Extension of Analytical Solution Methods to the Stability of Exposed Stratified Cemented Backfills

Abstract

The stability analysis of the backfill support system has been a significant analysis of stope performance in stoping mining method. For the past decades, the strength of exposed backfill was preferred to be conducted using analytical solutions based on the limit equilibrium theory. Nevertheless, these solutions have neglected the effect of layering that is endured by the backfill in the large stope. These methods appear to provide unrealistic results in stratified backfill stopes. This study introduces a modified solution that considers the shearing force along the backfill layers interface. The proposed solution method confirms that when the effect of layering is included the solution differs from the existing limit equilibrium solutions. Various examples are provided to validate the proposed analytical solution method.