Article

Soft Roof Failure Mechanism and Supporting Method

for Gob-Side Entry Retaining
Hongyun Yang 1,2 , Shugang Cao 1,2, *, Yong Li 1,2 , Chuanmeng Sun 1,2,3 and Ping Guo 4
Received: 12 May 2015 ; Accepted: 20 October 2015 ; Published: 28 October 2015
Academic Editor: Saiied Aminossadati
1
2
3
4

State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University,
Chongqing 400044, China; yanghy@cqu.edu.cn (H.Y.); yong.li@unibo.it (Y.L.); sun.c.m@cqu.edu.cn (C.S.)
College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
School of Computer Science and Control Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
National Key Laboratory of Gas Disaster Detecting, Preventing and Emergency Controlling,
China Coal Technology Engineering Group Chongqing Research Institute, Chongqing 400037, China;
aguoping@cqu.edu.cn
Correspondence: shugang.cao@cqu.edu.cn; Tel./Fax: +86-23-6511-1706

Abstract: To study the soft roof failure mechanism and the supporting method for a gateway in a
gently inclined coal seam with a dip angle of 16 kept for gob-side entry retaining, and through the
methodology of field investigation and numerical and analytical modeling, this paper analyzed
the stress evolution law of roof strata at the working face end and determined that the sharp
horizontal stress unloading phenomenon along the coal wall side did not appear after the working
face advanced. Conversely, the horizontal stress along the gob side instantly decreased and the
tensile stress produced, and the vertical stress in the central part of the roof had a higher reduction
magnitude as well. An in-depth study indicates that the soft roof of the working face end subsided
and seriously separated due to the effect of the front abutment pressure and the roof hanging length
above the gob line, as well as certain other factors, including the rapid unloading of the lateral
stress, tension and shear on the lower roof rock layer and dynamic disturbance. Those influencing
factors also led to rapid crack propagation on a large scale and serious fracturing in the soft roof of
the working face end. However, in the gob stress stabilized zone, the soft roof in the gob-side entry
retaining has a shearing failure along the filling wall inside affected by the overburden pressure, rock
bulking pressure, and roof gravity. To maintain the roof integrity, decrease the roof deformation,
and enable the control of the working face end soft roof and the stabilization of the gob-side entry
retaining roof, this study suggests that the preferred bolt installation angle for the soft roof situation
is 70 based on the rock bolt extrusion strengthening theory.
Keywords:
gob-side
extrusion strengthening

entry

retaining;

unloading

loose;

bolt

installation

angle;

1. Introduction
The retaining of the gob-side entry is to maintain the head entry of current mining panel behind
the working face to be reused for the next panel as the tail entry. This technology can effectively
increase the coal recovery rate, reduce the roadway development rate, and mitigate the outburst risk,
as no pillar is needed for the retained entry, but rather an artificial filling wall is constructed on the
gob side with a special support for entry stability [1].
Since the 1950s, pillarless roadways have been constructed worldwide, and extensive studies
have been carried out on support resistance [2,3]. Previous studies showed that the gateway roof
rock mass failure mechanism and supporting methods have a significant impact on gob-side entry
Minerals 2015, 5, 707722; doi:10.3390/min5040519

www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

retaining, determining the procedures success. Many researchers categorized five failure types of a
gateway roof rock mass, including the compressive stress failure type, tensile stress failure type, shear
stress failure type, squeezing and fluidity failure type, and geological structure failure type [46].
Based on the above failure mechanism of gateway roof strata, many active support models were
suggested, and a combined supporting technology using a bolt, mesh, and cable was found to be
effective for ground control. It was found that a combined support is unable to control the main
roof in roadway retaining according to the theory of given deformation, but it can stabilize the
immediate roof with the main roof to maintain the retained gob-side entry very well [7,8].
Rock bolts have become a popular technique for reinforcing rock masses all over the world. Rock
bolts are installed to reinforce a fractured rock mass by resisting dilation or shear movement along the
fractures. Nemcik et al. [9] determined that the non-linear bond-slip relationship used in the FLAC
model for bolting accurately matches the experimental data reported by Ma et al. [10]. Yang [11]
divided the anchored force evolution process into three stages and found that a surface structure-like
bearing plate produces a maximum anchorage force acting directly on the surface of rock that can
provide the greatest degree of support. This not only improved the rock mass stress state but also
increased the thickness of the reinforcement structure formed by the anchoring force. Zheng and
Zhang [12] determined the shear stress and pressure stress distribution equation for the anchored
segment and upon studying the stress distribution rule of anchored segment, found that the effect of
the pre-tensioned bolt in the soft rock was superior to that in hard rock. Cao [13] showed that the
integrity of the supporting system that prevents local failure of surrounding rock from progressing
into overall failure is important in rock bolting, so that reinforcing measures should be taken when
necessary. Fan [14] designed a roadway heterogeneity controlling technology on a siltstone roof.
Hua [15] made use of bolt support and anchor cable reinforcement support technologies inside
and beside a retained roadway, respectively, and maintained the retained gob-side entry very well.
Yan [16] used pre-tensioned bolts on a roadway roof with medium and fine-grained sandstones by an
extrusion lockset to limit its vertical deformation for entry integrity and also analyzed the mechanical
mechanism, technical principle and technical characteristics of bolt and cable coupling supports at a
mine site. Chen and Bai [17] used bolts with high pre-tensioning, high strength, and a large elongation
rate and cables as the basic supporting element, a single hydraulic prop with a metal hinge top beam
as a reinforcement support inside the roadway, and a high-water rapid-solidifying material to support
the side of the roadway to effectively control the roof rock deformation with medium and fine-grained
sandstones in gob-side entry retaining.
In the past experimental studies and supporting theory [4,1417], the bolt support is mainly
aimed at the control of the medium-hard roof rock mass, which are generally medium and
fine-grained sandstones in the horizontal and flat seams. The supporting theory also provides
supporting references for the similar conditions of the roadway in the initial excavation stage and
retaining stage. However, the working face end roof and retained roadway roof seriously deformed
in the soft roof rock mass and gentle inclined coal seam with a soft roof rock after referencing
the existed supporting theory. Therefore, to further develop our understanding of the soft roof
failure mechanism and provide a supporting method, the following works were conducted in this
article. First, the roof failure phenomenon of a gently inclined coal seam working face end and
retained roadway were investigated at a coal mine in the southwest of China. Second, the roof
failure mechanism was analyzed through the field investigation and stress evolution law obtained
by three-dimensional distinct element code (3DEC). Finally, a roof support was designed based on
results of this investigation to maintain roadway stability.
2. Description of Field Observation
2.1. Survey of Study Site
The target coal mine is located in the southwest of China. The mining coal seam is #C19, with an
average dip angle of 16 and a mining thickness of 1.1 m. The mining method is the fully mechanized
708

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

longwall, and gob side entry retaining is used, as shown in Figure 1a. The investigated head entry
is
buried at 315 m, with a cross-section of 3.8 m in width and 2.1 m in height of the short rib, where
Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage
resin-anchored rock bolts (20 2200 mm), cables (12.54 6300 mm), and reinforcement mesh
were
and three
of single
hydraulic
supports
with
tophinged
hingedbeams
beamswere
were used
used as
used,used,
and three
rowsrows
of single
hydraulic
supports
with
top
as advanced
advanced
strengthening
support,
as
shown
in
Figure
1b.
The
roof
rock
bolts
are
non-fully
anchored
strengthening support, as shown in Figure 1b. The roof rock bolts are non-fully anchored (anchor
(anchor
length
1.4 m)
m) with
with aapre-tension
pre-tensionofof90
90kN,
kN,inter-row
inter-rowspacing
spacingofof
800
800
angles
of
length is
is 1.4
800
800
mmmm
andand
boltbolt
angles
of 90,
, 80 , 70 , and 60 for different bolts, and the extra cables have a pre-tension of 200 kN and an
90
80, 70, and 60 for different bolts, and the extra cables have a pre-tension of 200 kN and an interinter-row
spacing
of 3200
mm.
1200 mm.
row spacing
of 3200
1200

Figure 1. (a) Schematic of gob-side entry

entry retaining;
retaining; (b)
(b) Schematic
Schematic of
ofadvanced
advancedstrengthening
strengtheningsupport.
support.

