Work

Mechanical Properties, Acoustic Emission Characteristics, and Damage Evolution of Cemented Tailings Backfill Under Temperature Effects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the context of deep mining and green low-carbon transition, this study characterizes the thermo-mechanical evolution and fracture mechanisms of cemented tailings backfill (CTB) through systematic experiments conducted at 20–60 °C across 3–28 days. Results demonstrate that strength and elastic modulus follow a unimodal dependence on temperature, peaking at 40 °C. Gaussian modeling reveals that curing times narrow the thermal tolerance window, with the elastic modulus exhibiting higher sensitivity to overheating. A consistent “pre-peak activity window” is identified in AE responses, characterized by b-value drops and an increase in tensile event proportions from 66% to 83%. A composite AE damage index (ADI) is introduced to systematically precede macroscopic failure, with thresholds of ADI ≥ 0.60 and 0.70 indicating accelerated crack propagation and imminent instability, respectively. Microstructural analysis confirms that 40 °C promotes C-S-H and fine ettringite bridging, whereas temperatures ≥ 50 °C induce Ca(OH)2 coarsening and enhanced pore connectivity, triggering early tensile-dominated degradation. This study establishes a “temperature → hydration/porosity → AE response → mechanical evolution” pathway, providing an optimal curing window of 40 ± 5 °C and an ADI-based early-warning criterion for temperature-adaptive CTB design and on-site safety management.

Source: Minerals

DOI: 10.3390/min16020193

Authors: Haoliang Han, Chao Zhang, Jinping Guo, Xiaolin Wang

Institutions: Information Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Management, Ministry of Emergency Management of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Tailings Management and Properties

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896