Flexural Characteristics of Tailings Cemented with Fiber-Reinforced Green Composite Cementitious Matrix
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 11
Abstract
Backfilling mine goafs can significantly advance the mining industry; however, few researchers have used geopolymers reinforced with polypropylene fibers as filling materials. In this study, the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced green composite cementitious matrix–cemented tailings were examined, and the evolution mechanism of the internal structural properties of the prepared composite materials was determined. For this purpose, three-point bending tests, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were performed on composite samples with different blending ratios, and discrete-element numerical simulations were conducted using PFC3D particle flow simulation software. The obtained results revealed that the flexural strength and fracture properties of the studied samples increased with increasing NaOH content, decreased with increasing water-to-solid ratio, and first increased and then decreased with increasing fiber content. At a fiber content of 0.6%, the reinforcement effect reached a local optimum. The higher the NaOH content, the more efficiently fly ash and slag formed polymerization products in an alkaline environment, which contained tailing sand aggregate particles, increasing the compactness of the composite structure. The fibers in the composite material were distributed both as a single inlay and as a three-dimensional network structure to form an effective wrapping and supporting system, which further improved the flexural performance of the sample. The PFC3D simulation data were consistent with the results of three-point bending tests, illustrating the sample degradation process. The findings of this work can provide a theoretical basis for the development of fiber-reinforced green sand filling materials for mine replenishment.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Young Science Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52104132); the Young Science Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 52104088); and the China Postdoctoral Science Fund Project (Grant No. 2022M713383).
Author contributions: Xiangdong Zhang: Conceptualization, Methodology; Jiaze Li: Data curation, Writing–original draft; Shuai Pang: Investigation, Software; Kaixin Zhu: Visualization, Investigation; Cheng Yang: Writing–review and editing; Xuefeng Zhang: Investigation, Software; Lijuan Su: Supervision, Software; Jiashun Liu: Software, Validation.
References
Azevedo, A. R., A. S. Cruz, M. T. Marvila, L. B. de Oliveira, S. N. Monteiro, C. M. F. Vieira, and M. Daironas. 2021. “Natural fibers as an alternative to synthetic fibers in reinforcement of geopolymer matrices: A comparative review.” Polymers 13 (15): 2493. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152493.
Balgourinejad, N., M. Haghighifar, R. Madandoust, and S. Charkhtab. 2022. “Experimental study on mechanical properties, microstructural of lightweight concrete incorporating polypropylene fibers and metakaolin at high temperatures.” J. Mater. Res. Technol. 18 (May): 5238–5256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2022.04.005.
Bhutta, A., P. H. R. Borges, C. Zanotti, M. Farooq, and N. Banthia. 2017. “Flexural behavior of geopolymer composites reinforced with steel and polypropylene macro fibers.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 80 (Jul): 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.11.014.
Chen, C., X. H. Zhang, and H. Hao. 2023. “Dynamic tensile properties of geopolymer concrete and fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 393 (Aug): 132159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132159.
Chen, F., L. J. Zhang, C. Y. Zou, X. L. Zhu, Q. H. Fang, and S. H. Xu. 2022. “Study on influencing factors of shear characteristics of rock-fill concrete layer of iron tailings as fine aggregate.” Constr. Build. Mater. 345 (Aug): 128213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128213.
Cheng, Y. H., H. Shen, and J. F. Zhang. 2023. “Understanding the effect of high-volume fly ash on micro-structure and mechanical properties of cemented coal gangue paste backfill.” Constr. Build. Mater. 378 (May): 131202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131202.
Chindasiriphan, P., P. Nuaklong, S. Keawsawasvong, C. Thongchom, T. Jirawattanasomkul, P. Jongvivatsakul, W, Tangchirapat, and S. Likitlersuang. 2023. “Effect of superabsorbent polymer and polypropylene fiber on mechanical performances of alkali-activated high-calcium fly ash mortar under ambient and elevated temperatures.” J. Build. Eng. 71 (Jul): 106509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106509.