According
According to
to aa geological
geological survey,
survey, the
the gateway
gateway roof
roof strata
strata typically
typically consist
consist of
of weak
weak rocks.
rocks.
The
The immediate
immediate roof
roof is
is approximately
approximately 1.0
1.0 m
m in
in thickness
thickness and
and is
is made
made up
up of
of sandy
sandy mudstone
mudstone and
and
mudstone.
The
main
roof
consists
of
more
competent
siltstones
and
silty
mudstones
containing
mudstone. The main roof consists
silty mudstones containing
siderite
Inother
otherwords,
words,the
the
roof
strata
have
strength
stability
and exhibit
siderite nodules. In
roof
strata
have
lowlow
strength
andand
poorpoor
stability
and exhibit
clear
clear
stratification,
resulting
an immediate
roof caving
the working
advancing
as
stratification,
thus thus
resulting
in aninimmediate
roof caving
with with
the working
face face
advancing
as well
well
as
part
of
the
main
roof.
Also,
the
floor
is
made
up
of
sandy
mudstone.
It
must
be
stressed
as part of the main roof. Also, the floor is made up of sandy mudstone. It must be stressed that, at the
that,
at the
working
face
end, thesoft
gateway
softoften
roof affected
was oftenbyaffected
byloading
dynamicforloading
for the
working
face
end, the
gateway
roof was
dynamic
the following
following
reasons:
caving
of the overburden
mass
the gob
and themovement,
gangue movement,
reasons: (1)
caving(1)
of the
overburden
rock massrock
in the
gobinroof,
and roof,
the gangue
collision;
collision;
(2) periodic
weighting
the main
blasting
operationsofofadjacent
adjacent mining
mining and
(2) periodic
weighting
of the of
main
roof; roof;
and and
(3) (3)
blasting
operations
and
excavating
excavating faces.
faces.
2.2.
2.2. The
The Survey
Survey Results
Results of
of Soft
Soft Roof
Roof Failure
Failure Characteristics
Characteristics
The
The soft
soft roof
roof failure
failure characteristics
characteristics of
of the
the front
front abutment
abutment pressure
pressure zone,
zone, the
the stress
stress decreasing
decreasing
zone,
and
the
stress
stability
zone
are
shown
in
Figure
2.
According
to
a
filed
investigation
zone, and the stress stability zone are shown in Figure 2. According to a filed investigation of
of the
the
head
entry,
there
was
a
serious
roof
deformation
due
to
the
impact
of
front
abutment
pressure
anda
head entry, there was a serious roof deformation due to the impact of front abutment pressure and
afew
fewcracks
crackswith
withless
lessopening
opening
over
a small
area
roof
surface,
shown
in Figure
With
over
a small
area
of of
thethe
roof
surface,
as as
shown
in Figure
2a.2a.
With
the
the
working
face
advancing,
the
roof
overhanging
length
increased,
and
cracks
formed
and
joined
working face advancing, the roof overhanging length increased, and cracks formed and joined
together
together in
in the
the roof
roof rock
rock mass,
mass, as
as shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 2b,
2b, resulting
resulting in
in aa decrease
decrease of
of the
the roof
roof strength,
strength, loss
loss
of
self-bearing
capacity,
separation
from
the
main
roof,
and
roof
deformation
and
becoming
unload
of self-bearing capacity, separation from the main roof, and roof deformation and becoming unload
rock
rock body,
body,especially
especiallyfor
forthe
therock
rockmass
massindicated
indicatedby
bythe
thered
redline.
line. In
In addition,
addition, two
two bolts
bolts and
and one
one cable
cable
(B1,
B2
and
C1)
on
the
gob
side
lost
their
support
ability.
After
building
the
filling
wall
and
removing
(B1, B2 and C1) on the gob side lost their support ability. After building the filling wall and removing
the
the supports
supports in
in the
the stress
stressstability
stabilityzone,
zone, the
the roof
roof fractured
fracturedalong
alongthe
theinside
insideof
ofthe
thefilling
fillingwall,
wall,indicated
indicated
as
the
fracture
line
in
Figure
2c.
as the fracture line in Figure 2c.
Field
Field observations
observations found
found that
that there
there were
were aa large
largenumber
number of
of cracks
cracks in
in the
the vertical
vertical direction
direction of
of roof
roof
near
the
end
of
the
working
face,
so
the
roof
caving
occurred
generally
within
a
height
range
of
near the end of the working face, so the roof caving occurred generally within a height range of 1.5
1.5 to
to
22 m,
m, as
as shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 3.
3.

709

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage
Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage

Figure
2. Schematic
of soft
roof
rockmass
massfailure;
failure; (a)
(a) In
pressure
zone;
(b) In
Figure
2. Schematic
of soft
roof
rock
In front
frontabutment
abutment
pressure
zone;
(b)working
In working
Figure
2. Schematic
soft roofzone
rockofmass
failure;
(a) In front abutment pressure zone; (b) In working
face end;
(c) In stressofstability
retaining
gateway.
face end; (c) In stress stability zone of retaining gateway.
face end; (c) In stress stability zone of retaining gateway.

Figure 3. Caving roof near the working face end.

Figure 3. Caving roof near the working face end.

Figure 3. Caving roof near the working face end.

3. Stress Evolution Law in Roof
3. Stress Evolution Law in Roof
analyze the
stress
evolution law in the roof, the numerical modeling was adopted.
3. Stress To
Evolution
Law
in Roof
To analyze the stress evolution law in the roof, the numerical modeling was adopted.

To
the
stress evolution
law in the roof, the numerical modeling was adopted.
3.1.analyze
Numerical
Simulation
Model
3.1. Numerical Simulation Model

Because
of the coal
seam condition and as the rock mass was discontinuous [18,19], 3DEC of
3.1. Numerical
Simulation
Model

Because
of the coalMN,
seam
condition
thetorock
mass
discontinuous
3DECThe
of
ITASCA
(Minneapolis,
USA)
[20,21]and
was as
used
study
thewas
stress
evolution law[18,19],
in the roof.

ITASCA
(Minneapolis,
USA)
[20,21]
was
used
study
the m,
stress
law in [18,19],
the roof.
The of
Because
of model
the coal
condition
and
as
the
rock
was
discontinuous
3DEC
hexahedral
has seam
aMN,
length,
width,
and
height
ofto230
m,mass
100
andevolution
200 m, respectively,
includes
hexahedral
model
has
a
length,
width,
and
height
of
230
m,
100
m,
and
200
m,
respectively,
includes
coal
seams
and
rock
strata,
with
a
total
of
14
layers,
as
shown
in
Figure
4,
in
accordance
with
the The
ITASCA (Minneapolis, MN, USA) [20,21] was used to study the stress evolution law in the roof.
coal
seamsconditions
and rock strata,
with
a total of
14 layers,
as shown in Figure
4,
in accordance
with the
geological
of
the
investigated
mine.
The
Mohr-Coulomb
yield
criterion
for
the
materials
hexahedral model has a length, width, and height of 230 m, 100 m, and 200 m, respectively, includes
geological
conditions
of
the investigated
mine.used.
The The
Mohr-Coulomb
yield
criterion
for the materials
and theand
Coulomb
model
foracontact
were
physical
of allwith
the the
coal seams
rock slip
strata,
with
total of
14 layers,
asmechanical
shown inand
Figure
4, inproperties
accordance
and
the
Coulomb
slip
model
for
contact
were
used.
The
mechanical
and
physical
properties
of all the
layers and the contacts between every two layers are described in [13,22], respectively.
geological
conditions of the
investigated
mine.
The described
Mohr-Coulomb
yield
criterion for the materials
layersAccording
and the contacts
between every
two
layers arecoefficient
[13,22],
respectively.
to the reference
[23], the
minimum
ofinlateral
pressure
is very close to 0 and
and the Coulomb
slip
model
for
contact
were
used.
The
mechanical
and
physical
properties
all the
Accordingcan
to the
reference
[23],
minimum
coefficient
of lateral
is very
to 0 of
and
the maximum
be up
to 6 due
to the
tectonic
movement.
For this
case, pressure
we consider
the close
coefficient
of
layersthe
and
the
contacts
between
every
two
layers
are
described
in
[13,22],
respectively.
maximum
be up
due to tectonic
movement.
Fordepth
this case,
we consider
the coefficient
of
lateral
pressurecan
is 0.5,
as to
the6 gateway
is placed
at shallow
and close
to the anticline
axis and
According
to
the
reference
[23],
the
minimum
coefficient
of
lateral
pressure
is
very
close
to
lateral
pressure
is
0.5,
as
the
gateway
is
placed
at
shallow
depth
and
close
to
the
anticline
axis
and
seam outcrop, which resulting in a much low horizontal stress. So, the state of the in situ stresses is0 and
seam
resulting
in
muchwith
low
stress.
So,
the state
of the direction
in situ
the maximum
can which
be upand
to 6zdue
toaMPa,
tectonic
movement.
Forthethis
case,
we
consider
thestresses
coefficient
x = outcrop,
y = 4.25
MPa
= 8.5
horizontal
y parallel to
longwall
advance
and isx of

