Concrete canvas is used as a channel lining at a mine site in Mariana, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The project aims to create a channel that will direct mine tailings and rainwater to a tailings pond under reconstruction.

Shotcrete and conventional concrete were considered for the scheme but due to the work being carried out during the rainy season, these solutions were not viable options as inclement weather often resulted in work being stopped.

This project also had the challenge of accelerating construction, the 1,500 m long channel had to be completed in just 2.5 months.

Why use Concrete Canvas?

Concrete Canvas was chosen as the primary option due to its ability to withstand difficult environmental conditions and its ability to be installed quickly in a variety of weather conditions.

Installation Steps

Before installing Concrete Canvas, land preparation was carried out by digging a 3 m deep channel from tailings material that had been compacted for 10 years.

Anchor trenches measuring 20 x 20 cm were also dug on both sides of the channel. The concrete canvas was then cut according to the channel plan, averaging 9.5 m, and transported manually to the work site.

The concrete canvas is then laid out according to the prepared channel profile. The concrete canvas layers are installed with a 100 mm overlap and secured with 35 mm screws spaced every 100 mm. The work is to be carried out over a 60-day period, with a working day of 8 hours a day, 6 days a week.

Concrete Canvas covered a total area of ​​11,750 m². Despite three days without work and four days with only half a day due to heavy rain, the use of Concrete Canvas remained effective.

Concrete Canvas’ installation speed reached 532 m², despite some weather disruptions. Overall, Concrete Canvas was the right choice for this project, as traditional concrete construction methods would not allow for timely completion within the established timeframe.

Conclusion

Concrete Canvas offers numerous benefits and achieves the goal of providing a coating in mining areas. This creates a more sustainable future for the mining industry.

Please feel free to contact our Concrete Canvas team  for further consultation and information.