Abstract
This paper presents a pore structure study conducted on different cemented paste backfill (CPB) samples using scanning electron microscopy and image analysis (SEM–IA). The SEM–IA approach was used to estimate three pore structure parameters: total porosity (n), pore size distribution (PSD), and pore space tortuosity (T). The influence of three binders and three types of water (one de-ionised and two sulphated) was also assessed after 14 and 92 days of curing. The evaluation of n by SEM–IA showed a decrease with curing time that was in accordance with the CPB strength increase. The PSD and the T were only slightly influenced by the water chemistry and the type of binder; the parameters evolved with curing time and were related to a decrease in pore size and an increase in tortuosity. Changes of the pore structure were more significant with sulphated mixing water and the OPC-slag binder. The methods and results presented here will be useful to predict some properties of CPB such as saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention curve and effective diffusion coefficient.
Résumé
Cet article présente l’étude de la structure des pores de différents remblais cimentés en pâte (RCP) par microscopie électronique à balayage et analyse d’image (MEB-AI). L’approche AI a été utilisée pour estimer trois paramèters associés à la structure des pores: la porosité totale (n), la distribution de la taille des pores (DTP) et la tortuosité (T). L’influence de trois ciments et de trois types d’eau de gâchage (une déionisée et deux sulfatées) a aussi été investiguée après 14 et 92 jours de cure. L’évaluation de n par AI a montré une diminution de ce paramètre avec le temps de cure, ce qui est en accord avec le gain de résistance mécanique des échantillons. La DTP et le paramètre T n’ont été que légèrement influencées par la chimie de l’eau et le type de ciment. Néanmoins, ces paramètres ont évolué avec le temps de curage en démontrant une diminution de la dimension des pores et une augmentation de la tortuosité. Les changements les plus importants au niveau de la structure des pores ont été observés avec l’eau de gâchage sulfatée et le ciment à base de laitier de haut-fourneau. Les méthodes élaborées et les résultats obtenus seront utiles afin d’estimer des paramètres importants des RCP tels la conductivité hydraulique, la courbe de rétention d’eau et le coefficient de diffusion effectif.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this work has been provided from the Industrial NSERC Polytechnique-UQAT Chair on Environment and Mine Wastes Management (http://www.polymtl.ca/enviro-geremi). A NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship to the first author also supported this research. The authors would also like to extend their thanks to the personal of URSTM for their support, to Dr. Li Li for performing porosity versus strength analysis, and to Professor Éric Pirard for valuable comments on IA techniques.
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Ouellet, S., Bussière, B., Aubertin, M. et al. Characterization of cemented paste backfill pore structure using SEM and IA analysis. Bull Eng Geol Environ 67, 139–152 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-007-0117-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-007-0117-y