x
=

y
=
4.25
MPa
and

z
=
8.5
MPa,
with

y
parallel
to
the
longwall
advance
direction
and
x and
lateral
pressure is 0.5,
as theingateway
is A
placed
atpressure
shallowofdepth
andis close
to on
thethe
anticline
axis
perpendicular,
as shown
Figure 4b.
vertical
8.5 MPa
applied
top surface,
perpendicular,
as
shown
in
Figure
4b.
A
vertical
pressure
of
8.5
MPa
is
applied
on
the
top
surface,
the velocity
the bottominsurface
was
restricted
in all stress.
three directions,
vx = vof
y = the
vz = in
0 m/s.
seamand
outcrop,
whichofresulting
a much
low
horizontal
So, the state
situ The
stresses
of the
bottom
surface
was
restricted
innormal
all threedirection
directions,
x m/s.
= vy = vz = 0 m/s. The
velocity
of theMPa
other
four
were
restricted
in
the
v
n =v
0
is x and
= ythe
= velocity
4.25
and
surfaces
=
8.5
MPa,
with

parallel
to
the
longwall
advance
direction
and x
z
y
velocity
ofshape
the other
fourof
surfaces
were
restricted
in the normal
direction
vn = 0 an
m/s.
The
and
size
the
head
entry
are
introduced
in
Section
2.1.
After
initial
equilibrium
perpendicular, as shown in Figure 4b. A vertical pressure of 8.5 MPa is applied on the top surface,
The shape
size
of the
head entry
are introduced
in once
Section
After
initial
equilibrium
calculation,
rockand
bolts
were
installed,
as shown
in Figure 1b,
the2.1.
head
wasan
entry
excavated.
The
and the
velocityrock
of the
bottom
surface was
restricted
in all
three
directions,
vxentry
= vyexcavated.
= vz = 0 m/s.
The
calculation,
bolts
were
installed,
as
shown
in
Figure
1b,
once
the
head
was
The
rock bolts were represented as built-in cable elements. For resin-grouted rock bolts, the stiffness
velocity
of the were
otherrepresented
four surfaces
were restricted
in the normal
direction v = 0 bolts,
m/s.
rock
as built-in
elements.
(Kbondbolts
) and the cohesive
strength
(Sbond) ofcable
the grout
are the For
two resin-grouted
key propertiesnrock
that governthe
thestiffness
anchor
The
shape
and
size
of
the
head
entry
are
introduced
in
Section
2.1.
After
an
initial
equilibrium
(K
bond
)
and
the
cohesive
strength
(S
bond
)
of
the
grout
are
the
two
key
properties
that
govern
the
9
5
characteristics [22]; Kbond = 3.06 10 N/m/m and Sbond = 2.3 10 kN/m were adopted in thisanchor
study.
9 N/m/m
calculation,
rockabolts
shown
Figure
1b,modulus
once
theofhead
was
entry
excavated.
characteristics
[22];were
Kbond =installed,
3.06
10
= 2.3
105 kN/m
were
adopted
this study.
4in
In addition,
cross-sectional
area
of as
3.142
10and
m2S
, bond
an elastic
200 GPa,
and
aintensile
yield The
4 m2, an elastic modulus of 200 GPa, and a tensile yield
In
addition,
a
cross-sectional
area
of
3.142

10
rock bolts were represented as built-in cable elements. For resin-grouted rock bolts, the stiffness
(Kbond ) and the cohesive strength (Sbond ) of the 4grout are the two key properties that govern the
4
anchor characteristics [22]; Kbond = 3.06 109 N/m/m and Sbond = 2.3 105 kN/m were adopted in
this study. In addition, a cross-sectional area of 3.142 104 m2 , an elastic modulus of 200 GPa, and

710

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage

a tensile
yield
strength
of 165 kN were assigned to the cable element. A stepwise excavation in the
Minerals
2015,of
5, 165
pagepage
strength
kN were assigned to the cable element. A stepwise excavation in the y-direction
y-direction
was
adopted
to simulate
theface
working
face
by in
deleting
blocks
ineach,
five as
steps of
was adopted to simulate
the working
advancing
byadvancing
deleting blocks
five steps
of 10 m
ofshown
165 kNin
assigned
10 mstrength
each,
asin
Figure
4c. to the cable element. A stepwise excavation in the y-direction
shown
Figure
4c.were
was adopted to simulate the working face advancing by deleting blocks in five steps of 10 m each, as
shown in Figure 4c.

Figure 4. (a) Numerical model; (b) Coal seam mining model; (c) Working face advancing;

Figure(d)
4.Immediate
(a) Numerical
model; (b) Coal seam mining model; (c) Working face advancing; (d)
roof grid, bolt and monitoring points; (e) Gateway cross section of model.
Immediate roof grid, bolt and monitoring points; (e) Gateway cross section of model.
Figure 4. (a) Numerical model; (b) Coal seam mining model; (c) Working face advancing;
(d) Immediate roof grid, bolt and monitoring points; (e) Gateway cross section of model.

3.2. Numerical Results

3.2. Numerical
Results
To understand the stress evolution law, the horizontal stresses in the x-direction of points A1 and
and the vertical
of evolution
point A2 in the
y = 45 m, as stresses
shown inin
Figure
4d, were monitored
3.2.
Numerical
Results
ToA3understand
thestress
stress
law,roof
theathorizontal
the x-direction
of points A1
during the working face advancing, and the results are shown in Figure 5. Especially, it can be found
and A3 and
the
vertical
stress
of
point
A
in
the
roof
at
y
=
45
m,
as
shown
in
Figure
To understand the stress evolution law,
and were
2 the horizontal stresses in the x-direction of points A1 4d,
that from A to B Zone, the horizontal stress on the coal side (A3) increases slightly in magnitude
monitored
thestress
working
faceA2advancing,
are in
shown
5. Especially,
A3 and during
the vertical
of point
in the roof atand
y = the
45 m,results
as shown
Figurein
4d,Figure
were monitored
and then reduces to approximately 5.9 MPa, while the horizontal stress on the gob side (A1) drops
the working
faceAadvancing,
and
the
results arestress
shownon
in the
Figure
5. side
Especially,
it can be found
it canduring
be
found
that
from
to
B
Zone,
the
horizontal
coal
(A
)
increases
slightly in
3
instantaneously and appears tensile, and the vertical stress at the gateway central (A2) reduces
that
from
A
to
B
Zone,
the
horizontal
stress
on
the
coal
side
(A
3) increases
slightly
in
magnitude
magnitude
and
then
reduces
to
approximately
5.9
MPa,
while
the
horizontal
stress
on
the
gob side
significantly to 4.5 MPa as soon as the working face advances beyond the monitor points. The stresses
and
then
reduces
to
approximately
5.9
MPa,
while
the
horizontal
stress
on
the
gob
side
(A
1) drops
(A1 ) drops
and over
appears
tensile,
and from
the vertical
stress ofatthe
thecaving
gateway
in theinstantaneously
gateway roof changed
the whole
process
the beginning
to thecentral
roof (A2 )
instantaneously
andaappears
tensile,
the vertical
stressinfluence
at the gateway
centralthe
(A2gob-side
) reduces
stabilization,
until
tensile
wasand
reached,
which will
the stability
reduces
significantly
to 4.5
MPastate
as soon
as the working
face advances
beyond ofthe
monitor points.
significantly
to 4.5 MPa as soon as the working face advances beyond the monitor points. The stresses
entry retaining.
The stresses
in the gateway roof changed over the whole process from the beginning of the caving
in the gateway roof changed over the whole process from the beginning of the caving to the roof
to the
roof stabilization,
until astate
tensile
waswhich
reached,
will
thethestability
stabilization,
until a tensile
was state
reached,
will which
influence
theinfluence
stability of
gob-sideof the
gob-side
entry
retaining.
entry retaining.

Figure 5. Roof rock mass stress evolution law in working face end.

