Durability and strength of fiber-reinforced compacted gold tailings-cement blends

In order to investigate techniques to support mine tailings use as earthwork material, the improvement of mechanical properties of gold tailings through compaction, insertion of fibers and cement is studied. Present investigation intends to assess the impact of Portland cement content and dry density, as well as fiber insertion in the enhancement of durability and strength of compacted gold tailings-cement mixes. This manuscript advances in understanding the parameters that control durability and strength of fiber-reinforced compacted gold tailings-cement blends. Its main significant addition to knowledge is quantifying the accumulated loss of mass (ALM) of fiber-reinforced compacted gold tailings-cement blends after wet/dry cycles and unconfined compressive strength (qu) as a function of the porosity/cement index. In addition, the existence of exclusive relations connecting accumulated loss of mass divided by the number of wetting/drying cycles and porosity/cement index is empirically revealed for the studied materials. This broadens the applicability of such index by demonstrating it controls not only mechanical but also endurance performance of fiber-reinforced compacted gold tailings-Portland cement mixes.