Multiscale damage evolution mechanism and acoustic emission characteristics of sandstone under coupling effects of acid-base environments and dry-wet cycles

Abstract

The migration of acidic and alkaline mine water significantly compromises rock structural integrity, posing risks to safe coal extraction. This study investigated the chemo-mechanical damage mechanism of sandstone subjected to 50 dry-wet cycles under varying pH conditions (pH 3–11). The experiments revealed that the fundamental cause of deterioration is the ionic dissolution of constituent minerals (e.g., feldspar and calcite) and the subsequent alteration of the microstructure. This chemical erosion drives surface roughening, mass loss, and the progressive evolution of micropores into mesopores and macropores. The damage severity followed the order: Acidic > Alkaline > Neutral. Quantitatively, porosity growth reached 4% at pH 3 and 3% at pH 11. Acoustic emission monitoring further disclosed a shift in fracture behavior: while cumulative ringing counts decreased by 53% (pH 3) and 55% (pH 11), individual peak counts surged by 480% and 293%, respectively. This indicates a transition towards concentrated, high-energy brittle fracturing. By establishing the link between mineral dissolution and macroscopic mechanical degradation. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the damage behavior of sandstone in acidic and alkaline mine water and supports safe coal mining in special water environments.

Keywords

sandstone / pH of mine water / pore / rock strength / acoustic emission

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