Research and Application of Influences of Lateral Pressure Coefficients on the Extension Angle of Coal Cracks

Fluid-solid coupling seepage fields are ubiquitous in engineering practices. However, few investigations have been carried out on the rules of crack extension of solids under the effect of fluids. By using the RFPA2D (realistic failure process analysis in 2 dimensions), this research studied the influences of different lateral pressure coefficients on the extension direction and length of coal cracks. Also the result can be proved by fracture mechanics, stress intensity factor theory, and sliding crack theory. On this basis, aiming at a coal mine with the mining depth being over 700 m, the reliability of the above conclusion was further proved by testing the crustal stress at the positions with the buried depth varying from 750 m to 1,300 m. At the same time, in condition of meeting the water pressure required by the crack extension, permeability-increasing radius is selected preferably through AE energy index by simulation of hydraulic fracturing for coal seams under different lateral pressure coefficients, and the gas drainage achieves good effect in engineering practice.