Assessing the Effectiveness of Tailings Pond Seepage Remediation Using the Four Dimensions of “Point-Line-Surface-Body”: A Case Study

Due to nonstandard anti-seepage facilities, aging failure, and other reasons, some tailings ponds have seepage problems. After analysis of the geological and hydrogeological conditions of a lead–zinc mine tailings pond, an interception, blocking, and drainage (IBD) system engineering scheme was used to comprehensively control the seepage problems there. In addition, we assessed the effectiveness of a grout curtain from the four dimensions of the point-line-surface-body (the 4D of PLSB), including a water pressure test (point), drilling and coring survey (line), geophysical test (surface), and a group-holes pumping test (body). The proposed method provides a comprehensive and accurate understanding of grouting efficiency assessment from the perspectives of permeability and tightness.