Strength, Deformation Behavior, and Microstructure of Cement Paste Backfill with Calcium Chloride in Subzero Environments
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 37, Issue 2
Abstract
This manuscript presents and discusses the results of an experimental study on the deformation behavior, strength, and microstructural development of cemented paste backfill (CPB) with chloride-bearing antifreeze (calcium chloride, CaCl2) in subzero environments. CPB samples with CaCl2 at various concentrations (0, 5, 15, and 35 g/L) were cured at different subzero temperatures (−1, −6, and −12°C) that represent temperatures to which CPBs may be exposed in mines located in permafrost or cold regions. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted after specific curing time (7, 28, 60, and 90 days). Moreover, microstructural analyses and monitoring experiments (for volumetric water content and matric suction) were performed. The results showed that the addition of calcium chloride antifreeze reduced the strength of CPB and had a significant impact on its stress–strain behavior and microstructural characteristics. Furthermore, it was also found that the strength of CPB decreased with an increase of calcium chloride concentration and subzero curing temperature. These findings provide important guidance for mine backfilling work of CPB with chloride-bearing antifreeze additives and productivity improvement in subzero environments.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), China Scholarship Council, and the University of Ottawa.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 37 • Issue 2 • June 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 27, 2022
Accepted: Nov 16, 2022
Published online: Jan 27, 2023
Published in print: Jun 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jun 27, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Backfills
- Calcium
- Cement
- Chemical compounds
- Chemical elements
- Chemicals
- Chemistry
- Chloride
- Cold regions engineering
- Concrete
- Construction engineering
- Construction methods
- Curing
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Environmental engineering
- Excavation
- Freeze and thaw
- Freezing
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials characterization
- Materials engineering
- Materials processing
- Microstructure
- Salts
- Strength of materials
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