4. Force States of Roof Rock Mass

Here, combining
with
the numerical
results
and field
results,
Figure
5. Roof
rock mass stress
evolution
lawinvestigation
in working face
end. the force states of
Figure 5. Roof rock mass stress evolution law in working face end.
roof rock mass was analyzed to facilitate the failure mechanism analysis of roof rock mass and later
4. theoretical
Force States
of Roof
Mass
analysis
of Rock
supporting.
4. Force States
of Roof
Rock law
Mass
The stress
evolution
showed in Figure 5 experienced the front abutment pressure zone
Here, combining with the numerical results and field investigation results, the force states of
(section A-A in Figure 1) and stress decreasing zone (section B-B in Figure 1). In section A-A, there are
Here,
combining
the to
numerical
results
and
field investigation
results,
the force
states of
roof
rock
mass was with
analyzed
facilitate the
failure
mechanism
analysis of roof
rock mass
and later
lateral forces F1a and F1b parallel to the rock strata and an overburden pressure P1 resembling the stress
roof rock
massanalysis
was analyzed
to facilitate the failure mechanism analysis of roof rock mass and later
theoretical
of supporting.
The
stress evolution
law showed in Figure 55 experienced the front abutment pressure zone
theoretical
analysis
of supporting.
(section
A-A evolution
in Figure 1) law
and stress
decreasing
zone5(section
B-B in Figure
1). In abutment
section A-A,pressure
there are zone
The stress
showed
in Figure
experienced
the front
lateral
forces
F
1a and F1b parallel to the rock strata and an overburden pressure P1 resembling the stress
(section A-A in Figure 1) and stress decreasing zone (section B-B in Figure 1). In section A-A, there

5
are lateral forces F1a and F1b parallel to the rock strata
and an overburden pressure P1 resembling the

711

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

stress Minerals
(A1 , A2015,
A3 ) in A Zone in Figure 5. In addition, field investigation showed that, there are
2 and
5, pagepage
bolt, mesh, and cable support force T1 , reinforced supporting force R1 in advance, shear forces Q1a ,
1, A2 and A3) in A Zone in Figure 5. In addition, field investigation showed that, there are bolt, mesh,
Q1b on(Athe
two sides and gravity G. The force state was shown in Figure 6a.
and cable support force T1, reinforced supporting force R1 in advance, shear forces Q1a, Q1b on the two
In section B-B, the gob side lateral force disappears along the strata strike direction resembling
sides and gravity G. The force state was shown in Figure 6a.
the stress (A1 ) in B Zone in Figure 5, because of the roof rock mass caving near the gob side and part
In section B-B, the gob side lateral force disappears along the strata strike direction resembling
of the the
roof
rock(Amass
fracturing, but the coal side lateral force is F2b resembling
(A3 ) in B
stress
1) in B Zone in Figure 5, because of the roof rock mass caving
near the gobthe
sidestress
and part
Zone in
Figure
5.
On
the
other
hand,
the
overburden
of
pressure
is
assumed
to
become
0
resembling
of the roof rock mass fracturing, but the coal side lateral force is F2b resembling the stress (A3) in B
the stress
in B Zone
in Figure
5, due
the roof separating
maintoroof.
There
are also a bolt,
Zone(A
in2 )Figure
5. On the
other hand,
theto
overburden
of pressure from
is assumed
become
0 resembling
stress
(Asupport
2) in B Zone
in Figure
5, due to the support
roof separating
from
roof. There
are end
also and
a bolt,
mesh,the
and
cable
force
T2 , a strengthen
force R
the working
face
a shear
2 atmain
mesh,
and
cable
support
force TG.
2, aThe
strengthen
support
force
R2 atinthe
working
face end and a shear
force Q
in
field,
also
the
gravity
force
state
was
shown
Figure
6b.
2b
force Q2b in field,
therock
gravity
G. The
forceinstate
wassection
shown in
Figure
6b.
Furthermore,
thealso
roof
mass
stress
cross
C-C
(in Figure
1) has experienced the
Furthermore, the roof rock mass stress in cross section C-C (in Figure 1) has experienced the
stress states of sections A-A and B-B, but, field investigation showed that it will change after the
stress states of sections A-A and B-B, but, field investigation showed that it will change after the
construction
of the artificial filling wall and the main roof rotary sinking, and the lateral force F on
construction of the artificial filling wall and the main roof rotary sinking, and the lateral force Fa on a
the coal
the overburden
pressure
thelateral
lateral
force
on the
sidechange
will change
theside
coal and
side and
the overburden
pressurePPwill
will restore,
restore, the
force
on the
gob gob
side will
to Fb . to
InFaddition,
the
bolt,
mesh
and
cable
support
force
become
to
T,
the
shear
forces
at
the
two ends
b. In addition, the bolt, mesh and cable support force become to T, the shear forces at the two ends
become
Q1a and
1b and
gravityremain
remain the
the same
force
state
waswas
shown
in Figure
6c.
become
to Q1atoand
Q1bQand
gravity
sameG.G.The
The
force
state
shown
in Figure
6c.

Figure 6. Roof rock mass force; (a) Force of cross section A-A; (b) Force of cross section B-B; (c) Force

Figure 6. Roof rock mass force; (a) Force of cross section A-A; (b) Force of cross section B-B; (c) Force
of cross section C-C.
of cross section C-C.
5. Mechanism for Failure of Roof Rock Mass

5. Mechanism for Failure of Roof Rock Mass

Roof failure was affected by many factors, so we will combine them with the failure characteristics

obtained
by filed
investigation,
stress
evolution
law obtained
numerical
modeling
thethe
forcefailure
Roof
failure
was
affected by
many
factors,
so we by
will
combine
them and
with
states
to
study
the
roof
failure
mechanism.
characteristics obtained by filed investigation, stress evolution law obtained by numerical modeling
and the force states to study the roof failure mechanism.
5.1. Mechanism for Failure of Roof Rock Mass in Working Face End

5.1. Mechanism for Failure of Roof Rock Mass in Working Face End
5.1.1. Unloading Effect of the Lateral Stress

AffectedEffect
by theofabutment
pressure
5.1.1. Unloading
the Lateral
Stressin the mining and excavation process, the roof rock mass
is in the yield state, as shown in cross section A-A in Figure 1. The pre-tensioned bolt-cable-mesh

Affected
bysystem
the abutment
in significantly
the mining increased
and excavation
the altered
roof rock
supporting
improved pressure
the strength,
the yield process,
strength, and
the mass
is in the
yield
state,
as
shown
in
cross
section
A-A
in
Figure
1.
The
pre-tensioned
bolt-cable-mesh
deformation characteristics of the roof rock mass. At the same time, the support system exerted a
supporting
system
strength,
significantly
increased
thehad
yield
strength,
and altered
pressure
stress improved
on the rock the
mass,
so the compressive
zone
stress state
to be
altered, which
can the
offset some
of the tensile stress
friction
enhance
the shear
In support
addition, the
axial and
deformation
characteristics
of theand
roof
rockand
mass.
At the
samecapacity.
time, the
system
exerted a
lateral
anchored
forces
shear
strength of the
weak
structural
thewhich
roof can
pressure
stress
on the
rockincreased
mass, sothethe
compressive
zone
stress
state plane,
had topreventing
be altered,
rock mass from moving and sliding along the block structure plane. The pre-tensioned support
offset some of the tensile stress and friction and enhance the shear capacity. In addition, the axial
system controlled the expansion deformation and destruction, preventing roof separation, sliding,
and lateral anchored forces increased the shear strength of the weak structural plane, preventing the
fracture opening, and new crack generation in the anchorage zones, not only maintaining the
roof rock
massbut
from
sliding along
the structure
block structure
plane.
The [24,25].
pre-tensioned support
integrity
alsomoving
forming and
a pre-tensioned
bearing
with a large
stiffness
system controlled the expansion deformation and destruction, preventing roof separation, sliding,
6
fracture opening, and new crack generation in the anchorage zones, not only maintaining the integrity
but also forming a pre-tensioned bearing structure with a large stiffness [24,25].
712

