Martin, Garret M., authorBareither, Christopher A., advisorScalia, Joseph, IV, committee memberHam, Jay M., committee member2023-08-282024-08-282023https://hdl.handle.net/10217/236813The degree of saturation of mine tailings plays an important role in geotechnical and geochemical stability of a tailings facility, and as such, reliable measurements of in situ tailings saturation aid in evaluating the stability of a tailings facility. However, measuring in situ saturation in tailings facilities is a common challenge in the tailings industry. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the ability of an electromagnetic soil moisture sensor to predict the volumetric water content and degree of saturation of mine tailings and (2) conduct proof-of-concept tests to assess the potential for electromagnetic sensors to be used as a tool in tailings engineering practice. To meet these objectives, laboratory-scale testing was conducted using an electromagnetic soil moisture sensor embedded in moist-tamped and slurry-deposited specimens of a single hardrock mine tailings prepared at varying volumetric water content, degree of saturation, and dry density. Certain specimens were subjected to changes in mass-volume properties and sensor performance was evaluated for timeliness and accuracy of response. The results of this study indicate an electromagnetic soil moisture sensor can be used to predict the volumetric water content and degree of saturation in hardrock mine tailings with a useful degree of accuracy depending on the application and precision required. During the proof of concept tests performed, error in predicted volumetric water content was less than about 1.5% to 3.8%, error in predicted saturation was predominantly less than 5%, and temporal response to changes in moisture was equivalent to a sensor insertion rate of approximately 27 mm/s. Based on the findings of this study, electromagnetic sensor technology offers a viable tool to predict the degree of saturation within tailings facilities and can be incorporated into innovative approaches to address the challenges encountered in different types of tailings facilities.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.Text