Abstract:
Backfilling, an essential process in mining and construction subsequent to foundation and
utility work, involves filling excavated areas around structures with sand or gravel to
ensure stability, support, and insulation. It ranges from simple to complex, often requiring
specialized equipment. This procedure not only minimizes the need for costly dilution and
surface storage but also aids in mitigating mining instability and subsidence. Our
exploration delved into various facets of backfilling, particularly focusing on how finite
element method analysis can elucidate its intricacies. Through examining cases designed
with different ratios of outlet and inlet diameters and employing varied velocities to flow
backfill materials through the model, we gained insights into the process. ANSYS, a finite
element analysis (FEA) tool, played a pivotal role in characterizing the qualities of
backfill. Consequently, these analyses yielded comprehensive simulations of backfill
material flow patterns and pressure distributions.
The laboratory experiment's backfilling design model was effectively simulated utilizing
finite element simulation methodology. Notably, the k-epsilon constants of Cmu emerged
as the predominant influential factor within the simulation process. Within the laboratory
setting, the designed experimental box featured dimensions of 20 cm in width and 40 cm
in height. To optimize functionality, it is imperative to set the pump's flow velocity
capacity at 1 m/s, incorporating a safety factor of 2, resulting in a pressure transducer
reading of 6700 Pascal. Moreover, for the efficient distribution of flow, the ideal ratio of
the outlet to the inlet pipe diameter in the experimental setup should be maintained at
0.33.
