Instability Mechanism Pressure Relief and Long Anc

minerals
Article
Instability Mechanism, Pressure Relief, and Long Anchorage
Control Countermeasures for Surrounding Rock of Strong
Mining Roadway at Large Mining Height Working Face
Deyu Qian 1, * , Hexi Jiao 1 , Jinping Deng 1 , Jingxuan Yang 1 , Mingzhi Jiao 2 , Guihong Xian 1 , Chenshi Yu 1 ,
Yingli Zhu 1 , Jiale Liu 1 , Sen Huang 1 and Binyong Li 1
1 School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
2 The National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Internet Applied Technology of Mines,
China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
* Correspondence: qian@cumt.edu.cn
Abstract: Double-roadway tunneling could mitigate the contradiction between mining production
needs and tunneling speed, which is pivotal to the sustainable development of underground mines.
However, it is very difficult to control the stability of a mining roadway on an adjacent working face
suffering from strong mining disturbance due to double-roadway tunneling, especially at a large
mining height working face. In order to control the stability of the return air roadway (RAR) 23205 of
a strong mining roadway at working face 23205 in the Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia,
we carried out field monitoring, theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and engineering practice
to identify the main factors influencing the deformations and the stress distribution law of the
surrounding rock in order to propose countermeasures for strong mining roadways. The results
show the factors influencing the large deformation of strong mining roadways include large mining
height, repeated mining, stress concentration due to the large coal pillar, and a small thickness of the
anchorage layer in the roof. The stress peak in the central coal pillar caused by the first and second
mining is 23.19 MPa and 27.49 MPa, respectively, and the stress concentration coefficients are 4.538
Citation: Qian, D.; Jiao, H.; Deng, J.; and 5.379, respectively. Countermeasures (pressure relief via large-diameter boreholes in the large
Yang, J.; Jiao, M.; Xian, G.; Yu, C.; coal pillar and long anchorage for roof reinforcement) were created to control the stability of a strong
Zhu, Y.; Liu, J.; Huang, S.; et al.
mining roadway, i.e., RAR 23205. Field measurements indicated that deformations in RAR 23205
Instability Mechanism, Pressure
could be efficiently controlled. The maximum deformation of the surrounding rock was 50 mm,
Relief, and Long Anchorage Control
which meets the safety and efficient production requirements of the coal mine. In addition, new
Countermeasures for Surrounding
roadway layout optimization and control countermeasures are put forward to control the stability of
Rock of Strong Mining Roadway at
Large Mining Height Working Face.
mining roadways.
Minerals 2023, 13, 391. https://
doi.org/10.3390/min13030391 Keywords: strong mining roadway; deformation and failure; stress evolution; pressure relief; bolt
anchorage; large mining height
Academic Editor: Bekir Genc
Received: 27 February 2023

Revised: 8 March 2023
Accepted: 9 March 2023 1. Introduction
Published: 10 March 2023
There are many large important coalfields being developed in China, such as the
Yushen, Shenfu, Ordos, and Datong mining areas, where the coal seams are thick and shal-
lowly buried with relatively simple geological conditions, and the large underground coal
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
mines with high output are characterized by fast mining speed and high mining intensity.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. In order to solve the contradiction between mining production needs and tunneling speed,
This article is an open access article the tunneling of double roadways with a large internal coal pillar of 15–30 m width is
distributed under the terms and usually adopted. However, double-roadway tunneling causes the mining roadway at the
conditions of the Creative Commons adjacent working face to suffer from strong secondary mining disturbance. Under strong
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// mining disturbance, many mining roadways have large deformations and experience fail-
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ ure of the surrounding rock, which leads to the instability of roadways and difficulty with
4.0/). maintenance [1–5]. In particular, the deformation and failure mechanisms and control of
Minerals 2023, 13, 391. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030391 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 2 of 21
strong mining roadways in a thick coal seam are more difficult. Large deformations and
the failure of the surrounding rock in a strong mining roadway seriously restrict the pro-
duction and efficiency of underground coal mines. Therefore, it is of practical significance
to reveal the instability mechanism of the rock surrounding strong mining roadways and
put forward countermeasures for ensuring the safety of mine production and reducing the
huge economic cost of roadway repairs [6–8].
Many researchers have studied the deformation mechanisms and control technology
of roadway-surrounding rock under different mining conditions. Krzysztof et al. [9]
pointed out that the selection of roadway support should satisfy geometric, ventila-
tion, and geomechanical criteria during the period of roadway excavation and mining.
Kaiser et al. [10] measured the stress changes in the mining process of stope 5656 in Win-
ston Lake Mine using multiple stress units and simulated the stress distribution of the
roadway using the numerical calculation program MAP3D, and concluded that the reason
for the roadway wall moving in and floor heave is the inelastic strain of the rock and the
stress of the roadway transferred from the side to the bottom during excavation. Coggan
et al. [11] put forward that the mudstone thickness of a weak roof under high horizontal
stress had a significant impact on the overall failure degree of the roadway, which needed to
be supported emphatically. Rezaei et al. [12] concluded that the nature of the surrounding
rock of the roadway has a direct influence on the stress concentration coefficient. Wang
et al. [13] selected 14 typical roadways (7 under dynamic pressure and 7 under static pres-
sure) to investigate the characteristics of their excavation-damaged zone (EDZ). The results
indicated that the EDZ width around roadways under dynamic pressure was larger than
that under static pressure due to mining-induced disturbance and the effect of unstable
overlying rocks in adjacent goafs. Osouli et al. [14] take the roof instability of underground
coal mines in Illinois as an example, focusing on the interaction between roof rock unit
bedding, the interaction between roof bolts and rock units, and the influence of water
increase on roof deformation and failure. The results show that the roof failure is caused
by the direct roof delamination caused by the large horizontal stress of the direct roof and
the separation of the roof bolt from the rock mass. Gao et al. [15] proposed that the initial
fracture of rock mass leads to the obvious expansion of cracks due to high mining stress.
Luo et al. [16] illustrated how a reasonable blasting pressure relief scheme could improve
the stress environment of rock surrounding roadways and reduce the risk of rock burst.
Shen et al. [17] found that the displacement accelerated and the horizontal stress decreased
significantly before roof collapse. Mo et al. [18] studied the floor heave management of
Bulga’s underground operation and the factors leading to floor behavior. The practical
experience in mine shows that the floor failure is mainly caused by high horizontal stress,
a large buried depth, and a weak floor lithologic structure. Frith et al. [19] proposed a
prototype coal pillar and overburden system that used the in situ horizontal stress of the
support system to reinforce the coal pillar through the surface protection member instead
of simply hanging the anchor cable. Qin et al. [20] found that increasing the supporting
strength of the internal bearing structure, cohesion, and internal friction angle of the sur-
rounding rock and reducing the influence of mining can improve the bearing capacity of
shallow surrounding rock. Yan et al. [21] characterized stress evolution during the process
from roadway stability to instability under different lateral pressure conditions. On this
basis, a single mechanically yieldable prop with high constant resistance was proposed
to support the surrounding rock of retreating roadways in extra-thick coal seams. Xia
et al. [22] investigated the dynamic mechanical state of the mining roadway with 6.0 m coal
pillars under the influence of repeated mining. The results indicated that the coal pillar
entered the residual state and that the solid coal side of the footwall panel became the main
bearing coal mass under the abutment load caused by the mining. Kajzar et al. [23] used
three-dimensional laser technology to monitor the ground displacement in underground
excavation and monitored all the roof and side deformations during excavation. Sakhno
et al. [24] obtained that the nonlinear deformation of the floor would cause obvious floor
heave, demonstrated the peak plastic strain of the floor after bolt reinforcement by numeri-
deformations during excavation. Sakhno et al. [24] obtained that the nonlinear defor
mation of the floor would cause obvious floor heave, demonstrated the peak plastic strain
of the floor after bolt reinforcement by numerical simulation, and concluded that the
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 depth of bolt reinforcement could be determined by the allowable floor heave. Fang and 3 of 21
Li et al. [25,26] discussed the instability conditions of a lower coal roadway affected by
multiple mining disturbances during the mining of a close‐distance coal seam group and
put forward effective countermeasures to ensure stability control. Vardar et al. [27] found
cal simulation, and concluded that the depth of bolt reinforcement could be determined
that the impact tendency of mining depth on roadway excavation can reach more than
by the allowable floor heave. Fang and Li et al. [25,26] discussed the instability conditions
of a lower coal roadway affected by multiple mining disturbances during the mining of
twice that of the non‐fault model, and geological faults in different positions may interac
awith roadway excavation.
close-distance coal seam group and put forward effective countermeasures to ensure
stability control. Vardar et al. [27] found that the impact tendency of mining depth on
The above results provide important contributions to mining roadway support re
roadway excavation can reach more than twice that of the non-fault model, and geological
search. However, stability control of the rock surrounding strong mining roadways due
faults in different positions may interact with roadway excavation.
to repeated
The above mining
resultsin a large
provide mining height
important working
contributions face is roadway
to mining extremely difficult,
support re- which
affects the safety of underground coal mines. Based on the engineering
search. However, stability control of the rock surrounding strong mining roadways due background o
strong mining roadways, for a return air roadway 23205 (RAR 23205) suffering repeated
to repeated mining in a large mining height working face is extremely difficult, which
mining in a thick coal seam in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia (Figure 1)
affects the safety of underground coal mines. Based on the engineering background of
strong mining roadways, for a return air roadway 23205 (RAR 23205) suffering repeated
numerical simulation, engineering practice, and field measurements were used to: ana
mining in a thick coal seam in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia (Figure 1),
lyze the factors influencing the large deformation and failure of rock surrounding a strong
numerical simulation, engineering practice, and field measurements were used to: analyze
mining roadway; reveal the large deformation and instability mechanisms of the sur
the factors influencing the large deformation and failure of rock surrounding a strong
rounding rock; and propose countermeasures for control stability. The originality of this
mining roadway; reveal the large deformation and instability mechanisms of the surround-
study includes the evolution law of mining stress and displacement of surrounding rock
ing rock; and propose countermeasures for control stability. The originality of this study
during double‐roadway tunneling and the first and second mining, and integrated stabil
includes the evolution law of mining stress and displacement of surrounding rock dur-
ity double-roadway
ing control schemes of pressure
tunneling relief and
and the first andanchorage for strong
second mining, mining roadways.
and integrated stability This
study is of practical significance for the stability control of roadways due to repeated min
control schemes of pressure relief and anchorage for strong mining roadways. This study
is of practical significance for the stability control of roadways due to repeated mining in
ing in underground coal mines.
underground coal mines.
Inner Mongolia
200km
Ordos City
Zhuanlongwan
Coal Mine
Figure 1. Location of Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia.
Figure 1. Location of Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia.
2. Engineering Geological Profiles and Deformation Failure Characteristics of Strong
2. Engineering Geological Profiles and Deformation Failure Characteristics of Strong
Mining Roadways
Mining Roadways
2.1. Engineering Geology of Strong Mining Roadways
2.1. Engineering Geology of Strong Mining Roadways
Working face 23204 is located in Mining Area No. 2 in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine,
Inner Mongolia (Figure 2). The thickness of coal seam II-3 is between 3.68 m and 5.25 m
Working face 23204 is located in Mining Area No. 2 in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine
(average: 4.82 m). The coal seam is generally high in the east and low in the west, high in
Inner Mongolia (Figure 2). The thickness of coal seam II‐3 is between 3.68 m and 5.25 m
the north and low in the south. The dip angle of the coal seam is 0◦ –3◦ , and the average
(average: 4.82 m). The coal seam is generally high in the east and low in the west, high in
dip angle is 1◦ . The length of the working face along the strike direction is 5753.4 m. The
the north and low in the south. The dip angle of the coal seam is 0°–3°, and the average
inclination width is 294 m. RAR 23205, i.e., auxiliary transport roadway 23204 and haulage
dip angle is 1°. The length of the working face along the strike direction is 5753.4 m. The
roadway 23204 (HR 23204), are synchronously tunneled, affected by the first mining of
inclination width is 294 m. RAR 23205, i.e., auxiliary transport roadway 23204 and haulage
working face 23204 and the second mining of working face 23205. The borehole core column
is shown in Figure 3.
roadway 23204 (HR 23204), are synchronously tunneled, affected by the first mining o
working face 23204 and the second mining of working face 23205. The borehole core col
umn is shown in Figure 3.

