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The Effect of Calcium Formate, Sodium Sulfate, and Cement Clinker on Engineering Properties of Fly Ash-Based Cemented Tailings Backfill

The influence of admixtures on the engineering properties of fly ash-based cemented tailings backfill (CTB) is a topic of significant practical interest, as it affects the backfilling cost and the environmental effect of mining operation. This paper presents results of an experimental study on the influence of different activators on the engineering properties of the CTB containing fly ash. CTB samples are mixed with different contents of calcium formate, sodium sulfate, and cement clinker (4%, 8%, and 12% by mass of total binder) and cured in a cubic chamber (at 20°C and RH 90 ± 5%) for 3, 7, and 28 days. Specimen tests were performed to assess the slump height, setting time, leaching water rate, vertical settlement, and strength development. Furthermore, the XRD analyses were conducted on the hydration products of fly ash-based CTB mixtures. The results show that activators can cause decrease in the slump height, leaching water rate, and vertical settlement of fly ash-based CTB mixtures. However, inclusion of cement clinker ranging from 8%–12% of total binder can reduce the slump height, setting time, leaching water rate, and vertical settlement to an acceptable range. Addition of calcium formate in the fly ash-based CTB caused negligible change in compressive strength. The compressive strength improved with higher content of sodium sulfate and cement clinker at the age of 28 days. XRD analyses showed considerable intensity counts of C-S-H gel, calcium hydroxide, and ettringite, resulting from the addition of sodium sulfate and cement clinker. This study also shows that an understanding of the effect of activators on the engineering properties of fly ash-based CTB is crucial for designing a cost-effective and workable CTB with reduced environmental impact.