TMLTestProcedure

Areviewofthecurrentmethods
APresentationtothe
IronOreFinesWorkshop
September2013

Tests for Transportable Moisture Limit

in the IMSBC Code
Flow Table Test

Penetration Test

Proctor-Fagerberg Test

TML Tests in IMSBC Code are not a direct measure of liquefaction.

Measure a materials loss of strength.

Loss of strength is one of the key precursors to liquefaction.

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Comparison of the three TML

tests in the IMSBC Code

TML values for Iron Ore Fines determined by the

IMSBC Code tests differ due to particle size distribution
and compaction energy conditions.

The Proctor-Fagerberg test is the simplest and least

subjective of the three tests resulting in low variability
and good repeatability.
TMLTest

FlowTable
Test

Penetration
Test

Proctor
Fagerberg
Test

Standard
error(%)

0.08

0.05

0.03

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Adequacy of the TML

tests for Iron Ore Fines
The Proctor/Fagerberg
Test always provides a
result for the Iron Ore
Fines samples tested.
There are occasions
where the other two
methods do not provide
a result.
Example of Iron Ore Fines (an Australian
sample) which do not produce a TML
when tested with Flow Table Test.
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TML tests for Iron Ore Fines particle size distribution

X+6
X+5
X+4

Testing with the full particle

size is representative of the
cargo and produces a lower
TML result.

X+3
X+2
X+1
X

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Proctor-Fagerberg Test

Proctor-Fagerberg is the only TML test in the IMSBC

Code that has a solid basis in soil mechanics.

Based on internationally recognized standards for

materials compaction testing.

Compaction testing is used to identify the relationship

between moisture content and density for a given
energy input.

The Proctor-Fagerberg test can be easily and

effectively calibrated to real world conditions
experienced by Iron Ore Fines.
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Proctor-Fagerberg Test Optimum

Moisture Content (OMC) Explained
Iron Ore Fines

4
3

OMC

OMC

23

Proctor-Fagerberg Test
Optimum Moisture Content
for Iron Ore Fines
Mineral Concentrates

OMC = 70-75%

Iron Ore Fines

OMC = 90-95%

24

Proctor-Fagerberg Test
in the IMSBC Code

Australia A

Australia B

Brazil

The Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) for Iron Ore Fines

determined was identified to be between 90-95% saturation.
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IMSBC Code - TML Tests

TML Tests in the IMSBC Code are not a direct measure of

liquefaction but a measure a materials loss of strength.

Loss of strength is one of the key precursors to liquefaction.

The Proctor-Fagerberg Test is the most precise of the three

tests and always produces a result from a sample.

Proctor-Fagerberg is the only TML test that has a solid

basis in soil mechanics.

Optimum Moisture Content for Iron Ore Fines is different to

mineral concentrates.

The test can be easily and effectively calibrated to real

world conditions as they relate to Iron Ore Fines.
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