Shear behaviour of cemented pastefill-rock interfaces

Abstract

The shear stress–strain behaviour and shear strength parameters of the interface between cemented paste backfill (CPB) and rock are of practical importance in the optimal and safe design of CPB structures. An understanding of the shear behaviour and properties at this interface is also required to develop comprehensive interface models for CPB-rock analyses, interface design methods for the static and dynamic stability analysis of CPB structures, and building high performance CPB structures. In this study, direct shear tests were conducted to investigate the interface shear strength behaviour between CPB and rock. All tests were carried out in a standard direct shear test apparatus for a range of curing ages of 1 to 28 days for the CPB. The procedures of the laboratory tests will be described. Results will be presented for interface shear behaviour, including stress–strain curves, vertical deformation and shear strength parameters. The test results show that the shear strength parameters and behaviour of the CPB-rock interface are time-dependent and significantly influenced by the normal load.