Minerals 2023, 13, 391
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 4 of 21 4 of 2

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 4 of 21

N
N
Goaf 23202
Goaf 23202
Coal pillar (19 m)
Coal pillar (19 m) Return air roadway 23203

Goaf 23203 Return air roadway 23203
Goaf 23203 Haulage roadway 23203
Coal pillar (19 m) Haulage roadway 23203
Coal pillar (19 m) Return air roadway 23204

Return air roadway 23204
Working face 23204
Working face 23204 Haulage roadway 23204
Haulage roadway 23204
Coal pillar (19 m)
Coal pillar (19 m)
Working face 23205
Working face 23205

Figure 2. Location relationship of RAR 23205.
Thickness Buried Borehole

Buried Lithology
Thickness depth/m Description Borehole
/m depth/m Lithology Description column
/m column
White gray, layered structure, argillaceous
12.51 94.97 Sandstone White gray, layered structure, argillaceous
cementation.
12.51 94.97 Sandstone cementation.
Muddy White gray, layered structure, mica
3.03 98
siltstone
Muddy content
White gray,is layered
higher. structure, mica
3.03 98
siltstone content is higher.
Gray - white, layered structure,
22.25 120.25 Sandstone bedding development.
Gray - white, layered structure,
22.25 120.25 Sandstone bedding development.
3.86 124.11 Mudstone Gray-white, layered structure.
3.86 124.11 Mudstone Gray-white, layered structure.
Gray-white, gray-green, yellow-green,
5.84 129.95 Sandstone layered structure.
Gray-white, gray-green, yellow-green,
5.84 129.95 Sandstone layered structure.
1.79 131.74 Coal II-3(1) Black, layered structure, broken.
1.79 131.74 Coal

Fine II-3(1) Black, layered structure, broken.
3.60 135.34 Gray-white, layered structure.
sandstone
3.60
10.44 135.34
145.78 SiltyFine Gray, massive structure,layered
Gray-white, argillaceous
structure.
sandstone
mudstone cementation.
10.44 145.78 Silty Gray, massive structure, argillaceous

4.80 150.58 Coalmudstone
II-3 Black, layered structure, broken.
cementation.
Muddy
2.26
4.80 152.84
150.58 Coal II-3
siltstone Gray, block
Black, structure.
layered structure, broken.
Muddy Black, layered structure, broken.

0.98
2.26 152.84 Coal II-4
153.82
siltstone Gray, block structure.
10.94 164.76 Sandstone Gray-white, layered structure.

0.98 153.82 Coal II-4 Black, layered structure, broken.
1.90 166.66 Mudstone Light gray, layered structure.

10.94 164.76 Sandstone Gray-white, layered structure.
1.74 168.40 Coal III-2 Black, layered structure, intact.
1.90 166.66 Mudstone Light gray, layered structure.
4.33 172.73 Silty
sandstone Gray-white, layered structure.
1.74 168.40 Coal III-2 Black, layered structure, intact.
Figure 3. Borehole core column.
4.33 172.73 Silty
sandstone Gray-white, layered structure.

