Dilatation characteristics of the coals with outburst proneness under cyclic loading conditions and the relevant applications

By conducting uniaxial loading cycle tests on the coal rock with outburst proneness, the dilatation characteristics at different loading rates were investigated. Under uniaxial loading and unloading, the lateral deformation of coal rock increased obviously before failure, leading to coal dilatation. Moreover, the post-unloading recovery of the lateral deformation was rather small, suggesting the onset of an accelerated failure. As the loading rate increased further, the ratio of the stress at the dilatation critical point to peak-intensity increased gradually, and the pre-peak volumetric deformation decreased with more severe post-peak damage. Based on the laboratory test results, the lateral deformation of the coals at different depths in the #1302 isolated coal pillars, Yangcheng Coal Mine, was monitored using wall rock displacement meter. The field monitoring result indicates that the coal lateral displacement went through various distinct stages: the lateral displacement of the coals at the depth of 2-6 m went through an "initial increase-stabilize-step up-plateau" series. When the coal wall of the working face was 24-18 m away from the measuring point, the coals in this region entered the accelerated failure stage; as the working face continued advancing, the lateral displacement of the coals at the depth over 6 m increased steadily, i.e., the coals in this region were in the stable failure stage.