3D Numerical Analysis for the Valorization Potential of Spoil Heaps by Shallow Foundations

Alexandros I. Theocharis, Ioannis E. Zevgolis, Christos Roumpos and Nikolaos C. Koukouzas
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Alexandros I. Theocharis: Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, 15125 Athens, Greece
Ioannis E. Zevgolis: School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 10682 Athens, Greece
Christos Roumpos: Mining Engineering and Closure Planning Department, Public Power Corporation, 10432 Athens, Greece
Nikolaos C. Koukouzas: Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, 15125 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-16

Abstract: Coal has been an energy source exploited for several decades, with its extraction being linked to creating wastes. Surface mines’ overburden and interburden materials are typically dumped in spoil heaps, many times without considering their future use. Nowadays, sustainability and circular economy principles demand the efficient valorization of these areas. In that vein, this work investigates alternatives from a geotechnical perspective with shallow foundations for the reclamation of a massive spoil heap. Initially, the installation with a raft foundation of a wind turbine was investigated through a serviceability limit envelope employing 3D finite element analysis. However, the spoil material is too soft to withstand such a massive superstructure, and more advanced foundation techniques are needed. Moreover, the installation of supportive constructions was examined, i.e., buildings with shallow isolated footings using a similar approach and 3D finite element analysis. The soil-footing response is much dependent on the constitutive model, and the potential of small buildings requires further attention. Overall, for the appropriate valorization of the spoil heap, it appears that ground improvement or deep foundations are necessary. This conclusion stands for many similar spoil heaps globally due to the material’s nature.

Keywords: land reclamation; wind turbines; sustainability; circular economy; geotechnical engineering; finite element method (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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