FSCA software | finite strain consolidation analysis

FSCA V2.0 Features

The current version has 3 models and one tailings toolbox. Depending on the model, several analysis types are available as shown below:

Quiescent

Anchor 1

Quiescent model has the following analysis types:

Single layer – consolidation analysis of a single layer material with a single set of material parameters.
Multiple layer – consolidation analysis for a deposit with multiple layers / multiple material parameters.
Snap shot – consolidation analysis for an existing deposit with a known current status (deposit thickness, solids content profiles, excess pore water pressure profile). The analysis allows consolidation estimation from this point forward.
Multiple material function – consolidation analysis of a single layer material with multiple power law functions for both compressibility and hydraulic conductivity relationships.
Evaporation* – coupled consolidation-evaporation analysis of a single layer material with a single set of material parameters.

* Jeeravipoolvarn, S., Gidley, I., Moore, T. and Tran, D. 2013. A finite strain consolidation model with evaporation: actual evaporation and unsaturation correction approach. Proceedings of Tailings and Mine Waste Conference 2013, November 3-6, Banff, AB, pp. 277-286

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Pond Filling

Our pond filling analysis has the following analysis types:

Single layer – consolidation analysis of a single layer material with a single set of material parameters, a single filling period and a quiescent period.
Multiple layer – consolidation analysis for a deposit with multiple layers / multiple material parameters, and multiple filling and quiescent periods.
Multiple material function – consolidation analysis for a deposit with multiple layers, and multiple filling and quiescent periods using a single set of multiple power law functions for both compressibility and hydraulic conductivity relationships.
Evaporation* – coupled consolidation-evaporation analysis of a multiple layer material, and multiple filling and quiescent periods.

Two analysis dimension options area available:

1D.
Pseudo 3D.

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Thickener

Our thickener model is one of a kind. The model is based on the finite strain analysis**. It allows a user to estimate thickener underflow solids content for different operational conditions (fill rate, bed height, etc.). It can also be used for back calculation of actual thickener performance.

** Jeeravipoolvarn, S. 2010. Geotechnical Behaviour of Oil Sands In-Line Thickened Tailings. PhD thesis, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Tailings toolbox

4 tools are currently available:

Solids - void ratio - density conversion tool.
Total settlement estimation tool.
Compressibility and hydraulic conductivity estimation using index data (Atterberg limits and clay size content).
Compressibility and hydraulic conductivity estimation for untreated oil sands tailings.

Solids content - void ratio - bulk density conversion tool

Total settlement estimation tool

Compressibility and hydraulic conductivity estimation tool (Carrier and Beckman 1984)

Carrier, W.D. and Beckman, J.F. 1984. Correlations between index tests and the properties of remoulded clays. Geotechnique 34(2): 211-228.

Compressibility and hydraulic conductivity estimation tool for oil sands tailings

Screen shots

FSCA is user friendly with 4 simple steps to complete the analysis:

Select a model.
Set analysis type, select boundary condition, and choose output frequency.
Fill material properties and analysis specifics (fill rate, analysis time, etc.)
Real-time visualization of calculation.