2.2. Original Support Scheme for Strong Mining Roadway RAR 23205 during Tunneling
RAR 23205 of a strong mining roadway was constructed by a tunneling and anchor-
ing machine. The tunneling section was 5600 mm wide and 3950 mm high, and the net
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 5 of 21
section after support was 5400 mm wide and 3600 mm high (Figure 3).
1. Roof Support
The original
2.2. Original roadway
Support Schemesupport scheme
for Strong Miningis Roadway
shown inRAR
Figure 4. during Tunneling
23205
The roof was supported by six bolts, each 20 mm in diameter and 2200 mm in length,
RAR 23205 of a strong mining roadway was constructed by a tunneling and anchoring
combined with two cables, each 17.8 mm in diameter and 6000 mm in length. A resin
machine. The tunneling section was 5600 mm wide and 3950 mm high, and the net section
anchorage agent of MSCKb2570 was used for anchoring each bolt. Two resin anchorage
after support was 5400 mm wide and 3600 mm high (Figure 3).
agents of MSCKb2570 were used for anchoring each cable. The spacing of bolts and cables
1.
was Roof
1000 Support
and 2300 mm, respectively. The interval spacing of bolts and cables along the
roadway axis wasroadway
The original 1100 andsupport
3300 mm, respectively.
scheme is shown in Figure 4.
Cable
Φ17.8×6000 mm
Spacing 3300 mm Bolt
Φ20×2200 mm
Spacing1100 mm
10° 6° 10° 6° 10°
150 1000 1000 1300 1000 1000 150
300
19°
19°
300
2000
Threaded Steel Bolt
Fiber Reinforced Plastics bolt Φ18×1800 mm
3600
3950
Φ18×1800 mm Mining Pillar Spacing 1100 mm
15°
Spacing 1100 mm sidewall sidewall

1950
15°
5400
250
5600
Figure 4. Original support scheme of RAR 23205.
The
2. roof
The was supported
Pillar Sidewall by
andsix bolts,
The eachSidewall
Mining 20 mm in diameter and 2200 mm in length,
combined withsidewall
The pillar two cables,
was each 17.8 mm
supported in diameter
by two threadedand
steel6000 mm
bolts, in 18
each length.
mm inAdiam-
resin
anchorage agent of MSCKb2570 was used for anchoring each bolt. Two resin anchorage
eter and 1800 mm in length. The mining sidewall was supported by two fiberglass-rein-
agents of MSCKb2570 were used for anchoring each cable. The spacing of bolts and cables
forced plastic (FRP) bolts, each 18 mm in diameter and 1800 mm in length. A resin anchor-
was 1000 and 2300 mm, respectively. The interval spacing of bolts and cables along the
age agent of MSCKb2570 was used for anchorage for each bolt. The interval spacing of all
roadway axis was 1100 and 3300 mm, respectively.
bolts in the sidewalls along the roadway axis was 1100 mm.
2. The Pillar Sidewall and The Mining Sidewall
2.3. Deformation and Failure
The pillar sidewall wasCharacteristics
supported by of twoStrong Mining
threaded Roadways
steel bolts, each 18 mm in diameter
According
and 1800 mm into the field
length. Theinvestigation results
mining sidewall wasofsupported
return air roadway 23204 (RAR 23204)
by two fiberglass-reinforced
in Zhuanlongwan
plastic (FRP) bolts,Coal
eachMine,
18 mmthere was serious
in diameter floor
and 1800heave,
mm in floor cracking,
length. boltanchorage
A resin and cable
failure,
agent of and integral was
MSCKb2570 displacement of the pillar
used for anchorage sidewall.
for each Afterinterval
bolt. The the first mining,
spacing a large
of all bolts
number
in of roof cables
the sidewalls in RAR
along the 23204
roadway failed,
axis was there was severe subsidence of the roof, and
1100 mm.
both sides were severely damaged. Even with overall maintenance of the roadway, it was
2.3. Deformation
difficult to ensureand Failure
safe Characteristics
production. of Strong Mining
The deformation Roadways
and failure characteristics of the road-
way According
are listed below.
to the field investigation results of return air roadway 23204 (RAR 23204)
in Zhuanlongwan
1. Roof broken Coaland
Mine, there severe
stepped was serious floor heave, floor cracking, bolt and cable
subsidence
failure, and integral displacement of the pillar sidewall. After the first mining, a large
As shown in Figure 5a, stepped roof subsidence and mining sidewall failure oc-
number of roof cables in RAR 23204 failed, there was severe subsidence of the roof, and
curred. A bedding fracture of the coal body developed, which often causes delamination
both sides were severely damaged. Even with overall maintenance of the roadway, it
damage and collapse. The tensile stress concentrated in the middle of the roof due to the
was difficult to ensure safe production. The deformation and failure characteristics of the
roadway are listed below.
1. Roof broken and stepped severe subsidence
As shown in Figure 5a, stepped roof subsidence and mining sidewall failure occurred.
A bedding fracture of the coal body developed, which often causes delamination damage
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 6 of 21
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 6 of 21

and collapse. The tensile stress concentrated in the middle of the roof due to the large
section
large span,span,
section as wasas
the delamination
was damage range.
the delamination Therange.
damage roof subsidence
The roof in the local area
subsidence in the
was up to 700 mm, and the roof separation was up to 80 mm.
local area was up to 700 mm, and the roof separation was up to 80 mm.
Figure 5. Failure characteristics of a strong mining roadway in RAR 23204: (a) stepped roof subsid‐
Figure 5. Failure characteristics of a strong mining roadway in RAR 23204: (a) stepped roof subsidence
ence and mining sidewall failure; (b) failure instability of mining sidewall; (c) pillar sidewall failure
and mining sidewall failure; (b) failure instability of mining sidewall; (c) pillar sidewall failure
instability and bolt failure; (d) severe floor heaving and floor cracking.
instability and bolt failure; (d) severe floor heaving and floor cracking.
2. 2.Failure and Instability of Two Sides of The Roadway

Failure and Instability of Two Sides of The Roadway
As shown in Figure 5a–c, the mining sidewall of RAR 23204 under the influence of
As shown in Figure 5a–c, the mining sidewall of RAR 23204 under the influence of
severe mining showed a large area of failure and instability and the failure of a large number
severe mining showed a large area of failure and instability and the failure of a large num‐
of bolts. Under the action of strong disturbance and mining stress, the stress concentration
ber of bolts. Under the action of strong disturbance and mining stress, the stress concen‐
of the roadway shoulder angle was high. The local roof was completely cut at the shoulder
tration of the roadway shoulder angle was high. The local roof was completely cut at the
angle, the coal–rock mass was broken and collapsed, and the roof was netted.
shoulder angle, the coal–rock mass was broken and collapsed, and the roof was netted.
3. 3.Severe Floor Heaving
Severe Floor Heaving
As shown in Figure 5d, the coal roadway with a large mining height and large section
As shown in Figure 5d, the coal roadway with a large mining height and large section
was affected by strong mining: the abutment pressure of the coal rib increased sharply, and
was affected by strong mining: the abutment pressure of the coal rib increased sharply,
the stress was transmitted to the no-support floor through the coal rib. The mining stress
and the stress was transmitted to the no‐support floor through the coal rib. The mining
caused floor cracking and severe floor heaving, which affect traffic and safety.
stress caused floor cracking and severe floor heaving, which affect traffic and safety.
3. Factors Influencing Large Deformation and Failure of Surrounding Rock of Strong
3. Factors Influencing Large Deformation and Failure of Surrounding Rock of Strong
Mining Roadway
Mining Roadway
3.1. Large Mining Height
The average mining height of working faces is 4.8 m. The average daily mining
3.1. Large Mining Height
progress is about 14 m. The large average mining height and the fact that the roof caved
The average mining height of working faces is 4.8 m. The average daily mining pro‐
in naturally after coal mining cause the height of the basic roof fracture to increase. The
gress is about 14 m. The large average mining height and the fact that the roof caved in
rotary subsidence of the above block to the edge of the coal pillar causes the concentration
naturally after coal mining cause the height of the basic roof fracture to increase. The ro‐
of mining stress on the coal side, which aggravates the development of the surround-
tary subsidence of the above block to the edge of the coal pillar causes the concentration
ing rock fracture and transfers from shallow to deep to form a large deformation of the
of mining stress on the coal side, which aggravates the development of the surrounding
surrounding rock.
rock fracture and transfers from shallow to deep to form a large deformation of the sur‐
rounding rock.