Eik, M., J. Puttonen, and H. Herrmann. 2015. “An orthotropic material model for steel fibre reinforced concrete based on the orientation distribution of fibres.” Compos. Struct. 121 (Mar): 324–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2014.11.018.
Gu, X., S. Wang, J. P. Liu, H. Wang, X. C. Xu, Q. Wang, and Z. G. Zhu. 2023. “Effect of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as foam stabilizer on the workability and pore structure of iron tailings sand autoclaved aerated concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 376 (May): 130979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130979.
Guo, X. L., H. S. Shi, W. P. Hu, and F. J. Meng. 2016. “The setting time and rheological properties of solid waste-based composite geopolymer.” J. Tongji Univ. 44 (7): 1066–1070.
Hong, Z. J., Z. H. Li, F. Du, L. Xu, and C. Zhu. 2023. “Experimental investigation of the mechanical properties and large-volume laboratory test of a novel filling material in mining engineering.” Geomech. Geophys. Geo-Energy Geo-Resour. 9 (1): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-023-00582-8.
Ismail, I., S. A. Bernal, J. L. Provis, S. Hamdan, and J. S. van Deventer. 2013. “Drying-induced changes in the structure of alkali-activated pastes.” J. Mater. Sci. 48 (May): 3566–3577. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-013-7152-9.
Khandani, F. S., H. Atapour, M. Y. Rad, and B. Khosh. 2023. “An experimental study on the mechanical properties of underground mining backfill materials obtained from recycling of construction and demolition waste.” Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 18 (Jul): e02046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02046.
Leong, H. Y., D. E. L. Ong, J. G. Sanjayan, and A. Nazari. 2018. “Strength development of soil–fly ash geopolymer: Assessment of soil, fly ash, alkali activators, and water.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 30 (8): 04018171. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002363.
Li, J. M., J. H. Yu, and W. Z. Zhang. 2019. “Spatial pattern and governance model of coal mining subsidence area in China.” J. Nat. Resour. 34 (4): 867–880. https://doi.org/10.31497/zrzyxb.20190415.
Li, W., A. S. Liu, C. Y. Kwok, C. Y. Sit, and H. K. Shiu. 2023. “Mechanical behaviour of Hong Kong marine deposits stabilized with high content of coal fly ash.” Constr. Build. Mater. 392 (15): 131837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131837.
Li, X. G., C. Q. Duan, B. G. Ma, J. Huang, Z. Q. Zhao, and H. B. Yin. 2013. “Effect of fiber on cracking properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer.” J. Wuhan Univ. Technol. 35 (6): 7–12.
Lu, K. F., W. Sun, T. Gao, Z. Y. Li, J. G. Zhao, and H. Y. Cheng. 2023. “Preparation of new copper smelting slag-based mine backfill material and investigation of its mechanical properties.” Constr. Build. Mater. 382 (Jun): 131228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131228.
Ma, X. X., J. H. Sun, F. Zhang, J. Yuan, and Z. L. Meng. 2023. “Experimental studies and analyses on axial compressive properties of full iron tailings concrete columns.” Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 18 (Jul): e01881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e01881.
Majidi, B. 2009. “Geopolymer technology, from fundamentals to advanced applications: A review.” Mater. Technol. 24 (2): 79–87. https://doi.org/10.1179/175355509X449355.
NDRC (National Development and Reform Commission of China). 2005. Code for fracture test of hydraulic concrete. DL/T 5332-2005. Beijing: China Electric Power Press.
Ngo, I., L. Ma, J. Zhai, and Y. Wang. 2023. “Enhancing fly ash utilization in backfill materials treated with CO2 carbonation under ambient conditions.” Int. J. Min. Sci. Technol. 33 (3): 323–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2023.02.001.
Nguyen, H. H. T., et al. 2023. “Emerging waste-to-wealth applications of fly ash for environmental remediation: A review.” Environ. Res. 30 (Mar): 115800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.115800.
