Characteristics of Elastoplastic Consolidation by Compaction and Its Effects on Coal Permeability

This paper presents a combined experimental–analytical investigation of coal strain development under fluctuating applied hydrostatic stress. The laboratory setup mimics the isotropic volumetric compaction burial–uplift cycles in absence tectonic Special emphasis is placed on corresponding permeability evolution strata. Our results show that stress–strain path exponential, approaching linear relation logarithmic space with monotonic increase A similar behavior found for strain–permeability space. recovery undergoes hysteresis respect to stress loading–unloading cycle, but not manifest strain. theoretical geomechanical consolidation analysis was performed using an elastoplastic modelling framework. suggests plastic cause cycle. closed loops manifested loading–unloading–reloading are promoted by during unloading and difference rates elastic core between loading unloading. this study helpful understanding mechanism optimizing water seam gas production.