Influence of water saturation on mechanical characteristics and fracture evolution of coal rock assemblage with rough interfaces

To comprehensively investigate the influence of water content on the mechanical and crack propagation characteristics of coal rock assemblage (CRA) with a rough interface, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on specimens with varying water content. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and acoustic emission (AE) techniques were employed to monitor the water content and AE signals throughout the experiment. The physical and mechanical properties, as well as the extent of crack development and acoustic emission (AE) parameters, were comprehensively investigated under conditions of water erosion. The results demonstrate that a rough interface contributes to an enhancement in the compressive strength of the composite material. Moreover, the moisture content exerts a significant influence on various aspects of the composite specimen, including its compressive strength, time b value, crack development, and crack propagation. With the increase in water content, the initial single slope shear failure of the composite specimen gradually transitions into a multi-section shear failure mechanism. Under the influence of water-rock interaction, sandstone within the formation undergoes a metamorphosis from a densely cemented structure to an irregular honeycomb-like configuration. This transformative process engenders novel porosity and fractures, ultimately compromising the rock’s mechanical strength. The analysis focuses on the relationship between the AE parameter b and uniaxial stress and water content, with emphasis on its relevance to damage theory. A damage model based on water immersion rate was established to elucidate the correlation between damage variables and water content. This was achieved by considering the characteristics of water-rock coupling AE and constructing a structural model of the water absorption process in different pore throats, thereby providing valuable insights for stability design and evaluation of roadway rock masses.