The 4th International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering (ISMSSE2018)

397 / 2018-10-20 11:50:22

Tailings dam-break risk assessment based on variable weight method

risk evaluation; variable weight evaluation method; variable weight state function

Mine Dynamics Disaster > tailings pond

When assessing the risk of tailings dam-break, the constant weight evaluation method (CWEM) is one of the most frequently used methods. However, when the state value of the evaluation index suggests serious defects, the final comprehensive evaluation score is often inconsistent with the actual situation. To address this issue, the variable weight evaluation method (VWEM) is used to assess the risk of dam failure. First, an index system for dam-break risk assessment is established according to its characteristics, and the constant weight of each index is determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Then, based on the basic principle of the VWEM and the characteristics of the index system, an appropriate variable weight state function is determined. Finally, the VWEM model is applied to a case study. The results show that the CWEM evaluation score exceeds the VWEM one. The VWEM evaluation result is more helpful for relevant decision makers seeking to take scientific and reasonable precautionary measures, thereby improving the safety management of tailings ponds.