Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Alireza Entezam

The mining industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce its environmental footprint. This study explores the application of waste materials, including glass, tyre rubber, and construction and demolition waste, in the development of eco-friendly grouts for cable bolting encapsulation in mining operations by means of partially replacing the cementitious grout with waste materials. Cable bolting is a common ground support technique in underground mines, and encapsulation using grouts is crucial for enhancing structural stability and safety.

The research aims to develop a new grout formulation by means of investigating the feasibility of incorporating recycled materials into cementitious grouts as a partial substitution of the carbon intensive cementitious material, aiming to not only reduce the incorporation of cement which contributes to about 7% of greenhouse gases globally, but also to contribute to waste reduction and recycling efforts. Various mix designs will be explored, considering the particle size distribution, percentages of waste materials incorporated, and chemical reactions of the waste materials with the cementitious binder, to optimize the performance of the grouts while ensuring compatibility with cable bolting systems.

The study assesses the mechanical strength, pumpability, and bonding characteristics of the developed eco-friendly grouts through an extensive laboratory testing campaign. Comparative analyses will be conducted between traditional grouts and those incorporating recycled materials to evaluate their effectiveness in providing the necessary characteristics of a bonding agent as well as  long-term stability.

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 311088.