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 7 of 21

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 7 of 21

3.2. Repeated Mining
The working face in the second mining area of Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine was suc‐
3.2. Repeated Mining
cessively replaced, with three roadways arranged in one working face and two roadways
tunneled at the same time. RAR 23204 was affected by the two mining operations working
The working face in the second mining area of Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine was suc-
faces, 23203 and 23204. The deformation and failure of the surrounding rock were serious,
cessively replaced, with three roadways arranged in one working face and two roadways
tunneled at the same time. RAR 23204 was affected by the two mining operations working
and the maintenance was difficult.
faces, 23203 and 23204. The deformation and failure of the surrounding rock were serious,
and the maintenance was difficult.
3.3. Stress Concentration in the Large Coal Pillar
3.3. The width of the coal pillar is 19 m between roadways. When the working face is
Stress Concentration in the Large Coal Pillar
mined, the coal pillar is in the area of increasing abutment pressure. High concentrated
The width of the coal pillar is 19 m between roadways. When the working face is
stress causes the development of a plastic zone, the decrease of coal and rock strength, the
mined, the coal pillar is in the area of increasing abutment pressure. High concentrated
crushing of coal and rock mass, and the failure of the support system. The stress concen‐
stress causes the development of a plastic zone, the decrease of coal and rock strength,
tration of a large coal pillar increases the difficulty of roadway maintenance.
the crushing of coal and rock mass, and the failure of the support system. The stress
concentration of a large coal pillar increases the difficulty of roadway maintenance.
3.4. Small Thickness of Anchorage Layer in the Roof
3.4. The borehole detection results of the roof‐surrounding rock are shown in Figure 6.
Small Thickness of Anchorage Layer in the Roof
The borehole detection results of the roof-surrounding rock are shown in Figure 6.
There were many transverse and longitudinal cracks in the roof of RAR 23204 within 5 m.
There were many transverse and longitudinal cracks in the roof of RAR 23204 within 5 m.
The cracks in some sections were more than 6 m, and there were large separations and
The cracks in some sections were more than 6 m, and there were large separations and
fracture zones in some sections. The length of the supporting bolt was 2.2 m, and 6 m cable
fracture zones in some sections. The length of the supporting bolt was 2.2 m, and 6 m cable
was used in some sections. Due to the short length of the bolt and the large number of
was used in some sections. Due to the short length of the bolt and the large number of
separations outside the anchorage zone, the thickness of the roadway roof anchorage cir‐
separations outside the anchorage zone, the thickness of the roadway roof anchorage circle
cle was small, and the anchorage system had weak resistance to mining, so it could not
was small, and the anchorage system had weak resistance to mining, so it could not achieve
achieve the maintenance effect of coordinated bearing.
the maintenance effect of coordinated bearing.
Figure 6. Borehole imaging of roof‐surrounding rock of RAR 23204.
Figure 6. Borehole imaging of roof-surrounding rock of RAR 23204.
4. Large Deformation and Instability Mechanism of Surrounding Rock of Strong

4. Large Deformation and Instability Mechanism of Surrounding Rock of Strong
Mining Roadways
Mining Roadways
4.1. Model Establishment
4.1. Model Establishment
According to the actual engineering geological conditions, the FLAC3D numerical
According to
model the actual
was established, engineering
as shown in Figuregeological conditions, the
7. The physical FLAC3D
and mechanical numerical
parameters
model was established, as shown in Figure 7. The physical and mechanical parameters of
of coal and rock are shown in Table 1. The model’s size was (length × width × height)
coal and rock are shown in Table 1. The model’s size was (length × width × height) 330 m
330 m × 100 m × 78 m. The vertical stress was 3.81 MPa at the top of the model, and the
horizontal stress was 4.5 MPa according to field measurement. The bottom boundary of
× 100 m × 78 m. The vertical stress was 3.81 MPa at the top of the model, and the horizontal
the model was fixed in the vertical direction, and the left and right boundaries were fixed
stress was 4.5 MPa according to field measurement. The bottom boundary of the model
in the
was horizontal
fixed direction.direction,
in the vertical The model adopted
and theand
the left Mohr–Coulomb criterion.
right boundaries were fixed in the
horizontal direction. The model adopted the Mohr–Coulomb criterion.
4.2. Simulation Schemes
The mining sequence of the working face in the model is shown in Figure 8a, and the
specific simulation contents were as follows:

Minerals 2023, 13, 391
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 8 of 21 8 of 2

Figure 7. Numerical model.
Table 1. Physical and mechanical parameters of coal–rock mass.
Tensile
Density Bulk Modulus Shear Modu‐ Angle of Inter‐ Cohesion
Lithology Thickness (m) Strength
(kg∙m−3) (GPa) lus (GPa) nal Friction (°) (MPa)
(MPa)
Sandstone 12.51 2670 6.05 1.35 38.33 5.44 3.89
Muddy siltstone 3.03 2387 4.86 2.43 35.1 2.9 2.18
Sandstone Figure 7. Numerical model.
22.25 Figure 2670
7. 6.05
Numerical model. 1.35 38.33 5.44 3.89
Mudstone 3.86 2325 5.05 2.66 34.76 3.4 2.05
Table 1. Physical and mechanical parameters of coal–rock mass.
Sandstone 5.84 Table 1. Physical and mechanical parameters of coal–rock mass.
2670 6.05 1.35 38.33 5.44 3.89
Coal II‐3(1) 1.79 1430
Density 1.32
Bulk Modulus 0.49
Shear Modulus 30
Angle of Internal 2.5
Cohesion 1.8
Tensile
Lithology Thickness (m)
(kg · m −3 ) (GPa) (GPa) Friction ( ◦) (MPa) Strength Tensile
Fine sandstone 3.60 2365
Density 2.73
Bulk Modulus 1.41
Shear Modu‐ 33.95
Angle of Inter‐ 3.18 (MPa)
5.5 Cohesion
Lithology
Sandstone Thickness (m)
12.51 2670
2387 −3) 6.05 1.35 Strength
Silty mudstone
Muddy siltstone
10.44
3.03
(kg∙m
2387
2.01
4.86
(GPa) 2.43
lus (GPa) 38.33
1.98 35.1 5.44
nal Friction (°)
35.1
2.9
2.9
(MPa) 3.89
3.41
2.18
Coal II‐3 4.80 1430 1.32 0.49 30 2.5 1.8 (MPa)
Sandstone 22.25 2670 6.05 1.35 38.33 5.44 3.89
Sandstone
Muddy siltstone
Mudstone 12.51
2.26
3.86 2670
2387
2325 6.05
4.86
5.05 2.43 1.35
2.66 35.1 38.33 3.4
34.76 2.9 5.44 2.18
2.05 3.89
Sandstone
Coal II‐4 5.84
0.98 2670
1430 6.05
1.32 1.35
0.49 2.43 38.33
30 35.1 5.44 2.5 3.89
1.8
Muddy siltstone
Coal II-3(1)
3.03
1.79 1430
2387 1.32
4.86 0.49 30 2.5
2.9 1.8
2.18
Sandstone
Sandstone
Fine sandstone 10.94
22.25
3.60 2670
2365 2670 6.05
2.73 6.05 1.35 1.35
1.41 38.33 38.33 5.5
33.95 5.44 5.44 3.89
3.18 3.89
Silty mudstone
Mudstone 10.44
1.90 2387
2325 2.01
5.05 1.98
2.66 35.1
34.76 2.9
3.4 3.41
2.05
Mudstone
Coal II-3 3.86
4.80 1430 2325 1.32 5.05 0.49 2.66 30 34.76 2.5 3.4 1.8 2.05
Coal III‐2 1.74 1430 1.32 0.49 30 2.5 1.8
Sandstone
Muddy siltstone 5.84
2.26 2387 2670 4.86 6.05 2.43 1.35 35.1 38.33 2.9 5.44 2.18 3.89
Silty sandstone
Coal II-4 4.33
0.98 2219
1430 1.325.0 2.78
0.49 37.62
30 2.2
2.5 1.97
1.8
Coal II‐3(1)
Sandstone 1.79
10.94 1430
2670 6.05 1.32 1.35 0.49 38.33 30 5.44 2.5 3.89 1.8
Mudstone
Fine sandstone 1.90 2325
3.60 4.2. Simulation Schemes
2365 5.05 2.73 2.66 1.41 34.76 33.95 3.4 5.5 2.05 3.18
Coal III-2 1.74 1430 1.32 0.49 30 2.5 1.8
Silty mudstone
Silty sandstone 10.44
4.33 2387
2219 5.0 2.01 2.78 1.98 37.62 35.1 2.2 2.9 1.97
The mining sequence of the working face in the model is shown in Figure 8a, and the 3.41
Coal II‐3 4.80 specific simulation contents were as follows:
1430 1.32 0.49 30 2.5 1.8
Muddy siltstone 150 m 2.26 19 m 2387 150 m 4.86 2.43 35.1 2.9 2.18
Coal II‐4 0.98 1430 1.32 0.49 30 2.5 1.8
Sandstone 10.94 2670 6.05 1.35 38.33 5.44 3.89
Mudstone 1.90 a b 2325 5.05 2.66 34.76 3.4 2.05
100 m
Coal III‐2 1.74 1430 1.32 0.49 30 d 2.5 1.8

