Heterogeneity of field cemented rockfill at a Canadian hard-rock mine

• The cemented rockfill samples were field cores drilled from a backfilled stope. • Large-scale uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were carried out. • The mechanical properties’ distributions in the CRF column were analyzed. • The segregation phenomenon in the CRF column was confirmed. This study presents uniaxial and triaxial compression tests on large-scale cemented rockfill (CRF) core samples from a Canadian hard-rock mine. Stress-strain curves indicate heterogeneity in strength and deformation properties at various depths. Segregation causes uneven cement and aggregate distribution, affecting uniaxial compressive strength, which decreases with proximity to the discharge point. Findings confirm CRF column strength variability, aiding stability assessment and optimization.