Roof falls in coal mines may occur within a few months to a few years after excavation. In this paper, we proposed the use of relaxation tests as a substitute for time-dependent tests. The relation between creep behavior and relaxation behavior was numerically investigated and demonstrates that the material assigned with creep model can show relaxation behavior. Then the relaxation model was developed by modifying the Burgers creep model. Numerical simulation of a relaxation test on a simulated rock model in 3DEC yielded results that were similar to theoretical prediction. A relaxation test was performed on two groups of specimens under varying load conditions. Results from the laboratory tests validated the approach of using relaxation test to determine time-dependent properties. Finally, time-dependent properties were investigated by performing relaxation tests at different stages of a complete stress-strain curve. The relaxation test during strain-softening was unsuccessful; however, the relaxation behavior at residual stage in post-failure region was more significant than that in pre-failure region and the sudden drop in stress indicated there was strength deterioration due to the accumulation of viscous strain.
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