Prediction of compression and deformation behaviours of gangue backfill materials under multi-factor coupling effects for strata control and pollution reduction

Coal mining causes serious ecological and environmental damage. The crushed gangue is backfilled into underground goaf, which not only inhibits mining-induced subsidence but also reduces accumulation of waste on the ground: however, the effects of backfilling with gangue backfill materials in goaf are affected by a combination of multiple factors. To predict compression-induced deformation (CID) of gangue backfill materials, key factors influencing compression and deformation characteristics of gangue backfill materials in an underground confined space (lithology, particle size distribution, lateral stress and lateral loading times) were determined. Moreover, two key factors, namely, lithology and particle size distribution of gangue backfill materials, were quantified. Based on orthogonal test design, the compression characteristics of gangue backfill materials were measured under different stress levels and coupling effects of the four key factors by utilising a self-made bidirectional loading test system for bulk materials. Furthermore, through regression, the relationships of the four key factors and axial strain were determined as well as undetermined parameters in axial stress-axial strain equations and axial stress. Based on this, an equation for predicting stress-strain relationship during compression-induced deformation of gangue backfill materials under multi-factor coupling effects was established. Comparison with the orthogonal test results shows that this equation can predict compression-induced deformation of gangue backfill materials in goaf. This is beneficial to providing a basis for predicting strata movement and surface subsidence and guidance for designing backfilling process, thus protecting the surface environment.