Ecological restoration and mechanical reinforcement effect of slope of tailings reservoir

Abstract

In view of the problem of soil erosion control and ecological restoration of the tailings reservoir slope, the characteristics of runoff, sediment yield, and velocity of sheet flow of the tailings reservoir slope under four conditions (goosegrass, vetiver, clover, and bare slope) were studied by conducting a laboratory test of hydraulic erosion. Based on the direct shear test and triaxial shear test of the root–soil composites, the optimum range of root–soil composites was determined, and the stress–strain relationship, strength characteristics, and failure form of root–soil composites under different confining pressure were studied. The results show that as a whole, the characteristics of runoff, sediment yield, and velocity of sheet flow in the tailings slope under the condition of vetiver are more advantageous than other vegetation to the reinforcement of the slope. The shear strength of the root–soil composites increases with the increase of the root content, and the shear strength of the root–soil composites remains unchanged or decreased when it reaches a certain range; the interval of the root content 0.3–0.4% is the best root content of the root–soil composites. This study’s results can provide an important theoretical basis and reference value for comprehensive control of a tailings reservoir slope and restoration of ecological stability.