Pang, S., X. D. Zhang, K. X. Zhu, J. Z. Li, and L. J. Su. 2023. “Study on mechanical properties and micro characterization of fibre reinforced ecological cementitious coal gangue materials.” Polymers 15 (3): 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030700.
Recommendation R. D. 1985. “Determination of the fracture energy of mortar and concrete by means of three-point bend tests on notched beams.” Mater. Struct. 18 (106): 285–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472918.
Ruan, B., C. X. Ruan, L. F. Deng, and X. J. Zhang. 2021. “Experimental study on tensile and compressive properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced cement mixing soil.” [In Chinese.] J. Railway Sci. Eng. 18 (1): 95–103. https://doi.org/10.19713/j.cnki.43-1423/u.T20200163.
SAC (Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China). 2014. Test method for flexural properties of aligned fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. GB/T 3356-2014. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
SAC (Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China). 2021. Cement mortar strength test method (ISO method). GB/T 17671-2021. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Shamass, R., O. Rispoli, V. Limbachiya, and R. Kovacs. 2023. “Mechanical and GWP assessment of concrete using blast furnace slag, silica fume and recycled aggregate.” Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 18 (Jul): e02164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02164.
Shen, D. J., C. Liu, Y. Y. Luo, H. Z. Shao, X. Y. Zhou, and S. L. Bai. 2023. “Early-age autogenous shrinkage, tensile creep, and restrained cracking behavior of ultra-high-performance concrete incorporating polypropylene fibers.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 138 (Apr): 104948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104948.
Sukprasert, S., M. Hoy, S. Horpibulsuk, A. Arulrajah, A. S. A. Rashid, and R. Nazir. 2021. “Fly ash based geopolymer stabilisation of silty clay/blast furnace slag for subgrade applications.” Road Mater. Pavement Des. 22 (2): 357–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2019.1621190.
Wang, F., B. Y. Jiang, S. J. Chen, and M. Z. Ren. 2019. “Surface collapse control under thick unconsolidated layers by backfilling strip mining in coal mines.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 113 (Jan): 268–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.11.006.
Wang, G. J., Q. Sun, C. X. Qi, L. Liu, Y. Tan, and L. J. Su. 2023a. “Mechanical properties and microscopic characterization of cemented paste backfill with electrolytic manganese residue matrix binder.” J. Mater. Res. Technol. 23 (Mar): 2075–2088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2023.01.098.
Wang, J., Y. J. Zhang, and Y. C. Wang. 2013. “Preparation of fly ash-slag based geopolymer toughened by asphalt and polypropylene fiber.” [In Chinese.] Silic. Bull. 32 (7): 1432–1437. https://doi.org/10.16552/j.cnki.issn1001-1625.2013.07.008.
Wang, M. L., Q. Wang, J. H. Mao, S. S. Xu, and Z. Q. Shi. 2022. “Study on water-repellent and corrosion-resistant properties of cement mortar using superhydrophobic iron ore tailings.” J. Build. Eng. 62 (Dec): 105360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105360.
Wang, Y. L., J. Ma, L. B. Qing, L. N. Liu, B. X. Shen, S. H. Li, and Z. K. Zhang. 2023b. “Accelerated carbonation pretreatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and its conversion to geopolymer with coal fly ash.” Constr. Build. Mater. 383 (Jun): 131363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131363.
Wu, J., X. Y. Zheng, A. W. Yang, and Y. B. Li. 2021. “Experimental study on compressive strength of solidified mucky clay by slag-fly ash based geopolymer.” [In Chinese.] Geotech. Mech. 42 (3): 647–655. https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2020.0918.
Wu, Y. 2023. “Mine filling mining can absorb solid waste on a large scale.” [In Chinese.] China Build. Mater. 15 (5): 272–291. https://doi.org/10.28089/n.cnki.ncjcb.2023.000286.
