Assessment of the Modified CUAPS Apparatus to Estimate In Situ Properties of Cemented Paste Backfill

Abstract This paper evaluates some improvements in the design of a laboratory apparatus called curing under applied pressure system (CUAPS) designed to estimate in situ properties of cemented paste backfill (CPB). This apparatus is effective in conducting the following tests on samples during curing: (i) One-dimensional consolidation test with or without pore water pressure (PWP) measurement, (ii) PWP dissipation test, (iii) saturated hydraulic conductivity (permeability) test, and (iv) curing under constant or variable vertical pressure. Unconfined compression tests can be also performed on consolidated CPB samples after each of these tests. The modified CUAPS apparatus is assessed in this paper. Preliminary results are promising and validate the functionality of the CUAPS apparatus, which will contribute to the knowledge on consolidation behaviour of in situ CPB material.