Numerical modelling of thermally and hydraulically coupled processes in hydrating cemented tailings backfill columns

A coupled thermo-hydro-chemical (THC) model has been developed to study the thermally and hydraulically coupled processes in hydrating cemented paste backfill (CPB). Afterwards, the THC model is validated against laboratory data (CPB made of Portland cement and CPB that contains mineral admixtures) and field CPB column studies (CPB cured in underground mine environments). In addition, the validated THC model is applied to simulate and predict the thermal (e.g. temperature development and thermal conductivity), hydraulic (e.g. water drainage, suction or negative pore-water pressure development and hydraulic conductivity) and physical (porosity) evolutions of the CPB columns under different conditions, such as various CPB temperatures and water-to-binder ratios. The presented outcomes can contribute to a better understanding of the coupled thermal-hydraulic processes that occur in CPB and the thermal and hydraulic behaviours of CPB structures, as well as a better design of stable, durable and cost-effective...