Evaluation Of Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate Material Strength Characteristics And Operation Manual Development For Triaxial Machine Testing, Nicholas C. Stalnaker

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As part of ongoing efforts to establish a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain, Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) generated at the Horseshoe Bend (HsB) treatment plant was produced and evaluated as a potential feedstock source. Following adjustment of the site’s clarifiers to the required pH set points, HPC was collected and pumped into 24 geobags. These geobags were passively dewatered to raise the total solids content. The evaluation included three geobag types: woven geotextile, composite (woven and non-woven), and geobags enhanced with Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF) (Bird, 2024). Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) material is collected through efforts to contain and properly …

Performance And Field Testing Of Geotextiles For Dewatering Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate From Hardrock Amd, Ian R. Bird

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As part of ongoing efforts to develop a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain the Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) produced at the Horseshoe bend treatment plant (HsB) was manufactured and evaluated as a potential source for feedstock. After the existing clarifiers on the site were flipped to the desired pH set points, HPC was manufactured and pumped to 24 geobags. The geobags were then passively dewatered to increase the total solids percentage. The geobags evaluated were comprised of: Woven geotextiles, composite (woven and non- woven), and geobags augmented with Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF). Column Filtration Tests (CFTs) were performed onsite …

Site Specific Probable Maximum Precipitation Implications For High Hazard Dams In West Virginia, Levi Jacob Cyphers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Estimates of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) are necessary for designing the maximum reservoir storage necessary to prevent dam overtopping. Recent investigations in Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania imply that reducing PMP rainfall estimates in West Virginia may be appropriate; however, additional studies in this data deficient region with changing climate is necessary before any reductions are contemplated. The objective of this study was to re-evaluate PMP for the Howard Creek Dam watershed in West Virginia. The 6-hr, 10 mi² PMP was evaluated for current (2019) and projected (2100) climates and compared to the design PMP. Then, the impact of the …

Study Of Capillary Channel Fiber Augmented Geobags For Accelerated Dewatering Of High Moisture Content Fine-Grained Acid Mine Drainage Precipitate, Luke William Daugherty

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The objective of this study was to investigate techniques to accelerate filtration and dewatering of Acid Mine Drainage precipitate using geobags augmented with Capillary Chanel Fibers and internal lateral drainage structures. Laboratory and field research investigated increasing the total solids retention of Acid Mine Drainage precipitate in geobag storage systems. Current geobag design and field application of treated AMD precipitate exhibits limited filtration and drainage efficiency due to the high moisture content (2500%) polymer amended AMD flocculated solids. Capillary channel fibers (CCFs) are geosynthetic yarns formed with microgrooves and set into bundled arrangements capable of wicking water, via capillary action, …

Methodology For Enhanced Filtration And Dewatering Of Fine-Grain Amd Precipitate Using Geocomposites For Rare Earth Elements Recovery, Iuri Lira Santos

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Research performed by the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) has identified that coal mining by-products contain significant amounts of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). REEs currently are in high demand, and extraction from coal mining reject presents a potential for commercialization if extraction is feasible. The coal mining reject include Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in the aqueous phase and sludge from AMD treatment. A novel two split selective precipitation method was implemented to remove gangue metals, increasing the concentration of REEs in the sludge.

This process presents a two-fold benefit: 1) treatment …

Geotextile Design And Performance For Dewatering Of Rare Earth Element Sludge Produced From Acid Mine Drainage, Cory J. Nasiadka

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is an environmental legacy of mining operations that forms when sulfide minerals within the earth are exposed to water and oxygen and has significant harmful effects on the environment when left untreated. Researchers at West Virginia University found large concentrations of REE/CMs (Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals) in AMD treatment sludge. REE/CM consist of a group of 17 elements that are crucial to the production of advanced technologies. Due to an extremely low domestic supply of REE/CM in the United States, domestic sources and production of REE/CM are being investigated. This research investigates geotextile design …

Erosion And Sediment Controls On Reclaimed Mine Refuse Impoundments, Sara Dalen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

To ensure the sustainable use of one of West Virginia’s precious resources, conscientious long-term management of residual waste is of immense importance. This thesis examined two main topics: i) the dewatering process of acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge, and ii) an investigation of soil loss predictions of a reclaimed coal refuse impoundment.

The first aspect of this thesis addresses clarification and remediation of AMD prior to disposal is a prominent component to preventing runoff and seepage of environmentally detrimental byproducts. To examine the effects of flocculation and dewatering more closely by means of geotextiles, an AMD sludge was analyzed. The …

Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Migration In Ground Subsurface, Hanadi Al-Hammad

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Abstract

Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Migration in Ground Subsurface

Hanadi Al-Hammad

Groundwater aquifers are vital source for water supplies. Such water supplies are under serious potential threats of pollution due to various contaminants. One of the categories of contaminants that pollute groundwater aquifers is non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL). NAPLs are immiscible organic compounds. NAPLs comprise two categories based on comparison of its density with density of water. The NAPLs that have density less that density of water are known as light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) such as Diesel, Toluene, and mineral oil. NAPLs with density higher than the density of …

Investigation Of Foundation Failures, Ali Buabbas

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Investigation of Foundation Failures

Ali Buabbas

Foundations form a very critical component of any structure. The integrity and lifespan of the structure are dependent on the strength and durability of the foundation. Under ideal conditions, immediately after the structure is constructed, the foundation meets all the requirements of the structure. However, after a while, due to the action of many other factors, the structure’s foundation may no longer satisfy the needs of the structure.

Some of the factors contributing to the failure of the foundation can be due to natural events. Construction engineers should anticipate these factors to minimize …

Tire-Derived Geo-Cylinders And Polymer Products For Enhancing The Properties Of Base/Sub Base Materials In Pavement Systems, Justin Scott Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As a critical part of the transportation network, pavements offer a safe means for vehicular traffic. Pavements are subjected to many forms of stress during their service life, and they are susceptible to environment related cracking and failures. Failures can be attributed to poor subgrade, freeze-thaw variations, and fatigue under repetitive axle loadings. Reinforcement products such as tire-derived geo-cylinders (TDGC) which make-up mechanical concrete and geo-polymers have been utilized in civil engineering practice, and this research aims to understand the potential life of tested pavement system components set at displacement limitations when reinforced with TDGCs and geo-polymers from exposure to …