Failure analyses of unconfined CCWBM body in uniaxial compression based on central pressure variation

Abstract

Cemented coal waste backfill material (CCWBM) is made of coal gangue, fly ash and cementitious materials. It has been widely used in the field of backfill mining to control surface subsidence and protect the environment. A large number of unconfined backfill bodies without lateral support are formed in partial backfill mining. To study the failure characteristics of unconfined CCWBM body in partial backfill, the stress–strain curves of the CCWBM were obtained by uniaxial compression tests at different ages (1–28 d). The central pressure was measured by the embedded pressure sensors. The failure characteristics of the specimen were monitored by acoustic emission (AE) positioning technique. Three observations can be made. 1. The central pressure variation curves lag behind the mean stress change curves. The central pressure curve can be divided into three stages: slow increase stage, rapid growth stage and decline stage. It has two pressure manifestations: early appearance and peak appearance. They can be as the failure precursor and instability critical, respectively. 2. The specimen forms a central elastic bearing area in the process of compression. The plastic area develops to the inner side with the increase of pressure, and an upper and lower compound cone-shaped residual area is finally formed. 3. The embedded pressure sensor can be used to monitor the instability of the unconfined backfill body. The research results can provide guidance for the in-situ stability monitoring and reinforcement of unconfined CCWBM body in partial backfill.