The Laboratory Investigations of High-Density Polyethylene Drains for Application in Tailings

Abstract

For the purposes of draining material deposited in the tailings pond under construction, there was a need to examine the properties of the high-density polyethylene drain tubes and the consisting materials in order to assess their adequacy in the specific conditions. The conducted laboratory investigations of the samples cut from the tubes included: determination of bulk density, tensile strength in the tangential direction, as well as the compressive strength in a radial direction. Representative samples of the tubes themselves were tested in two different loading dispositions, in order to record the load-deflection effects. The test results indicated the specific behavior of the tested material in service conditions.