Wyniki badań testu wytrzymałościowego próbki węgla w świetle badań tomograficznych

The study aimed to check the possibility of using computed tomography to observe fractures in coal samples before and after a triaxial compression test (TRX). The paper presents an innovative use of two specialized laboratory techniques: computed tomography and geomechanical triaxial compression test. Geomechanical tests were performed on a TRX-070, GCTS (USA) measuring triaxial system. A full stress-strain characteristic was recorded. Also, during the triaxial compression tests, the P and S wave velocities were measured and dynamic elastic moduli were determined. The results were compared. The sample was analyzed in two stages: CT measurement performed on raw coal sample (stage 1) and after the TRX test which destroyed the sample structure (stage 2). First, the sample was scanned reflecting the initial pores and microcracks system. The final stage represents the sample after the geomechanical test. A detailed pore structure analysis was performed for each of the stages. As a result of the proposed above-mentioned method, images of the pore structure were obtained after each step. The sample was analyzed for crack propagation and changes in the pore structure. The qualitative and quantitative interpretation was based on the determination of the number of voids, crack diameters, collapse angles, and comparison of the pore structure between the initial state of the sample and after the triaxial test. In the first stage (before the test), the largest object (identified as a microcrack) had a volume of approximately 16 mm3, after the sample was stress-tested (after the sample was destroyed), the largest identified object was about 15 times larger (240 mm3). It appeared that the coal sample was prone to fracturing in defined directions. Comprehensive research has demonstrated the legitimacy of using the proposed methodology to evaluate changes in the sample structure during the triaxial test.

Triaxial Permeability Experimental Study on Deformation and Failure Processes of Single-Fractured Rock Specimens

A series of rock-like specimens with specific sizes and fracture inclinations was created in the laboratory. The different effects of seepage pressure on the deformation and failure characteristics between a conventional triaxial compression test and a triaxial permeability test were studied using a servo-controlled testing machine. Furthermore, the change in the permeability of single-fractured specimens was explored based on a triaxial permeability test. The results were as follows. Compared with those observed in the conventional triaxial compression test, the peak stress and corresponding axial strain decrease under seepage pressure in the triaxial permeability test, while the deformation modulus increased. With the increase of fracture length, the peak stress of specimen decreases due to the seepage pressure and the specimen showed tensile failure horizontally. The failure mode of the single-fractured specimens was changed by the seepage pressure. A closed relationship was observed between the failure modes and the permeability-stress curves. A shear failure along the crack surface will occur when the permeability abruptly changed later than the peak stress point. The dramatic change in the permeability indicated that the permeability channel was extended or new seepage paths were created. These conclusions can provide a valuable theoretical reference for the numerical simulation of excavation and design in stability analysis of jointed rock masses.