Return air roadway 23205 Haulage roadway 23204
Silty sandstone 4.33 2219 5.0 2.78 37.62 2.2 1.97
c
Working face 23205 Working face 23204
4.2. Simulation Schemes Return air roadway 23205

(a) The mining sequence of the working face in the model is shown in Figure 8a, and th
(b)
specific simulation contents were as follows:
Figure 8. Mining sequence and monitoring lines layout of the working face: (a) strike monitoring
Figure 8. Mining sequence and monitoring lines layout of the working face: (a) strike monitoring
lines’ layout and simulation scheme; (b) inclination monitoring lines’ layout.
150 m lines’19layout
m 150 m scheme; (b) inclination monitoring lines’ layout.
and simulation
1. The stress evolution and displacement distribution laws of the rock surrounding RAR
23205 without support during the tunneling were simulated and analyzed;
2. a The
b
stress evolution and displacement distribution of rock surrounding RAR 23205
100 m
without support under the first mining disturbance of working face 23204
d were simulated;
3. The Haulage
stress evolution and displacement distribution of rock surrounding RAR 23205 with-
roadway 23204
out support under the second mining disturbance of working face 23205 c were simulated.
(a) (b)
RAR 23205 without support during the tunneling were simulated and analyzed;
2. The stress evolution and displacement distribution of rock surrounding RAR
23205 without support under the first mining disturbance of working face 23204
were simulated;
3. The stress evolution and displacement distribution of rock surrounding RAR
Minerals 2023, 13, 391
23205 without support under the second mining disturbance of working 9face
of 21
23205 were simulated.
In order to quantitatively analyze the stress evolution law of the surrounding rock
In order to quantitatively analyze the stress evolution law of the surrounding rock
after coal seam mining, measuring lines were arranged along the strike and inclination
after coal seam mining, measuring lines were arranged along the strike and inclination
directions, as shown in Figure 8. The measuring lines along the strike were arranged in
directions, as shown in Figure 8. The measuring lines along the strike were arranged
front of the tunneling, namely measuring line a. Measuring line b was located 2 m along
in front of the tunneling, namely measuring line a. Measuring line b was located 2 m
the roof, in the middle of the coal pillar. The measuring lines along the inclination were
along the roof, in the middle of the coal pillar. The measuring lines along the inclination
arranged in the middle of the roadway and 2 m along the roof, namely measuring lines c
were arranged
and d. in the middle of the roadway and 2 m along the roof, namely measuring
lines cThe stress distribution in the front of the tunneling of RAR 23205 was obtained by
and d.
The stress distribution in the front of the tunneling of RAR 23205 was obtained by
monitoring line a; the vertical stress distribution at 2 m of the roof of RAR 23205 in the
monitoring line a; the vertical stress distribution at 2 m of the roof of RAR 23205 in the
front of the mining working face 23204 with different mining distances during the first
front of the mining working face 23204 with different mining distances during the first
mining was obtained by monitoring line b. Through monitoring line c, the vertical stress
mining was obtained by monitoring line b. Through monitoring line c, the vertical stress
distribution in the middle of the RAR 23205 was obtained during the tunneling, the first
distribution
mining period in the middle offace
of working the 23204,
RAR 23205 wassecond
and the obtained during
mining the tunneling,
period theface
of working first
mining period of working face 23204, and the second mining period of working face
23205. The vertical stress distribution of 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205 during the sec‐23205.
The vertical stress distribution of 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205 during the second mining
ond mining was obtained with monitoring lines.
was obtained with monitoring lines.
4.3. Stress Evolution Law of Surrounding Rock of Strong Mining Roadways
4.3. Stress Evolution Law of Surrounding Rock of Strong Mining Roadways
4.3.1. Stress Evolution during Tunneling
4.3.1. Stress Evolution during Tunneling
The stress distribution in the front of the tunneling working face of RAR 23205 is
The stress distribution in the front of the tunneling working face of RAR 23205 is
shown in Figure 9a; after the completion of the double tunneling, the stress distribution
shown in Figure 9a; after the completion of the double tunneling, the stress distribution in
in the middle of RAR 23205 is shown in Figure 9b.
the middle of RAR 23205 is shown in Figure 9b.
7 8
6.78 MPa Double tunnelling
Tunnelling 7
6 5.75 MPa
6 6.37 MPa
5
Vertical stress (MPa)
In-situ stress 5.11 MPa 5

In-situ stress 5.11 MPa
4 Coal pillar
4
3 3
Return air roadway 23205 Haulage roadway 23204
2 2
1
1
Tunnelling working face 0
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 40 80 120 160 200 240 280 320
X (m) X (m)
(a) (b)
Figure 9. The stress evolution law of the surrounding rock during the tunneling: (a) stress distribu‐
Figure 9. The stress evolution law of the surrounding rock during the tunneling: (a) stress distribution
tion in the front of the tunneling; (b) stress distribution in the middle of the roadway after the tun‐
in the front of the tunneling; (b) stress distribution in the middle of the roadway after the tunneling.
neling.
It can be seen from Figure 9a that, due to the influence of the tunneling disturbance,
the stress in the front of the tunnel was in a dynamic adjustment process. The coal body
in the front of the tunnel was broken to form a plastic zone, and the range of the plastic
zone was about 5 m. Subsequently, stress increased rapidly. The maximum stress was 15 m
in the front of the tunneling working face, the peak stress was 5.75 MPa, and the stress

concentration coefficient was 1.125. Subsequently, the stress decreased slowly, and the 40 m
in the front of the tunneling working face was reduced to the in situ stress.
It can be seen from Figure 9b that the stress in the coal pillar and working faces 23204
and 23205 was symmetrically distributed after HR 23204 and RAR 23205 tunneling. The
stress in the coal pillar was significantly higher than that in the working face. The peak
stress in the coal pillar was 6.78 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient was 1.327.
The peak stress was in the middle of the coal pillar, 9.5 m away from the sidewall of the
concentration coefficient was 1.125. Subsequently, the stress decreased slowly, and the 40
m in the front of the tunneling working face was reduced to the in situ stress.
It can be seen from Figure 9b that the stress in the coal pillar and working faces 23204
and 23205 was symmetrically distributed after HR 23204 and RAR 23205 tunneling. The
stress in the coal pillar was significantly higher than that in the working face. The peak
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 10 of 21
stress in the coal pillar was 6.78 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient was 1.327.
The peak stress was in the middle of the coal pillar, 9.5 m away from the sidewall of the
roadway. The peak stress on the solid coal side at HR 23204 and RAR 23205 was 6.37 MPa,
and the stress concentration coefficient was 1.247, 12 m away from the roadway side.
roadway. The peak stress on the solid coal side at HR 23204 and RAR 23205 was 6.37 MPa,
and the stress concentration coefficient was 1.247, 12 m away from the roadway side.
4.3.2. Stress Evolution during the First Mining
4.3.2.According to the field measurement of the initial weighting interval of 40 m during
Stress Evolution during the First Mining
According to the field measurement of the initial weighting interval of 40 m during
the mining period of working face 23204, the stress distribution law of the surrounding
the mining period of working face 23204, the stress distribution law of the surrounding
rock was simulated for 25 m and 50 m along working face 23204.
rock During the first mining, the vertical stress distribution was 2 m along the roof of RAR
was simulated for 25 m and 50 m along working face 23204.
During the first mining, the vertical stress distribution was 2 m along the roof of RAR
23205 in the front of the working face 23204 with different mining distances, as shown in
23205 in the front of the working face 23204 with different mining distances, as shown in
Figure 10a, and the vertical stress distribution in the middle of RAR 23205 is shown in
Figure 10a, and the vertical stress distribution in the middle of RAR 23205 is shown in
Figure 10b.
Figure 10b.
26
25 23.19 MPa First Mining
24
22.5 MPa Mining 25 m
Mining 50 m 20
22
20 Coal pillar
18.9 MPa 15
18 10.62 MPa
10 Goaf 23204
16
Working face 23205
14 5
Mining working face