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

Influenced by the rotary sinking of the overlying roof and the superposition of the overburden
pressure, the vertical displacement of the anchor bolt and cable increased significantly, leading to an
increase of T1 . The stress increment of the roadway roof rock mass mainly comes from the bulking
deformation. When the bolt, mesh, and cable apply pressure on the broken rock mass and adds an
anchoring force, the rock mass volume or volume rise rate decrease, and a bulking force is produced
by the broken rock mass that would work the bolts and surrounding rock at the same time and put the
roof rock mass in an extrusion state. As shown in cross section A-A in Figure 1, it is precisely because
of the interaction of the support-surrounding rock, that the roof rock mass presented a failure state
in Figure 2a.
Although the single hydraulic props support the roof strata with pressure, the extrusion state
rock mass above the hydraulic support started loosening on the working face end. In cross section
B-B in Figure 1, the loosening roof rock mass caved behind the support body on the gob side, causing
a sharp reduction of the lateral pressure, especially for the accumulated bulking force. Meanwhile,
the overburden pressure decreased almost to 0 due to the separation of the soft roof from the hard
roof above.
It can be observed that, accompanied by the gob roof caving, the lateral pressure unloaded and
the bulking force decreased in the broken rock mass of the roadway roof, leading to its stress state
changing from a three-dimensional stress state to a two-dimensional or uniaxial stress state, leading
more easily to failure. At this point, together with the tensile stress effect, the rock mass volume
elastic expansion in the layer strike direction caused the generation and propagation of a large
number of cracks and the further failure of the rock mass.
5.1.2. Tensile and Shear Failure of the Working Face End Lower Layer Rock Mass
Through the field investigation of the roof support body layout and its work process and based
on the features of the roof rock mass deformation and failure, it is found that the working face end
soft roof presents the following phenomenon:
(1) An uneven supporting at the working face end roof. A strong mine ground pressure appeared,
causing the significant sinking of the working face end roof in the working face advancing
process, so a single hydraulic prop with an articulated roof beam was usually set as a
reinforcement support. There is uneven pressure on the roof surface due to the low strength
and stiffness of the sandy mudstone and mudstone and the higher strength and stiffness
strengthening the support body, resulting in part of the support body inserting the roof and
leading to a roof rock shear failure with shear stress q, as shown in Figure 7. In addition,
the passive supporting force is too large and does not couple support with the bolts (cables),
causing part of the bolts (cables) to be loosened, affecting the roof rock mass local stress state
and resulting in ultimate rock mass failure.
(2) Effect of local moment. Treating the reinforcement body (individual hydraulic prop and
articulated roof beam, etc.) as the fulcrum, the lower roof strata produced a local bending on
a small scale, but when the fulcrum bending moment (M) is too large, the layered roof strata
cause tensile and compressive damage to the upper surface and lower surface, respectively,
additionally increased the possibility of the support body inserting the upper roof and leading
to rock mass shear failure, as shown in Figure 7.
The two phenomena above are shown in the Figure 1 A-A and B-B cross sections and may
occur simultaneously.
5.1.3. Dynamic Failure
The working face end roof rock mass is often affected by vibration as described above. Here,
3DEC was also applied to study the dynamic failure characteristics of the roof rock mass, the
coal and rock mass physical and mechanical parameters and the boundary conditions used in the
713

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

numerical model shown in Figure 4, additionally adding the model viscous boundary conditions for
all boundaries
make the stress wave propagate or be absorbed to simulate the infinite foundation
Minerals 2015,to
5, pagepage
environment.
Minerals 2015,However,
5, pagepage we alter the length to 1.6 m in the y direction and treat it as a plane strain
environment.
However,
we alter
the length
m in 1,
theunder
y direction
and treat
as a planestress
strainwave
model.
As the location
in cross
section
A-A to
in 1.6
Figure
the action
of ait triangle
Minerals 2015,
5, pagepage
model.
As
the
location
in
cross
section
A-A
in
Figure
1,
under
the
action
of
a
triangle
stress
wave
to
environment.
However,ofwe
alter the length
to 1.6 mtointhe
theroof
y direction
and treat
it assimulation
a plane strain
to simulate
the influence
a dynamic
disturbance
rock mass.
In the
process,
simulate
the
influence
of
a
dynamic
disturbance
to
the
roof
rock
mass.
In
the
simulation
process,
the
model.
As the
location
inwe
cross
section
A-Awave
intoFigure
the
action
atreat
triangle
stress
wave
to
the stress
peak
value
of the
triangle
stress
is m
8 1,
MPa
rise
time
isand
1ofms
and
time is
environment.
However,
alter
the
length
inunder
the
ytime
direction
it the
as
a decrease
plane
strain
stress
peak
value
of the
triangle
stress
wave
is1.6
8 the
MPa
rise
is 1 In
msthe
and
the
decrease
time
is
simulate
the
influence
of
a
dynamic
disturbance
to
roof
rock
mass.
simulation
process,
the
As
the
location
in
cross
section
A-A
in
Figure
1,
under
the
action
of
a
triangle
stress
wave
to
7 ms 7model.
[2629].
Roof
bolt
(like
a
,
a
,
a
,
a
,
a
,
a
in
Figure
4c)
end
displacement
and
the
surrounding
1a1, a22, a33, a4, 4a5, a56 in6Figure 4c) end displacement and the surrounding rock
ms
[2629].
Roof
bolt
(like
stress
peak
of the
stress
wave is to
8 MPa
riserock
timemass.
is 1 ms
and
the decrease
timethe
is
simulate
thevalue
influence
of triangle
a dynamic
theshown
roof
In9,8the
simulation
process,
rock plastic
zone
weremonitored,
monitored,
the
results
are
in Figures
and
9 respectively.
plastic
zone
were
andand
thedisturbance
results
are shown
in Figures
8 and
respectively.
7stress
ms [2629].
Roof bolt
(like
a1, a2, a3stress
, a4, a5,wave
a6 in Figure
4c) end
rock
peak value
of the
triangle
is 8 MPa
risedisplacement
time is 1 ms and
andthe
thesurrounding
decrease time
is
plastic
zone
were
monitored,
and
the
results
are
shown
in
Figures
8
and
9,
respectively.
7 ms [2629]. Roof bolt (like a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6 in Figure 4c) end displacement and the surrounding rock
plastic zone were monitored, and the results are shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively.

Figure 7. Schematic of support body damage to the roof rock mass.

Figure 7. Schematic of support body damage to the roof rock mass.

Figure 7. Schematic of support body damage to the roof rock mass.
Figure 7. Schematic of support body damage to the roof rock mass.

Figure 8. Displacement variation before and after the dynamic disturbance.

Figure 8. Displacement variation before and after the dynamic disturbance.

Figure 8. Displacement variation before and after the dynamic disturbance.

Figure 8. Displacement variation before and after the dynamic disturbance.

Figure 9. Plastic zone of surrounding rock: (a) Plastic zone before disturbance; (b) Plastic zone
after disturbance.
Figure 9. Plastic zone of surrounding rock: (a) Plastic zone before disturbance; (b) Plastic zone
after disturbance.
Figure
9. observed
Plastic
zone
surrounding
rock:
(a)
(b)
Plastic
zone
It
can
be
from
Figure 8 that
the displacement
ofbefore
all
thedisturbance;
monitoring
points
had
a small
Figure
9. Plastic
zone
of ofsurrounding
rock:
(a) Plastic
Plasticzone
zone
before
disturbance;
(b)
Plastic
zone
after
disturbance.
increase in magnitude after the disturbance.

afterItdisturbance.
can be observed from Figure 8 that the displacement of all the monitoring points had a small
Figure
9a,b show after
the plastic
distribution zone before and after the dynamic disturbance of the
increase
in magnitude
the
disturbance.
It can
be observed
from
Figure
8 that theThe
displacement
of
allcountless
the monitoring
points
a small
gateway
surrounding
rock
mass,
respectively.
stress
wave
had
reflections
andhad
refractions
Figure
9a,b showfrom
the
plastic
distribution
zone
before
and
the monitoring
dynamic
disturbance
of the
It
can
beinobserved
Figure
8 that the displacement
ofafter
all the
points had
a small
increase
magnitude
after
the
disturbance.
on the roof
crack surface
according
to the stress
wave
propagation
theory, and
the tensile
stress
would
gateway
surrounding
rock
mass,
respectively.
The
stress
wave
had
countless
reflections
and
refractions
Figure
9a,b show
thethe
plastic
distribution zone before and after the dynamic disturbance of the
increase in
magnitude
after
disturbance.
on
the roof
crack surface
according
to the stressThe
wave
and
the tensile
stress
would
8 propagation
gateway
surrounding
rock
mass, respectively.
stress
wave hadtheory,
countless
reflections
and
refractions
on the roof crack surface according to the stress wave
8 propagation theory, and the tensile stress would

