The petrography,structure and mechanical behaviour of coals

Summary The objective of this study is to determine the parameters which influence coal's mechanical behaviour. The two coals examined (HBL, Simon, France and Barro Banco, Brazil) structurally originated from different deposits. The differences are readily explained by the contrasting composition of vitrain, clarain, durain and fusain. Their mechanical behaviour is linked to their petrographical composition. The Lorrainain coal behavioural pattern was evaluated. It is elastobrittle or elastoplastic with progressive failure. Brazilian coal behaves according to a pattern of elastoplastic with progressive failure or perfect elastoplastic.