ABSTRACT
Currently there appears to be no rational method of defining plug strength in a typical “plug and cure” backfilling strategy, which is a significant problem when many engineered backfill containment structures include assumptions that the backfill plug isolates the structure from pressure applied by the subsequent “main” backfill volume. The proposed method for plug strength determination is presented as an analytical solution supported by numerical modelling and case study data. By extension, this method enables definition of required backfill strength for continuous backfilling.