714
8

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

Figure 9a,b show the plastic distribution zone before and after the dynamic disturbance of
the gateway surrounding rock mass, respectively. The stress wave had countless reflections and
refractions on the roof crack surface according to the stress wave propagation theory, and the
tensile stress would cause changes to the roof rock mass stress state and result in a combination
Minerals
2015, 5,on
pagepage
of shear
failure
existing joints/weakness horizons, an extension of critically oriented joints and
propagation of new fractures through previously intact rock so that the integrity of the roof became
cause changes to the roof rock mass stress state and result in a combination of shear failure on existing
poor, the plastic zone expanding into the higher strata, and the ultimate widespread destruction of
joints/weakness horizons, an extension of critically oriented joints and propagation of new fractures
the roof
rock mass [7]. At the same time, the two gateway sides and floor rock mass also produced
through previously intact rock so that the integrity of the roof became poor, the plastic zone expanding
plastic
damage
under
theand
stress
wave action,
but had
small extended
failure
zones.
into the higher
strata,
the ultimate
widespread
destruction
of the roof
rock mass
[7]. At the same
The
above
results
show
that
the
increment
of
the
displacement
and
plastic
was small,
time, the two gateway sides and floor rock mass also produced plastic damage underzone
the stress
wave but
due to
the but
constant
increase
of the
dynamic
action,
had small
extended
failure
zones. load, it can be presumed that the working face end
results show
the increment
of the
displacement
and plastic
zoneunder
was small,
but
soft roof The
rockabove
deformation
andthat
failure
magnitude
would
significantly
increase
the repeated
due to
the action,
constantand
increase
of the dynamic
load,
it can be
presumed
that the caused
workingtoface
softmass.
dynamic
load
the more
cracks are
formed,
the
more damage
theend
rock
roof rockthe
deformation
and failure
would
significantly
under
repeated
To minimize
power damage,
theremagnitude
is a need to
improve
the soft increase
roof rock
massthe
stress
state and
dynamic load action, and the more cracks are formed, the more damage caused to the rock mass.
reduce the development degree of cracks.
To minimize the power damage, there is a need to improve the soft roof rock mass stress state and
reduce the development
cracks.
5.2. Mechanism
for Failure of degree
the RoofofRock
Mass in Retaining Roadway

As
in Figure
2c,ofcross
section
C-C in
stabilized
zone in retaining roadway experience
5.2. shown
Mechanism
for Failure
the Roof
Rock Mass
in the
Retaining
Roadway
a fractureAs
deformation
process
at
the
working
face
end
that
can
be in
influenced
by the main
roof rotary
shown in Figure 2c, cross section C-C in the stabilized zone
retaining roadway
experience
deformation
stress recovery
process
besideface
theend
working
resultingbyinthe
itsmain
larger
damage
a fractureand
deformation
process at
the working
that canface,
be influenced
roof
rotary and
deformation
degree,
causing
a weakening
of its integrity.
After
support
ofand
the roof
deformation
and stress
recovery
process beside
the working
face,strengthening
resulting in its the
larger
damage
rock mass
in the retaining
roadway
and constructing
the artificial
filling wallthe
body,
theirofintegrity
deformation
degree, causing
a weakening
of its integrity.
After strengthening
support
the roof and
rockwere
massimproved
in the retaining
roadway
and
constructing
the artificial
filling
wall body,
integrity
stability
and the
bulking
force
was restored
to a certain
degree.
For atheir
certain
retaining
and stability
improved and
the bulking
forcerecycled,
was restored
certain
degree.
For walls
a certain
distance,
after thewere
strengthened
support
body was
due to
to athe
artificial
filling
higher
retaining
distance,
after
the
strengthened
support
body
was
recycled,
due
to
the
artificial
filling
walls
strength and stiffness, the bulking force would release along its inside. Therefore, the soft roof of
higher strength and stiffness, the bulking force would release along its inside. Therefore, the soft roof
retained entry caved at the man-made constructed wall (see shear failure line in Figure 10) due to
of retained entry caved at the man-made constructed wall (see shear failure line in Figure 10) due to
forces such as the overburden pressure (P), the bulking stress (Ps ), rock mass gravity (G) and the bolt,
forces such as the overburden pressure (P), the bulking stress (Ps), rock mass gravity (G) and the bolt,
mesh,mesh,
and and
cable
support
force
formeda asimilar
similar
cantilever
beam
structure,
as in
shown
cable
support
force(T),
(T), which
which formed
cantilever
beam
structure,
as shown
in Figure
10.
Figure 10.

Figure 10. Roof rock mass stress model of the retaining roadway.

Figure 10. Roof rock mass stress model of the retaining roadway.

6. Roof Support Countermeasures

6. Roof Support Countermeasures

To develop a supporting method for the roof rock mass at the working face end and retained

To
develop
supporting
method
massbe
atanalyzed.
the working
facebolt
endis and
retained
gateway,
the a
deformation
and
force infor
the the
roofroof
rock rock
mass must
The rock
the basic
supporting
tool. First, we
calculated
cable
element
to represent
rock boltsThe
on the
working
gateway,
the deformation
and
force inthe
the
roof rock
mass
must be the
analyzed.
rock
bolt is the
end withtool.
several
different
bolt installation
angleselement
in 3DEC
to find
the bolt
basicface
supporting
First,
we calculated
the cable
to model
represent
the rock
boltsend
on the
displacement
change
characteristics.
Then,
we
analyzed
the
bolt
limit
equilibrium
tension
force
working face end with several different bolt installation angles in 3DEC model to find the bolt end
change features in the retained gateway roof rock mass with the change of the bolt installation angle
though the force balance equation.

715
9

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

displacement change characteristics. Then, we analyzed the bolt limit equilibrium tension force
change features in the retained gateway roof rock mass with the change of the bolt installation angle
Minerals 2015,
5, pagepage
though
the force
balance equation.
6.1. Deformation Analysis of Working Face End Roof

characteristics, the following mechanism for the

From the soft roof failure process and failure characteristics,
obtained:
soft roof support can be obtained:
(1) Providing the roof rock mass extrusion stress and changing the rock mass stress state to
improve their
Preventing
cracks
from
generating
andand
propagating
to increase
both
their strength
strength[11];
[11];(2)(2)
Preventing
cracks
from
generating
propagating
to increase
both
the strength
the affected
roof strata
andstiffness
the stiffness
the whole
bolted
to reduce
the strength
of theofaffected
roof strata
and the
of theofwhole
bolted
stratastrata
to reduce
roof
roof
deformation
dynamic
damage;
Reducing
brokenrock
rockmass
massbulking
bulking force
force and
deformation
and and
dynamic
damage;
andand
(3) (3)
Reducing
thethebroken
maintaining the stability of the roadway roof
roof by
by supporting
supporting in
in time.
time. According to the above points
and the bolt extruding reinforcement theory by pre-tensioned bolts providing a compressive zone
in the axial direction [11], the working face end soft roof mechanical structure should be similar to
<
< << 90.
that in Figure 11 with bolts supporting,
90 .
supporting, so
so the
the installation
installation angle
angle is
is suggested
suggested to
to be
be 00
The distributed axial stress of the pre-tensioned bolts in the extension direction and the lateral
stress vertical axial direction can alter the rock stress state, especially for the thin and weak immediate
roof conditions
conditions[13].
[13].
Here,
we the
usesame
the numerical
same numerical
model
and the and
physical
and mechanical
Here,
we use
model and
the physical
mechanical
parameters
parameters
of theinrock
mass
Figure the
4 toeffect
analyze
thebolt
effect
of the bolt
installation
on
of the rock mass
Figure
4 toinanalyze
of the
installation
angle
on theangle
stability
of the

stability
the roof
mass. Bolt
installation
angles
50 80
, 60 (in
, 70Figure
, and 12)
80 were
(in Figure
12)inwere
roof rockofmass.
Boltrock
installation
angles
of 50, 60,
70,ofand
applied
the
applied
in model
the numerical
and the
bolt endwas
displacement
was at
= 45 m
with the
numerical
and the model
monitoring
boltmonitoring
end displacement
at y = 45 m with
they same
excavation
same
excavation
as 4shown
in Figure
4 conducted,
the in
results
are
in Figure
13.
process
as shownprocess
in Figure
conducted,
and the
results areand
shown
Figure
13.shown
As actual
field bolt

As
actual field
bolt
installation
an angle
in the
mine
roof close
90 , similar
to in
Figure
1b, to
it
installation
at an
angle
in the at
mine
roof close
to 90,
similar
to in to
Figure
1b, it was
taken
as 90
was
takenthe
as analysis,
90 to facilitate
analysis,
and theinresults
are
shown in Section 3.1.
facilitate
and thethe
results
are shown
Section
3.1.