12
0
10
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
X (m) X (m)
(a) (b)
Figure 10. Stress evolution law of surrounding rock during the first mining: (a) the vertical stress
Figure 10. Stress evolution law of surrounding rock during the first mining: (a) the vertical stress
distribution at 2 m from the roof in the middle of the coal pillar in the front of the working face with
distribution at 2 m from the roof in the middle of the coal pillar in the front of the working face with
different mining distances; (b) the vertical stress distribution in the middle sidewalls of RAR 23205.
different mining distances; (b) the vertical stress distribution in the middle sidewalls of RAR 23205.
It can be seen from Figure 10a that the influence of mining not only formed a stress
It can be seen from Figure 10a that the influence of mining not only formed a stress
concentration in the coal pillar but also caused an increase in stress near the goaf in the
concentration in the coal pillar but also caused an increase in stress near the goaf in the
front of the mining face. The stress concentration area moved forward with the mining of
front of the mining face. The stress concentration area moved forward with the mining of
the working face. Due to the influence of mining disturbance, the coal mass in the mining
the working face. Due to the influence of mining disturbance, the coal mass in the mining
face was loose and broke to form a plastic zone; the stress increased rapidly in the front of
face was loose and broke to form a plastic zone; the stress increased rapidly in the front
the working face, reached a peak at 8–9 m in the front of the working face, and then de‐
of the working face, reached a peak at 8–9 m in the front of the working face, and then
creased gradually. The peak stress was 18.8 MPa and 22.3 MPa at 25 m and 50 m of the
decreased gradually. The peak stress was 18.8 MPa and 22.3 MPa at 25 m and 50 m of the
working face, respectively. The roof did not collapse at 25 m of the working face mining.
working face, respectively. The roof did not collapse at 25 m of the working face mining.
Therefore, the stress disturbance was significantly less than that at 50 m of working face
mining. Although the stress peak was different due to different engineering disturbance
intensities, the stress evolution laws were the same.
According to Figure 10b, the movement space caused by roof breaking due to the
mining effect was sufficient, and the stress in the coal pillar increased sharply due to the
strong disturbance. The peak stress was 23.19 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient
reached 4.538. The peak stress was 6 m away from the pillar sidewall of goaf 23204 and
13 m away from the pillar sidewall of RAR 23205, and the peak position range was 9–13 m.
The peak stress of the mining sidewall was 10.62 MPa, the stress concentration coefficient
was 2.078, and the stress was only 45.8% of the pillar sidewall. The peak stress was 6.2 m
from the roadway. The influence of the main roof fracture on the mining sidewall was
significantly less than that of the pillar sidewall when working face 23204 was mined, but
the peak stress of the roadway was significantly greater than that of the tunneling period.
m away from the pillar sidewall of RAR 23205, and the peak position range was 9–13 m.
The peak stress of the mining sidewall was 10.62 MPa, the stress concentration coefficient
was 2.078, and the stress was only 45.8% of the pillar sidewall. The peak stress was 6.2 m
from the roadway. The influence of the main roof fracture on the mining sidewall was
Minerals 2023, 13, 391
significantly less than that of the pillar sidewall when working face 23204 was mined, but
11 of 21
the peak stress of the roadway was significantly greater than that of the tunneling period.
4.3.3. Stress Evolution during the Second Mining
4.3.3. Stress Evolution during the Second Mining
During the second mining of working face 23205, the vertical stress distribution in
During the second mining of working face 23205, the vertical stress distribution in the
the middle of the roadway and 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205 is shown in Figure 11a,b
middle of the roadway and 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205 is shown in
respectively.
Figure 11a,b respectively.
30 First mining
27.49 MPa First mining 25 23.48 MPa
Second mining Second mining
25 23.19 MPa 21.25 MPa
20

