Experimental study on the seepage mutation of natural karst collapse pillar (KCP) fillings over mass outflow

Conduction between the unique geological formation karst collapse pillar (KCP) and the fractures caused by mining in the coal seam floor can lead to catastrophic water inrush disasters in many coalmines in Northern China. It is widely recognized that seepage mutation induced by the migration/loss of KCP fillings (highly broken rocks filling the fractured rocks) happens during occurrence of the KCP-related water inrush. However, roles of fluid path (mining-induced fracture) scale and KCP filling porosity in seepage mutation evolution remain unclear. Here, we conducted seepage tests on natural KCP fillings containing rock particles of different sizes. The filling specimens were deformed to different porosities from 14 to 26% through axial compression, and small to large fluid paths were simulated by seepage plates with distinct pore sizes from 2.5 to 12.5 mm. We found that seepage mutation occurs with significant permeability enhancement by 2 orders of magnitude under a pore diameter of 12.5 mm and a specimen porosity of 26%. There is a strong linear relationship between specimen permeability and Reynolds number (Re) over seepage mutation. The mutation is caused by the sudden collapse of the specimen skeleton and subsequent quick outflow of the particles. Therefore, it is inferred that the KCP-related water inrush is more likely to happen when highly porous KCP fillings are present and mining-induced fractures are well developed.