Figure
11. Stress
top supporting
supporting effect.
effect.
Figure 11.
Stress state
state diagram
diagram of
of soft
soft top

Figure 12.
12. Arrangement
Arrangement diagram
diagram of
of different
differentbolt
boltinstallation
installationangles:
angles:(a)
(a)50
50;
(b) 60
60;
(c) 70
70;
; (b)
; (c)
; (d)
Figure
(d) 80.
80 .

Figure 13 shows that:

Figure 13 shows that:
(1) The monitored displacement had a good regularity and the displacement curve showed a
(1) The monitored displacement had a good regularity and the displacement curve showed a
trend of a concave type with increasing as a whole; the vertical displacement of roof was
trend of a concave type with increasing as a whole; the vertical displacement of roof was
minimal when = 60, and the displacement increased when = 70 and 80, but it had a
smaller increment;
716
(2) For a certain , the point displacement increased as the distance to the gob decreased, that is
to say, the roof rotated and sank; and
(3) The displacement is larger under the current anchor installation angle ( = 90) condition; its

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

minimal when = 60 , and the displacement increased when = 70 and 80 , but it had a
smaller increment;
(2) For a certain , the point displacement increased as the distance to the gob decreased, that is
to say, the roof rotated and sank; and
(3) The displacement is larger under the current anchor installation angle ( = 90 ) condition; its
differences were 155 and 321 mm from the minimum displacement.

Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage

Minerals 2015, 5, pagepage

Figure
end displacement.
Figure13.
13.Bolts
Bolts
displacement.
Figure
13.
Bolts end
end displacement.

6.2.
Force
6.2.Bolt
Bolt Limit
LimitEquilibrium
Equilibrium Tension
Tension
Force
Tension Force
ItIt isis known
that the
working principle
of
isis to
the
rock mass
stability in
principle
of bolts
bolts
toismaintain
maintain
the roof
roof
in the
the
is known
knownthat
thatthe
theworking
working
principle
of bolts
to maintain
the rock
roof mass
rock stability
mass stability
early
stage
and
to
control
roof
deformation
in
the
later
stage.
Moreover,
carrying
out
gob-side
entry
early
to control
deformation
in the laterin
stage.
out gob-side
in
thestage
earlyand
stage
and toroof
control
roof deformation
the Moreover,
later stage.carrying
Moreover,
carryingentry
out
retaining
isisaasystematic
project
and
the
roof
deformation
in
the
later
retaining
stage,
when
maintaining
retaining
systematic
project
and
the
roof
deformation
in
the
later
retaining
stage,
when
maintaining
gob-side entry retaining is a systematic project and the roof deformation in the later retaining stage,
the
face
roof rock
stability,
should
be
considered.
After
the construction
of
the working
working
face end
end
rock mass
massend
stability,
should
bestability,
considered.
After
construction
of the
the
when
maintaining
the roof
working
face
roof rock
mass
should
bethe
considered.
After
artificial
filling
wall
and
recycled
reinforcement
support
body,
the
roof
shear
failure
(see
Figure
2c)
artificial filling
and recycled
reinforcement
support
body, the roof
shear failure
Figure
2c)
construction
of wall
the artificial
filling
wall and recycled
reinforcement
support
body, (see
the roof
shear
isismainly
influenced
by
the
bolt-cable-mesh
force
T,
gravity
G,
shear
forces
Q
a and Qb, and the lateral
mainly
influenced
by
the
bolt-cable-mesh
force
T,
gravity
G,
shear
forces
Q
a
and
Q
b
,
and
the
lateral
failure (see Figure 2c) is mainly influenced by the bolt-cable-mesh force T, gravity G, shear forces
forces
Fa and FFbb (reference
in Figure
6c), regardless
of
overburden
pressure
of
forces
Figure
of the
the
overburden
pressure because
because
of the
the roof
roof
Q
the lateralin
forces
Fa 6c),
andregardless
Fb (reference
in Figure
6c), regardless
of the overburden
a andFaQand
b , and (reference
separation,
as
shown
in
Figure
14.
separation,
as shown
in roof
Figure
14.
pressure
because
of the
separation,
as shown in Figure 14.
At
At the
the moment,
moment, the
the roadway
roadway roof
roof rock
rock mass
mass undergoes
undergoes serious
serious failure
failure and
and its
its integrity
integrity isis poor,
poor,
so it loses its rigid body properties. Therefore,
there
is
distance
h
1 between rotating point A and the
so it loses its rigid body properties. Therefore, there is distance h11 between rotating point A and the
upper
upper endpoint,
endpoint, so
soitit cannot
cannot have
haveaa certainty
certaintyvalue
valueunder
underthe
theaction
actionof
of torque
torqueand
and000
hhh111h.
h.h.
the
action
of
torque
and

Figure
14.
schematic of
Figure
14.Stresses-Balanced
Stresses-Balanced
ofroof
roofrock
rockmass.
mass.
Figure 14.
Stresses-Balanced schematic
schematic of
roof
rock
mass.

On
other
hand,
the
roof
had
been
cut
along
the
edge
of
gob
near
filling
wall,
Onthe
the
other
hand,
the
roof
had
been
cutcut
along
thethe
edge
ofthe
the
gob
nearthe
theartificial
artificial
fillingfilling
wall,
On
the
other
hand,
the
roof
had
been
along
edge
of
the
gob
near
the
artificial
so
the
lateral
pressure
and
shear
force
can
be
ignored.
In
the
simplified
calculation,
it
can
be
set
that
so theso
lateral
pressure
and shear
becan
ignored.
In the simplified
calculation,
it can beitset
the lateral
pressure
and force
shearcan
force
be ignored.
In the simplified
calculation,
canthat
be
Fwall,
a = 0, Qa = 0. The stress balance relationship in the layer strike direction and vertical layer direction
Fa = 0, Qa = 0. The stress balance relationship in the layer strike direction and vertical layer direction
are
are established,
established, as
as well
well as
as the
the moment
moment balance
balance relationship
relationship established
established by
by point
point A,
A, as
as shown
shown in
in
717
Equations
(1)(3),
respectively.
Equations (1)(3), respectively.

TTsin
sin++Q
Qbb cos
cosG
Gcos
cos==00

(1)
(1)

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

set that Fa = 0, Qa = 0. The stress balance relationship in the layer strike direction and vertical layer
direction are established, as well as the moment balance relationship established by point A, as shown
in Equations (1)(3), respectively.
T sin ` Qb cos G cos 0

(1)

T cos ` G sin Qb sin Fb 0

(2)

Tl1 Gl2 Fb l3 0

(3)

where l1 , l2 and l3 are the moment arms of T, G and Fb to point A, respectively, as shown in
Equation(4).
b
$

ph1 ` l{2 tanq2 ` l 2 {4

l

&
sin r ` arctanpp2h1 ` l tanq{lq s
(4)

l2 l{2

%
l3 ph1 h{2q cos
where l is the roadway width 3.8 m, is the coal seam dip angle 16 , and the gravity G is calculated
according to the following Equation:
G apn 1qb h g cos

(5)

where a and b are the bolt inter-row spacing, both 800 mm; n is the number of anchor bolts, 6; h is the
study height of the roof rock mass, 1.5 m; is the average density of the rock mass, 3000 kg/m3 ; and
g is the gravitational acceleration, 10 m/s2 .
When T = 6 90 kN, G is calculated by Equation (5). Assuming Qb = 0, it can be obtained
that = 15 and 165 according to Equation (1). This means that, if meets the condition of
15 165 , the anchor tension force T is greater than or equal to the roof rock mass gravity in the
vertical layer direction. Therefore, the roof can remain stable in this direction.
Furthermore, it can be observed from Equation (2) that impacts the balance relationship of
Equation (2) and determines the size of the lateral extrusion force Fb . If 0 < < 90 , it can not only
satisfy the balance relation but also have a greater Fb value, as does the extrusion stress between the
broken roof rock mass in the layer strike direction.
Substituting Equations (2), (4) and (5) into Equation (3) yields:
T

Gpl2 ` l3 sinq Qb l3 sin

l1 l3 cos

(6)

In reality, the lower roof stratum fails more seriously than the upper rock stratum, indicating that
the roof rotating point A is usually above the roof surface. However, as it is impossible to determine
the true position of the rotating A, we assume that h1 = h, implying that the rotating point A is at
the bottom of study rock body. On the other hand, if the fracture roof rotated, the coal side shear
force would decrease more, so we also assume Qb = 0. Then, substituting each parameter of the mine
mentioned above into Equation (6), produces:
sinp ` 31.1 q 0.2584 cos

104.12kN
T

(7)

By analyzing Equation (7), the following results are obtained.

