Effect of curing humidity on performance of cemented paste backfill

Cemented paste backfill (CPB), a mixture of tailings, binder, and water, is widely and extensively used for the recovery of mineral resources, the prevention of ground subsidence, and the management of mine waste. When installed, the CPB is subjected to complex environmental conditions such as water content, temperature, and power, which have a significant impact on its efficiency. Thus, this study conducts a series of laboratory programs, including investigation of moisture, temperature, stress–strain relation, and microstructure to show the effect of curing humidity on the CPB behaviors. The results obtained indicate that ambient humidity can have a dramatic effect on CPB in terms of its macro performance of internal relative humidity, temperature and strength, as well as the micro expression. Typical examples of these effects on CPB include an increase in curing humidity, which favors binder hydration, and then an increase in hydration materials, temperature and peak stress in the CPB. The results obtained will lead to a better understanding of CPB’s responses to various environmental conditions.