Koc, E.; Cihangir, F. Ultrasonic and Microstructural Evaluation of Sulphide-Rich Tailings Cemented Paste Backfill Properties Containing Alkali-Activated Slag: Effect of Slag Fineness. Minerals2023, 13, 1524.
Koc, E.; Cihangir, F. Ultrasonic and Microstructural Evaluation of Sulphide-Rich Tailings Cemented Paste Backfill Properties Containing Alkali-Activated Slag: Effect of Slag Fineness. Minerals 2023, 13, 1524.
Koc, E.; Cihangir, F. Ultrasonic and Microstructural Evaluation of Sulphide-Rich Tailings Cemented Paste Backfill Properties Containing Alkali-Activated Slag: Effect of Slag Fineness. Minerals2023, 13, 1524.
Koc, E.; Cihangir, F. Ultrasonic and Microstructural Evaluation of Sulphide-Rich Tailings Cemented Paste Backfill Properties Containing Alkali-Activated Slag: Effect of Slag Fineness. Minerals 2023, 13, 1524.
Abstract
Cement paste backfill (CPB) is an effective waste management method allowing the storage of fine process tailings into underground mined-out voids. CPB performance generally depends on the sulfur content of the tailings and the type of binder. In recent years, there has been an in-creasing trend on the use of alkali-activated slag (AAS) to improve the performance properties of CPB. This study focuses on the ultrasonic and microstructural investigation of the effect of slag fineness on the mechanical, geochemical and durability properties of CPB made up of AAS (AAS-CPB) over 360 days. In this scope, AAS-CPB samples were prepared at three different fineness (3100-4650-6300 cm2/g). Fineness of slag significantly improved the early age- and long-term strength (~2.3 fold and ~6.6 fold, respectively) of CPB. However, further increase of slag fineness may have adverse effect on CPB microstructure and strength in the long term. Ultrasonic pulse velocity monitoring displayed very high relation with the strength evolution and durability assessment of CPB. Slag fineness at a degree was seen to improve the pore structure evolution of AAS-CPB. Microstructural studies are in good agreement with the geochemical and durability behavior of AAS-CPB. Microstructural and ultrasonic findings suggest that while slag fineness enhances the mechanical properties of AAS-CPB, further increase of the fineness of slag has no additional important technical advantages.
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