Failure mechanism and control technology of deep soft-rock roadways: Numerical simulation and field study

Large deformations such as roof subsidence, floor heave, and two-sided deformations occur frequently in deep soft-rock roadways. The deformation becomes more severe under the combined effect of high in-situ and mining-induced stresses, which detrimentally affect the safe mining of coal. Based on the geological conditions and roadway failure characteristics of the Nanyaotou coal mine in Shanxi province, China, we used comprehensive numerical simulations and field observations to study roadway deformation and failure. The deformation mechanism of deep soft-rock roadways under dynamic pressures is described, and the corresponding control measures are proposed. The deformation and fracture development characteristics of roadways surrounding rocks were explored with a primary support scheme, and its effects were evaluated. The radius of the plastic zone and the displacement deformation of the roadway were studied by using theoretical analysis, and a combined-support design of “anchor bolt + anchor cable + shotcrete + deep and shallow borehole grouting + inverted arch” was proposed to limit deformations and relieve the stress in the surrounding rocks. Numerical simulations and field monitoring showed that the combined support scheme can effectively mitigate the large deformations of ventilation roadways and provide guidance for the stable control of deep soft-rock roadways.