Abstract: A series of splitting tensile tests were conducted by using an INSTRON testing system to investigate the effect of cement-tailings ratio on the properties of backfill. Based on experimental data, the evolvement laws of energy dissipation under different conditions were presented and some correlative formulae were proposed to describe the relationship between energy dissipation and influencing factors, It was found that tensile failure acted as the dominant factor for eventual failure of backfill and energy was dissipated less for tensile failure. Several optimized measures were suggested to reduce, even eliminate, the tensile state in backfill. Control blasting of periphery-holes and decoupling charging should be used to reduce under-excavation and over-excavation by optimizing the propagation of detonation wave. Crucial parts, where projects are disposed and stress concentrates, should be reinforced by special backfill with large cement-tailings ratio to improve the energy absorption capacity of the structure.