20
Coal pillar Return air roadway 23205
14.98 MPa 15
15
10.62 MPa
10 10
Coal pillar
5 5
Working face 23205
0 Goaf 23204 Working face 23205
0 168.5 m Goaf 23204
168.5 m
-5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
X (m) X (m)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 11.
11. Stress
Stress evolution
evolution law
law of
of surrounding
surrounding rock
rock during
during the
the second
second mining
mining of
of working
working face
face
23205: (a) the vertical stress distribution in the middle sidewalls of RAR 23205; (b) the vertical stress
23205: (a) the vertical stress distribution in the middle sidewalls of RAR 23205; (b) the vertical stress
distribution 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205.
distribution 2 m along the roof of RAR 23205.
When RAR 23205 was disturbed by mining, the peak stress in the middle of the road‐
When RAR 23205 was disturbed by mining, the peak stress in the middle of the
way was significantly higher than that on the roof. It can be seen from Figure 11a that,
roadway was significantly higher than that on the roof. It can be seen from Figure 11a
after the mining
that, after of the
the mining working
of the face
working 23204,
face with
23204, withthe
theinitial
initialbreaking
breakingand
andthe
the periodic
periodic
weighting of the roof, the cantilever beam structure of the goaf caused the stress to in‐
weighting of the roof, the cantilever beam structure of the goaf caused the stress to increase
crease sharply in the front of the working face. The peak stress of the coal pillar under the
sharply in the front of the working face. The peak stress of the coal pillar under the
first mining was 23.19 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient was 4.538. In the min‐
first mining was 23.19 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient was 4.538. In the
ing process of working face 23205, the peak stress in the coal pillar increased again; the
mining process of working face 23205, the peak stress in the coal pillar increased again; the
peak value reached 27.49 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient increased to 5.379.
peak value reached 27.49 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient increased to 5.379.
Compared with the first mining period, the stress increased by 18.54% during the second
Compared with the first mining period, the stress increased by 18.54% during the second
mining period; the peak stress in the coal pillar was 10.5 m away from the pillar sidewall
mining period; the peak stress in the coal pillar was 10.5 m away from the pillar sidewall
and
and 8.5
8.5 m
m away
away from the goaf. The
from the goaf. The peak
peak stress
stress range
range of
of the
the coal
coal pillar
pillar during
during the first
the first
mining and the second mining was 8–13 m and 7–13 m, respectively. The stress peak val‐
mining and the second mining was 8–13 m and 7–13 m, respectively. The stress peak values
ues of the solid coal side during the first mining and the second stress were 10.62 MPa
of the solid coal side during the first mining and the second stress were 10.62 MPa and
14.98 MPa, respectively. Compared with the first mining period, the peak stress during the
second mining period increased by 41.05%. The peak stress point moved from 9 m to 11 m
away from RAR 23205, i.e., it moved 2 m deeper into the coal body.
It can be seen from Figure 11b that, after the mining of working face 23204, the peak
stress in the coal pillar at 2 m of the roof was 21.25 MPa, and the stress concentration
coefficient was 4.159. During the mining process of working face 23205, the peak stress in
the coal pillar increased to 23.48 MPa, and the stress concentration coefficient was 4.595.
Compared with the first mining, the stress increased by 10.49% during the second mining.
Comprehensive analysis shows that the influence of the second mining disturbance
on RAR 23205 was more severe. The damage caused by the lateral abutment pressure
caused by the second mining on the roadway-surrounding rock was far greater than that
caused by the tunneling and first mining. There was a trend of sudden instability for
roadway-surrounding rock, and the difficulty of road maintenance significantly increased.
Compared with the first mining, the stress increased by 10.49% during the second mining.
Comprehensive analysis shows that the influence of the second mining disturbance
on RAR 23205 was more severe. The damage caused by the lateral abutment pressure
caused by the second mining on the roadway‐surrounding rock was far greater than that
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 caused by the tunneling and first mining. There was a trend of sudden instability for road‐
12 of 21
way‐surrounding rock, and the difficulty of road maintenance significantly increased.
4.4. Displacement Distribution Law of Roadway‐Surrounding Rock under Strong Mining
4.4. Displacement Distribution Law of Roadway-Surrounding Rock under Strong Mining
4.4.1. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after Tunneling
4.4.1. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after Tunneling
The displacement distribution of the roadway after double tunneling is shown in Fig‐
The displacement distribution of the roadway after double tunneling is shown in
ure 12. 12.
Figure
(a) (b)
Figure 12. Displacement distribution of roadways after tunneling: (a) vertical displacement distri‐
Figure 12. Displacement distribution of roadways after tunneling: (a) vertical displacement distribu-
bution; (b) horizontal displacement distribution.
tion; (b) horizontal displacement distribution.
It can be seen in Figure 12 that the roof subsidence of RAR 23205 was 75.29 mm, the
It can be seen in Figure 12 that the roof subsidence of RAR 23205 was 75.29 mm, the
floor heave was 11.01 mm, and the deformation of the mining sidewall and pillar sidewall
floor heave was 11.01 mm, and the deformation of the mining sidewall and pillar sidewall
was 104.89 mm after the double tunneling. The deformation of the roadway‐surrounding
was 104.89 mm after the double tunneling. The deformation of the roadway-surrounding
rock was mainly in the horizontal direction during the tunneling; the deformation trend
rock was mainly in the horizontal direction during the tunneling; the deformation trend of
of the surrounding rock of HR 23204 was the same as that of RAR 23205, and the defor‐
the surrounding rock of HR 23204 was the same as that of RAR 23205, and the deformation
mation was symmetrical with respect to the coal pillar.
was symmetrical with respect to the coal pillar.
4.4.2. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after the First Mining
4.4.2. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after the First Mining
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 13 of 21
The distribution law of surrounding rock displacement of RAR 23205 after the min‐
The distribution law of surrounding rock displacement of RAR 23205 after the mining
ing of working face 232004 is shown in Figure 13.
of working face 232004 is shown in Figure 13.
(a) (b)
Figure 13. Displacement distribution of RAR 23205 after first mining: (a) vertical displacement dis‐
Figure 13. Displacement distribution of RAR 23205 after first mining: (a) vertical displacement
tribution; (b) horizontal displacement distribution.
distribution; (b) horizontal displacement distribution.
In Figure 13, it can be seen that the disturbance of working face 23204 mining on the
In Figure 13, it can be seen that the disturbance of working face 23204 mining on the
roadway was much greater than that of the tunneling. After first mining, the deformation of
roadway was much greater than that of the tunneling. After first mining, the deformation
the rock surrounding RAR 23205 increased greatly: the roof deformation reached 262.9 mm,
of the rock surrounding RAR 23205 increased greatly: the roof deformation reached 262.9
and the floor heave was 64.9 mm. The cumulative deformation of the mining sidewall
mm, and the floor heave was 64.9 mm. The cumulative deformation of the mining side‐
and and
wall the pillar sidewall
the pillar reached
sidewall 133.5 mm
reached andmm
133.5 563.4and
mm, respectively.
563.4 Compared with
mm, respectively. the
Compared
tunneling period, the subsidence of roadway roofs and the deformation of pillar
with the tunneling period, the subsidence of roadway roofs and the deformation of pillar sidewalls
significantly increased, so the support of the roof and pillar sidewall should be strengthened
sidewalls significantly increased, so the support of the roof and pillar sidewall should be
or reinforced before the first mining.
strengthened or reinforced before the first mining.
4.4.3. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after the Second Mining
The surrounding rock deformation statistics of the double tunneling, working face
mining 23204 (the first mining) and working face mining 23205 (the second mining) are
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 13 of 21
4.4.3. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after the Second Mining

The surrounding rock deformation statistics of the double tunneling, working face
mining 23204 (the first mining) and working face mining 23205 (the second mining) are
summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Deformation of the roadway-surrounding rock under different engineering disturbance
(unit: mm).
The Tun- The First The Second Mining (Distance from Working Face 23205)
Surrounding Rock
neling Mining 0m 10 m 20 m 30 m 40 m 50 m 60 m
Roof 75.29 262.9 462.58 420.07 382.77 353.63 336.93 326.89 312.9
Floor 16.07 64.9 99.91 92.22 86.97 83.55 78.54 75.83 69.62
Pillar sidewall 104.89 563.4 737.07 709.65 671.27 649.67 625.38 614.18 598.86
Mining sidewall 104.89 133.5 216.67 208.09 198.97 186.85 181.65 165.31 159.66
It can be seen from Table 2 that the deformation of the roof, floor, and two sides
were 75.29 mm, 11.07 mm, and 104.89 mm, respectively, during double tunneling, and the
deformation of the roadway was mainly evident on the two sidewalls.
During the mining of working face 23204, the deformations of the roof, floor, pillar
sidewall, and mining sidewall increased by 249.2%, 303.9%, 437.1%, and 27.28%, respec-
tively, compared with the tunneling. The roadway-surrounding rock deformation affected
by the first mining was mainly the roof and the pillar sidewall. The deformation of the
surrounding rock caused by the first mining was much greater than that of the tunneling.
During the mining of working face 23205, the deformation of the roadway-surrounding
rock at the working face changed significantly. The deformation of the roof, floor, pillar
sidewall, and mining sidewall increased by 75.9%, 43.2%, 30.8%, and 62.2%, respectively,
compared with the first mining. At the same time, the deformation of the roof, floor, pillar
sidewall, and mining sidewall gradually increased from 312.9 mm, 69.62 mm, 598.86 mm,
and 159.66 mm at 60 m in the front of the working face in 23205 to 462.58 mm, 99.91 mm,
737.07 mm, and 216.67 mm at the head of the working face. The surrounding rock de-
formation of RAR 23205 affected by the second mining was much greater than that of
the tunneling and the first mining; the deformation of the pillar sidewall and roof was
especially severe, and the influence of the second mining greatly increased the difficulty
of roadway maintenance. Therefore, in order to meet the needs of rapid mining and safe
production of the working face, self-moving hydraulic support should be used to support
the roof of RAR 23205 in front of the second mining working face.
The deformation and displacement of roadway-surrounding rock at different distances
from the front of working face 23205 during the second mining are shown in Figure 14.
According to Figure 14, the displacement of RAR 23205 in the front of the working
face decreased gradually with the increase in the distance from the working face. The
deformation and failure of the roadway-surrounding rock were mainly caused by hori-
zontal deformation of the pillar sidewall. The displacement of the pillar sidewall reached
737.07 mm, and the roof subsidence was serious. There was no timely support for RAR
23205 in the front of the working face, or the support strength was too low, so the roof was
prone to overall subsidence or stepped subsidence at the roadway shoulder corner before
the mining of working face 23205.
of roadway maintenance. Therefore, in order to meet the needs of rapid mining and safe
production of the working face, self‐moving hydraulic support should be used to support
the roof of RAR 23205 in front of the second mining working face.
The deformation and displacement of roadway‐surrounding rock at different dis‐
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 tances from the front of working face 23205 during the second mining are shown in Figure
14 of 21
14.
700
Roof
600 Floor
Pillar sidewall
Displacement(mm) Mining sidewall
500
400
300
200
100
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Distance from Working face 23205(m)
Figure 14. Displacement of the roadway‐surrounding rock at different distances from the front of
Figure 14. Displacement of the roadway-surrounding rock at different distances from the front of
working face 23205 during the second mining.
working face 23205 during the second mining.
5. Pressure Relief and Anchorage Control Schemes and Engineering Practice

