Survivability of ancient man-made earthen mounds [electronic resource] : implications for uranium mill tailings impoundments.
As part of a study for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is investigating long-term stabilization techniques for uranium mill impoundments. Part of this investigation involves the design of a rock armoring blanket (riprap) to mitigate wind and water eros...
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Online Access |
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| Corporate Authors: | , |
| Format: | Government Document Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Richland, Wash. : Oak Ridge, Tenn. :
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.) ; distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy,
1983.
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| Subjects: |
| Summary: | As part of a study for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) is investigating long-term stabilization techniques for uranium mill impoundments. Part of this investigation involves the design of a rock armoring blanket (riprap) to mitigate wind and water erosion of the underlying soil cover, which in turn prevents exposure of the tailings to the environment. However, the need for the armoring blanket, as well as the blanket's effectiveness, depends on the stability of the underlying soil cap (radon suppression cover) and on the tailings themselves. Compelling evidence in archaeological records suggests that large man-made earthen structures can remain sound and intact for time periods comparable to those required for the stabilization of the tailings piles if properly constructed. We present archaeological evidence on the existence and survivability of man-made earthen and rock structures through specific examples of such structures from around the world. We also review factors contributing to their survival or destruction and address the influence of climate, building materials, and construction techniques on survivability. |
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| Item Description: | Published through the Information Bridge: DOE Scientific and Technical Information. 06/01/1983. "nureg/cr-3061" " pnl-4541" "DE83015130" King, S.E.; Lindsey, C.G.; Walters, W.H.; Mishima, J. |