Effect of Air Entrainment on Cemented Mine Backfill Properties: Analysis Based on Response Surface Methodology

As part of an extensive research program exploring the potential benefits using air-entraining admixtures in mine backfill, experimental study presented this paper investigates effect cement and entrained air dosages on backfill unconfined compressive strength (UCS), fresh density, dry density. Backfill specimens were prepared silica sand, normal Portland cement, water, admixture. An design with response surface methodology was adopted to develop predictive mathematical models analyze results. The results demonstrated that dosage 3.5% could improve UCS owing better dispersion particles. However, a further increase reduced as well densities by approximately 200 120 kg/m3, respectively. Study imply can potentially enhance flowability reduce thus providing safer more sustainable working conditions underground mining environment.