Application of a kinematically admissible velocity field to the analysis of the arching phenomena in backfills

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 82, No. 927, 1989

H.B. Poprooshasb, Department of Civil Engineering, Concordia University, and F.P. Hassani, Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, McGill University

A kinematically admissible velocity field is applied to study the arching phenomenon in a cohesionless granular backfill placed between two rough vertical inflexible walls. The study is different from the previous works which are almost entirely based on statically admissible stress fields. It is shown that the development of arches is strongly influenced by the previous loading history of the backfill which controls the nature of the constitutive laws that govern the mode of stress deformation of the backfill. This preliminary study employs simple models in order to show the potential use of such an approach in evaluating and understanding mine backfill behaviour in the underground excavation. The pressure exerted on the floor supporting the backfill is also studied in some detail.

Mots Clés: Rock mechanics, Arching phenomena, Backfill, Underground mining