Centrifuge model studies for backfill design at Westmin Resources Limited, H.W. Mine

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 80, No. 903, 1987

R.J. MITCHELL, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, and J.D. SMITH, John D. Smith Engineering Associates Ltd. Kingston, Ontario.

Centrifuge modelling of earth structures is a well-proven technique for evaluating the performance of prototype structures using physical models. The applications of this technique have increased dramatically during the last decade such that even the modelling of dynamic responses in structures has been accomplished. This paper presents the first model test results used to design a mine backfill. The models were tested using aim radius 30 g-tonne geotechnical centrifuge which was constructed at Queen's University specifically for model studies on mine backfill stability and subsidence. The models represent the first production blast-hole slope to be mined at Westmin Resources Ltd.'sH.W. Mine on Vancouver Island. This paper includes photographs of model failures in the centrifuge and correlations of model test results with analyses based on un-confined and triaxial test data.

Keywords: Rock Mechanics, Centrifuges, Modelling, Backfill design, Mine backfill, Stability, Subsidence.