(1) If the T value is small, the right value becomes greater than the left maximum value, so it cannot
meet the balance relationship, and the bolts are not able to play their role in supporting. This
shows that when having a certain bolt installation angle , there must be some tensile force T
of the bolts to make the right value equal the left value in Equation (7). It also illustrates the
importance of the bolts being pre-tensioned when used in the rock mass.
718

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

(2) When takes the values of 50 , 60 , 70 , 80 , and 90 , the relation curve of the bolt tension
T under roof rock mass ultimate stability conditions with an installation angle is shown in
Figure 15a, and the change trend is similar to the curve in Figure 12.
Here, it can be explained that when is kept constant, the smaller the T value, the smaller the force
required for the roof rock mass limit equilibrium under the action of the torque; when the actual
bolt tension values remain unchanged, the roof rock mass have a minimum displacement, which
requires a minimal bolt tension force (Tmin ) for limit equilibrium. For example, in Figure 15a, the
largest displacement or the worst stability is when = 50 and the minimum displacement or the best
stability
is when
= 70 of the roof rock mass. Hence, the roof displacement is proportional to T.
Minerals 2015,
5, pagepage

Figure 15.
15. Relationship
force, and
and installation
installation angle,
angle, (a)
(a) the
the study
study
Figure
Relationship of
of limit
limit equilibrium,
equilibrium, anchor
anchor tension
tension force,
condition
when

=
16;
(b)
another
condition
when

=
0.

condition when = 16 ; (b) another condition when = 0 .

Combining Figures 13 and 15a, it can be observed that when = 70, it can provide a failure rock
Combining Figures 13 and 15a, it can be observed that when = 70 , it can provide a failure rock
mass with extrusion pressure and alter the stress state, and it can also compress joints and fissures to
mass with extrusion pressure and alter the stress state, and it can also compress joints and fissures to
reduce its opening and the dynamic damage at the same time. Hence, it is advantageous to control
reduce its opening and the dynamic damage at the same time. Hence, it is advantageous to control
the working face end roof and maintain the roof stability in the gob-side entry retaining.
the working face end roof and maintain the roof stability in the gob-side entry retaining.
7. Discussion
7. Discussion
The thickness of the soft roof stratum in a gently inclined coal seam is small and its strength is
The thickness of the soft roof stratum in a gently inclined coal seam is small and its strength
low, so mining activities can cause the roof rock mass to serious break and extremely easily cave in,
is low, so mining activities can cause the roof rock mass to serious break and extremely easily cave
producing a great threat to normal production activities and personnel safety. The selection of a
in, producing a great threat to normal production activities and personnel safety. The selection of
pre-tensioned anchoring technique and bolt arrangement style can improve the bulking roof rock
a pre-tensioned anchoring technique and bolt arrangement style can improve the bulking roof rock
mass stress state by preventing cracks from expanding and reducing the roof separation. To meet the
mass stress state by preventing cracks from expanding and reducing the roof separation. To meet
requirements of the retained head entry, a bolt arrangement form is proposed. Furthermore, the
the requirements of the retained head entry, a bolt arrangement form is proposed. Furthermore,
application of Equation (6) can be used for the discussion of the supporting measures under similar
the application of Equation (6) can be used for the discussion of the supporting measures under
coal seam geological conditions of, for instance, different coal seam dip angles, gateway widths, and
similar coal seam geological conditions of, for instance, different coal seam dip angles, gateway
soft roof thicknesses. Because researchers provided more insights into the soft roof failure mechanism
widths, and soft roof thicknesses. Because researchers provided more insights into the soft roof failure
of horizontal coal seam by retaining gateway to set = 90, thereby assuming the caving height h = 2 m,
mechanism of horizontal coal seam by retaining gateway to set = 90 , thereby assuming the caving
coal seam dip angle = 0, other conditions
remain unchanged as above, thereby determining the
height h = 2 m, coal seam dip angle = 0 , other conditions remain unchanged as above, thereby
proper relationship concerning and T, as shown in Figure 15b. It shows that T is much large when
determining the proper relationship concerning and T, as shown in Figure 15b. It shows that T is
= 90 under the high thickness
soft roof and horizontal coal seam condition.
much large when = 90 under the high thickness soft roof and horizontal coal seam condition.
On the one hand, the lateral shear forces of Qa and Qb in the theoretical calculation process of
On the one hand, the lateral shear forces of Qa and Qb in the theoretical calculation process
Equation (7) are not considered here, but the calculation results and the numerical simulation results
of Equation (7) are not considered here, but the calculation results and the numerical simulation
are very consistent. Hence, it is feasible to treat the theoretical calculation results as a bolt support
results are very consistent. Hence, it is feasible to treat the theoretical calculation results as a bolt
reference in the field. On the other hand, only the bolts support is mimicked in the numerical
support reference in the field. On the other hand, only the bolts support is mimicked in the numerical
simulation, without incorporating the action of the individual hydraulic props, anchor mesh, and
anchor cable, implying that the findings present here are conservative.
In addition, being restricted by current existing
technology, it may be difficult to apply this
719
theory practically, as there will be a high degree of drilling difficulty to set the anchor installation
angle to = 70 near the gob edge, as recommended by this paper. However, bolts with a theoretical
value can be installed on the coal side, and for the gob side bolts, can be set as close as possible

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

simulation, without incorporating the action of the individual hydraulic props, anchor mesh, and
anchor cable, implying that the findings present here are conservative.
In addition, being restricted by current existing technology, it may be difficult to apply this theory
practically, as there will be a high degree of drilling difficulty to set the anchor installation angle to
= 70 near the gob edge, as recommended by this paper. However, bolts with a theoretical value
can be installed on the coal side, and for the gob side bolts, can be set as close as possible to the
theoretical value so that they will not be influenced by the roof caving in near the gob, as shown in
Figure 2, and to make the most use of the bolts resource by improving their force. The point of the
roof failure angle decreased as the horizontal stress level increased, indicating that failure tends to
occur around the entry corners when the horizontal stress was low [30]. However, the corner bolts
(like e and f in Figure 12) that are installed tilted to the coal side can increase the horizontal stress, so
they can prevent shear failure around the entry corners very well.
8. Conclusions
This paper analyzed the roof rock mass failure characteristics and their failure mechanism in the
working face end and the gob-side entry retaining, and discussed its support technology according
to the special gently inclined seam occurrence conditions. The following conclusions were reached
from the analysis process:
(1) After the working face advances, it is found that the horizontal stress of the soft rock mass
at the working face end does not exhibit a large magnitude unloading on the coal wall side,
but the horizontal stress momentarily fell, and a tensile stress appeared on the gob side. The
vertical stress in the gateway central dropped significantly, almost down to zero.
(2) The sinking and separation of the soft roof rock mass in the gently inclined coal seam working
face end is affected by the front abutment pressure and the hanging roof on gob side. The
initiation and propagation of cracks and the fractures of the rock mass are produced by the
actions of the lateral stress unloading loose, tensile, and shear stresses in the low layer caused
by uneven support and no coupling support and dynamic disturbances.
(3) The roof rock mass failed in shear mode along the inside of man-made constructed wall in
the stability zone of the retained gateway, due to the overburden pressure, bulking force,
roof gravity, and combined supporting force. The failed roof forms a similar cantilever
beam structure.
(4) The equation of the bolt ultimate equilibrium tension force, a function of the seam inclination,
gateway width, soft roof thickness, and bolt installation angle, was established according to
the stress balance analysis of the roof rock.
(5) To prevent the working face end soft roof rock mass from increasing its deformation and
becoming significantly fractured, and also to maintain the gob-side entry retaining roofs
stability, it is suggested that the gateway roof bolt installation angle be 70 to provide an
extrusion stress, change the rock mass stress state, and improve their strength for better
entry maintenance.
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge funding by National Natural Science Foundation
Project of China (51474039, 51404046, 51404168, U1361205), Scientific Research Foundation of State Key
Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control (2011DA105287ZD201302, 2011DA105287MS201403),
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (106112015CDJXY240003), and Program Supported by
the Basic Research of Frontier and Application of Chongqing (cstc2015jcy jA90019).
Author Contributions: Hongyun Yang had the original idea for the study and, all co-authors were involved in
the analyses work, sample characterization, writing and revising of all parts of the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

720

Minerals 2015, 5, 707722

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