Correlation between the Pore Structure and Water Retention of Cemented Paste Backfill Using Centrifugal and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Methods

Abstract

This research combines a centrifugal test and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology to study the water retention capacity of the cemented paste backfill. Backfill samples with cement–tailings ratios of 1:4, 1:8, and 1:12, and solid concentrations of 71%, 74%, 77%, 80%, and 83% respectively, were prepared for the test. The relative centrifugal force ( RCF ) required for accurate testing and the T2 cutoff value that characterizes the water retention capacity were obtained through an NMR test on the backfill samples after centrifugation in saturated conditions. Based on the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC), the NMR pore water characteristic distribution model was established, and the pore size distribution and effective water retention characteristics were analyzed. This study shows that when the rotating speed is between 1500 and 4000 rpm, the R C F of the backfill ranges from 125.8 to 894.4 g/min , and the T2 cutoff value will vary from 3 to 10 ms. With an increase in solid concentration of the backfill, both the RCF and T2 cutoff value decline. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis confirms that an increase in the solid concentration and cement–tailings ratio will lead to obvious bimodal characteristics of the pore size distribution curve of the backfill. In addition, the porosity will decrease, the critical pore value, which represents a value to distinguish pores with different movable fluid retention capabilities and characterizes the pore size classification, will become smaller, and the pore size distribution will become more diverse. These changes indicate that a high-concentration backfill can effectively reduce the flow of a fine-grained matrix with large pores.