Abstract
The results of laboratory tests carried out on rock samples of the Kharbalakhskoye coalfield located in Central Yakutia revealed significant secondary changes having taken place in the host rocks containing the coal. Evidently, under transformation processes, it is not only the composition of the rocks that had changed, but also the nature of structural bonds that have a great influence on their physical and mechanical properties. Thus, the ultimate strength values of coal-containing sandstone and siltstone samples under uniaxial compression vary from 20 to 30 MPa, while under uniaxial tension, the ultimate strength values range from 6 to 10 MPa. These relatively low numerical values pertaining to the physicomechanical properties of rocks, which are generally atypical for long-flame coal deposits, are almost 50% lower than those of analogous rocks hosting other coal deposits in Russia. It is considered that the mechanical strength properties of the rocks of the Kharbalakhskoye field are due to significant cryogenic processes. A comparative analysis of the properties of core samples obtained from boreholes drilled in 2019 with samples from a quarry obtained several decades ago reveals signs of transformation of rocks in the Kharbalakhskoye field due to phase transitions of freezing and thawing water.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
