A Case Study on Large Deformation Failure Mechanism and Control Techniques for Soft Rock Roadways in Tectonic Stress Areas

Guangzhe Xue, Chao Gu, Xinqiu Fang and Tao Wei
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Guangzhe Xue: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Chao Gu: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Xinqiu Fang: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Tao Wei: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 13, 1-24

Abstract: Large deformation and failure of soft rock are pressing problems in the mining practice. This paper provides a case study on failure mechanisms and support approaches for a water-rich soft rock roadway in tectonic stress areas of the Wangzhuang coal mine, China. Mechanic properties of rock mass related to the roadway are calibrated via a geological strength index method (GSI), based on which a corresponding numerical simulation model is established in the Universal Discrete Element Code (UDEC) software. The failure mechanism of the roadway under water-saturating and weathering conditions is revealed by field tests and numerical simulation. It is found that the stress evolution and crack development are affected by weathering and horizontal tectonic stresses. The roadway roof and floor suffer from high stress concentration and continuous cracking, and are consequently seen with rock failure, strength weakening, and pressure relief. Unfortunately, the current support system fails to restrain rock weathering and strength weakening, and the roadway is found with serious floor heave, roof subsidence, and large asymmetric deformation. Accordingly, a new combined support system of “bolt–cable–mesh–shotcrete + grouting” is proposed. Moreover, numerical simulation and field testing are conducted to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach, the results of which demonstrate the capacity of the proposed new support method to perfectly control the surrounding rock. Findings of this research can provide valuable references for support engineering in the soft rock roadway under analogous geological conditions.

Keywords: soft rock roadway; tectonic stress; numerical simulation; failure mechanism; combined support system; field test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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