Investigating the Effect of Solid Components on Yield Stress for Cemented Paste Backfill via Uniform Design

Abstract EN

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) technology has been applied quite popular around the world.

Yield stress is a key factor determining whether CPB could be transported.

In order to reveal the effect of solid components on yield stress of CPB, a uniform design experimental program (four factors and six levels) was conducted to test the rheological property of a mine’s CPB.

The tested four factors including mass fraction, cement versus other solids ratio, coarse tailings, and gravel contents were considered during the experiment design.

Likewise, six experimental levels were given to each factor.

Results of the test show that yield stress increased with the mass fraction and cement content.

However, the trend reversed for the content of coarse tailings and gravel.

Contribution of the four factors to yield stress in descending order is mass fraction > content of gravel > content of coarse tailings > cement versus other tailings ration.

Effect of solid components on the yield stress of CPB is mainly due to the different flocculation structure inside the CPB.

These various flow structures result in the different free-water content of CPB, leading to a different yield stress value.