Anisotropic characteristics of layered backfill: Mechanical properties and energy dissipation

Abstract

Layered backfill is commonly used in mining operations, and its mechanical behavior is strongly influenced by delamination parameters. In this study, 13 specimens with different numbers of delamination and delamination angle were prepared to investigate the anisotropic mechanical behavior, energy dissipation characteristics and crack development of backfill. P-wave velocity, uniaxial compression, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and acoustic emission (AE) experiments were conducted. The results indicate that: (1) The P-wave velocity has linear and elliptical relationships with the number of delamination surface and delamination angle, respectively; the strength, delamination parameters and P-wave velocity show a high degree of coincidence in terms of their function relationship, which can realize the rapid prediction of strength. (2) The microstructure of the delaminated surface is looser than that of the matrix, leading to a decrease in strength and an increase at the pore-fissure compaction stage. The number and angle of delamination increase linearly with the anisotropy coefficient. (3) The energy evolution in angle-cut backfill can be divided into four stages, with a decrease in the proportion of elastic energy at the initiation stress and peak stress with increasing number of delamination planes and delamination angle. (4) Crack development increases with the number of delamination surface and delamination angle, resulting in a decrease in energy dissipation coefficient and peak AE energy. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of filling materials and processes in mining operations.