Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Lower cement-tailings ratios significantly reduce the strength and deformation resistance of cemented tailings backfill (CTB), accompanied by decreased elastic energy accumulation at peak stress and reduced dissipation energy in the post-peak stage. • A modified damage constitutive model incorporating a correction factor accurately simulates the entire uniaxial compression process of CTB across different cement-tailings ratios, outperforming classical models. • Particle size distribution and acoustic emission analyses reveal that lower cement-tailings ratios produce coarser particles, intensifying shear-related acoustic emission signals and leading to more pronounced macroscopic shear failure. • The findings provide theoretical support and practical guidance for optimizing CTB mix ratios to enhance underground goaf stability and mining safety.
Abstract
Cemented tailings backfill (CTB) is a crucial support material for ensuring the long-term stability of underground goafs. A comprehensive understanding of its compressive mechanical behavior is essential for improving engineering safety. Although extensive studies have been conducted on the uniaxial compressive properties of CTB, damage constitutive models that effectively capture its damage evolution process remain underdeveloped, and its failure mechanisms are not yet fully clarified. To address these gaps, this study conducted systematic uniaxial compression tests on CTB specimens prepared with varying cement-tailings ratios. The results revealed distinct compaction and softening phases in the stress −strain curves. A lower cement-tailings ratio significantly reduced the strength and deformation resistance of CTB, along with a decrease in elastic energy accumulation at peak stress and dissipation energy in the post-peak stage. Based on these findings, a modified damage constitutive model was developed by introducing a correction factor, enabling accurate simulation of the entire uniaxial compression process of CTB with different cement-tailings ratios. Comparative analysis with classical constitutive models validated the proposed model’s accuracy and applicability in describing the compressive behavior of CTB. Furthermore, particle size distribution and acoustic emission tests were employed to investigate the influence of cement-tailings ratio on failure mechanisms. The results indicated that a lower cement-tailings ratio leads to coarser particle sizes, which intensify shear-related acoustic emission signals and ultimately result in more pronounced macroscopic shear failure. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the optimal design of CTB mix ratios.
1. Introduction
As a result of rapid population growth and urban expansion, the safe and efficient exploitation of underground mineral resources has become crucial for sustainable development. However, this rapid resource extraction has posed significant challenges, including the instability of underground buildings and the improper disposal of solid waste, resulting in unpredictable environmental pollution and economic losses [1−6]. In light of these issues, the use of cemented tailings backfill (CTB) in non-ferrous underground mines is gaining increasing attention. Recent innovations in backfill mining processes, such as subsequent in-situ filling and segmented filling, has broadened the application of CTB technology. CTB not only enhances the stability of underground buildings, but also effectively utilizes solid waste generated during the mineral extraction process. As a cemented backfill material, CTB plays a vital role in supporting the roofs of mined-out areas and controlling surface subsidence [7−10]. The CTB may experience both compressive failure and shear sliding. While shear failure typically occurs along the interface between the backfill and surrounding rock, compressive stress is more commonly distributed throughout the entire backfill mass. Therefore, it is essential to study the mechanical behavior of CTB under compression conditions.
Extensive research has been conducted on the compression behavior of CTB. The effect of temperature on the strength and micro-failure mechanisms of CTB under different geological conditions has been explored by applying different curing temperatures [11−14]. In the underground mining process, due to the existence of multiple roadways in the same area, backfilling is carried out in the previous roadway before mining the current one. This results in CTB from adjacent roadways experiencing varying curing time when excavating different locations of roadways. Therefore, the influence of curing time on the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of CTB has been investigated by setting different curing ages [15−17]. Additionally, the impact of material types on the mechanical behavior of CTB has always been a focus of research in the backfilling field. The effects of material types on the macro- and micro-mechanical mechanisms of CTB have also been studied [18−21]. In engineering sites, the cement-tailings ratio is a critical parameter that directly influences the mechanical performance and cost of CTB, yet its systematic investigation under uniaxial compression remains incomplete.
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RU Wen-kai, LI Di-yuan, HAN Zhen-yu, LUO Ping-kuang, GONG Hao (2025). Failure mechanism and damage constitutive model of cemented tailings backfill with different cement-tailings ratios under uniaxial compression. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-025-6046-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of this study?
The study aims to investigate the failure mechanism and develop a damage constitutive model for cemented tailings backfill (CTB) with different cement-tailings ratios under uniaxial compression, to improve engineering safety and optimize mix design.
How does the cement-tailings ratio affect the mechanical behavior of CTB?
A lower cement-tailings ratio significantly reduces the strength and deformation resistance of CTB, decreases elastic energy accumulation at peak stress, and reduces dissipation energy in the post-peak stage, leading to more pronounced shear failure.
What is the novelty of the proposed damage constitutive model?
The proposed model introduces a correction factor that enables accurate simulation of the entire uniaxial compression process of CTB with different cement-tailings ratios, outperforming classical constitutive models.
What experimental methods were used to analyze failure mechanisms?
Particle size distribution and acoustic emission tests were employed to investigate the influence of cement-tailings ratio on failure mechanisms, revealing that lower ratios produce coarser particles and intensify shear-related acoustic emission signals.
What are the practical implications of this research?
The findings provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the optimal design of CTB mix ratios, contributing to the long-term stability of underground goafs and sustainable mining practices.
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