and radon exhalation rate fluctuations were recorded and analyzed. It was observed that Model A, constructed with uranium tailings as the primary material, exhibited significant damage and ultimately evolved into complete dam failure. Notably, there was an increase in the radon exhalation rate before both dam failures. In contrast, Model B, built with laterite as the main dam construction material, remained stable throughout the entire test This finding indicates that monitoring the radon exhalation rate is an effective method for characterizing internal dam damage and serves as a valuable early warning system.