Xiong, Z. Q., X. F. Liu, and C. Wang. 2017. “Analysis of uniaxial compression deformation failure and energy consumption characteristics of high water roadside filling materials.” China Saf. Prod. Sci. Technol. 13 (1): 65–70.
Xu, S., and H. W. Reinhardt. 2000. “A simplified method for determining double-K fracture parameters for three-point bending tests.” Int. J. Fract. 104 (Jul): 181–209. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007676716549.
Xu, X. Y., J. Z. Bai, Y. S. Chen, R. Tan, and Y. B. Shen. 2021. “Study on the preparation process and application of industrial solid waste geopolymer.” [In Chinese.] Non-Ferrous Metal Eng. 11 (5): 110–121. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.2095-1744.2021.05.017.
Xu, Z. L. 2018. Elastic mechanics. Beijing: Higher Education Press.
Yang, D., M. Y. Lu, D. Song, S. X. Bai, G. H. Zhang, X. Y. Hu, and L. X. Pang. 2021. “Research progress of geopolymer cement.” Mater. Introduction 35 (1):644–649.
Yin, H., J. P. Liu, X. H. Zhou, H. T. Qi, S. X. Liu, and S. Pang. 2023. “Flexural properties of fiber-reinforced alkali slag-red mud geopolymer.” Constr. Build. Mater. 370 (Mar): 130708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.130708.
Yuan, L., J. P. Qiu, Z. B. Guo, S. Y. Zhang, X. J. Wan, and X. G. Sun. 2023. “Microscale and macroscale strength behaviors of blast furnace slag-cement based materials: Modeling and analysis.” Constr. Build. Mater. 376 (May): 131016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131016.
Zhang, D. W., and A. H. Wang. 2020. “Review of research on properties and engineering application of geopolymer cementitious materials.” [In Chinese.] Acta Archit. Sci. Eng. 37 (5): 13–38. https://doi.org/10.19815/j.jace.2020.08041.
Zhang, J. R., Y. Fu, A. Wang, and B. Q. Dong. 2023a. “Research on the mechanical properties and microstructure of fly ash-based geopolymers modified by molybdenum tailings.” Constr. Build. Mater. 385 (Aug): 131530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131530.
Zhang, L., Y. Jia, H. Shu, L. Zhang, X. Lu, F. Bai, Q. Zhao, and D. Tian. 2021. “The effect of basicity of modified ground granulated blast furnace slag on its denitration performance.” J. Cleaner Prod. 305 (Jul): 126800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126800.
Zhang, X. D., J. Geng, S. Pang, L. J. Su, G. J. Cai, and Z. C. Zhou. 2023b. “Microscopic properties and splitting tensile strength of fiber-modified cement-stabilized aeolian sand.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 35 (6): 04023128. https://doi.org/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-15187.
Zhang, X. D., J. Z. Li, S. Pang, K. X. Zhu, L. J. Su, J. S. Liu, and X. F. Zhang. 2023c. “Mechanical properties and interface microscopic characterization of fibre-reinforced slag-fly ash geopolymer agglutinated iron tailings filling materials.” Mater. Today Commun. 36 (Aug): 106650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.106650.
Zhang, X. D., S. Pang, L. J. Su, J. Geng, G. J. Cai, and J. Liu. 2022. “Triaxial mechanical properties and microscopic characterization of fiber-reinforced cement stabilized aeolian sand–coal gangue blends.” Constr. Build. Mater. 346 (Jun): 128481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128481.
Zhou, Y. W., T. Zhang, and L. C. Duan. 2022. “Summary of research on comprehensive management of mine goaf in China.” Saf. Environ. Eng. 29 (4): 220–230. https://doi.org/10.13578/j.cnki.issn.1671-1556.2022016.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 11 • November 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 26, 2023
Accepted: Apr 16, 2024
Published online: Sep 4, 2024
Published in print: Nov 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 4, 2025
ASCE Technical Topics:
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.