Prediction of the Mechanical Performance of Cemented Tailings Backfill Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Measurement

Cemented tailings backfill (CTB), prepared by a mixture of tailings, binder, and water in certain proportion, is widely applied to mines worldwide for ground support disposal. The prediction the mechanical properties CTB during whole consolidation process great practical importance. objective this paper focuses on investigation performance based ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) method. samples with different binder-to-water (b/w) ratios, as well solid content were monitored UPV method curing age 28 days. evolution dynamic shear modulus elasticity studied monitoring. Meanwhile, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) microstructure tests performed at times 3, 7, results showed that development follows trend increases fast early ages then becomes stable 10 d age. UCS increased increase b/w, content, From tests, attributed low porosity compact structure due b/w ratio content. For purpose predicting utilizing monitoring, empirical equations relationship between variation ratios regression analyses. F-tests, t-tests, used check validity equations, which indicate higher calculated values predicted means main finding shows monitoring can be an effective way predict property field non-destructive effective.