According to Figure 14, the displacement of RAR 23205 in the front of the working
5.1. Control Technology for Surrounding Rock of Strong Mining Roadways
face decreased gradually with the increase in the distance from the working face. The de‐
According to the analysis results on mine pressure behavior, borehole surrounding rock
formation and failure of the roadway‐surrounding rock were mainly caused by horizontal
structure detection, mining stress distribution characteristics, and roadway-surrounding
deformation of the pillar sidewall. The displacement of the pillar sidewall reached 737.07
rock failure and instability mechanisms of RAR 23204, a pressure relief and anchorage
mm, and the roof subsidence was serious. There was no timely support for RAR 23205 in
integrated stability control technology is proposed for RAR 23205.
the front of the working face, or the support strength was too low, so the roof was prone
The stress environment of surrounding rock is improved by a pressure relief zone
to overall subsidence or stepped subsidence at the roadway shoulder corner before the
formed by a large-diameter borehole, and the expansion deformation of surrounding rock
mining of working face 23205.
is absorbed to reduce deformation. At the same time, a short bolt and long cable are used
for layered support. The bolts and cables are anchored in different strata. The bolts form a
shallow bearing layer in the shallow part of the roadway to prevent the loss and breakage
5. Pressure Relief and Anchorage Control Schemes and Engineering Practice
of the shallow coal (rock) body. The cables construct the strengthened bearing layer, which
5.1. Control Technology for Surrounding Rock of Strong Mining Roadways
limits the separation of the shallow bearing layer. The shallow and deep bearing layers
According to the analysis results on mine pressure behavior, borehole surrounding
jointly construct a thick bearing layer of the surrounding rock with high strength and
rock structure
give full detection,
play to the mining of
bearing efficiency stress distribution
the surrounding characteristics,
rock of the roadwayand roadway‐sur‐
to limit the
deformation of the surrounding rock [28,29].
rounding rock failure and instability mechanisms of RAR 23204, a pressure relief and an‐
chorage integrated stability control technology is proposed for RAR 23205.
5.2. Reinforcement Schemes of Strong Mining Roadways
The stress environment of surrounding rock is improved by a pressure relief zone
The net width and net height of RAR 23205 are 5.4 m and 3.6 m, respectively. The
formed by a large‐diameter borehole, and the expansion deformation of surrounding rock
reinforcement schemes for RAR 23205 are shown in Figure 15.
is absorbed to reduce deformation. At the same time, a short bolt and long cable are used
1. Long anchorage for roof reinforcement
for layered support. The bolts and cables are anchored in different strata. The bolts form
a shallow bearing layer in the shallow part of the roadway to prevent the loss and break‐
The roof is reinforced by prestressed cable beams consisting of T steel strips of 3200 mm
in length and two cables, each Φ17.8 mm in diameter and 6000 mm in length. The spacing
age of the shallow coal (rock) body. The cables construct the strengthened bearing layer
of the cables is 3300 mm. The pre-tightening force of the cable is not less than 150 kN.
which limits the separation of the shallow bearing layer. The shallow and deep bearing
2. Pillar sidewall reinforcement
The coal pillar is reinforced with one threaded steel bolt, Φ18 mm in diameter and
1800 mm in length. The spacing of the bolts is 1100 mm. The pre-tightening force of the
bolt is not less than 60 kN.
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 15 of 2

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 15 of 21

layers jointly construct a thick bearing layer of the surrounding rock with high strength
and give full play to the bearing efficiency of the surrounding rock of the roadway to limi
3. Mining sidewall reinforcement
the deformation of the surrounding rock [28,29].
The mining sidewall is reinforced by two FRP bolts, each Φ18 mm in diameter and
5.2. Reinforcement Schemes of Strong Mining Roadways
2000 mm in length. The spacing of the FRP bolts is 1100 mm.
4. The net width and net height of RAR 23205 are 5.4 m and 3.6 m, respectively. The
Self-moving hydraulic support auxiliary supporting for RAR 23205 in the front of the
reinforcement schemes for RAR 23205 are shown in Figure 15.
second mining working face of 23205
Cable
Φ17.8×6000 mm
Spacing 3300 mm
1400 mm 2600 mm 1400 mm
3600 mm
Mining Pillar
FRP bolt sidewall sidewall Threaded steel bolt
Φ20×2000 mm Φ18×1800 mm
Spacing 1100 mm Spacing 1100 mm
900 mm
5400 mm
Figure 15. Reinforcement scheme of the strong mining roadway (net section).
Figure 15. Reinforcement scheme of the strong mining roadway (net section).
1. RAR 23205 adopts self-moving hydraulic support ZT64000/25/45 for advanced sup-
Long anchorage for roof reinforcement
port (Figure 16), and the advanced support distance is not less than 20 m. The jack of the
The roof is reinforced by prestressed cable beams consisting of T steel strips of 3200
support is in a retractable state under normal conditions. The top beam of the last group 16 of 2
Minerals 2023, 13, 391
mm in length and two cables, each Φ17.8 mm in diameter and 6000 mm in length. The
of supports is straight with the coal wall, and the support cannot be moved in advance to
spacing of the cables is 3300 mm. The pre‐tightening force of the cable is not less than 150
ensure the support’s strength.
kN.
2. Pillar sidewall reinforcement
The coal pillar is reinforced with one threaded steel bolt, Φ18 mm in diameter and
1800 mm in length. The spacing of the bolts is 1100 mm. The pre‐tightening force of the
bolt is not less than 60 kN.
3. Mining sidewall reinforcement
The mining sidewall is reinforced by two FRP bolts, each Φ18 mm in diameter and
2000 mm in length. The spacing of the FRP bolts is 1100 mm.
4. Self‐moving hydraulic support auxiliary supporting for RAR 23205 in the front of the
second mining working face of 23205
RAR 23205 adopts self‐moving hydraulic support ZT64000/25/45 for advanced sup

port (Figure 16), and the advanced support distance is not less than 20 m. The jack of the
Figure 16. Self‐moving hydraulic support.
Figure 16. Self-moving hydraulic support.
support is in a retractable state under normal conditions. The top beam of the last group
of supports is straight with the coal wall, and the support cannot be moved in advance to
5.3. Principle and Scheme of Borehole Pressure Relief for Strong Mining Roadways
ensure the support’s strength.
Due to the stress concentration at the edge of the borehole, the stress in the coal
Due to the stress concentration at the edge of the borehole, the stress in the coal bod
body within a certain range around the borehole is greatly reduced, forming a pressure
within a certain range around the borehole is greatly reduced, forming a pressure relie
relief zone. When the pressure relief borehole is reasonably arranged in the coal body, the
zone. When the pressure relief borehole is reasonably arranged in the coal body, the pres
sure relief zones of each borehole are connected and penetrated to form a weakening zone
as shown in Figure 17. The pressure relief borehole destroys the bearing structure of th
coal body, and the range of the stress equilibrium zone in the coal body increases signif
Due to the stress concentration at the edge of the borehole, the stress in the coal bod
within a certain range around the borehole is greatly reduced, forming a pressure relie
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 16 of 21
zone. When the pressure relief borehole is reasonably arranged in the coal body, the pres
sure relief zones of each borehole are connected and penetrated to form a weakening zone
as shown in Figure 17. The pressure relief borehole destroys the bearing structure of th
pressure relief zones of each borehole are connected and penetrated to form a weakening
coal body, and the range of the stress equilibrium zone in the coal body increases signifi
zone, as shown in Figure 17. The pressure relief borehole destroys the bearing structure
cantly. The peak stress shifts to the deep part of the coal body, and the peak stress valu
of the coal body, and the range of the stress equilibrium zone in the coal body increases
of σ max decreases. The coal body, after pressure relief, plays an energy absorption and pro
significantly. The peak stress shifts to the deep part of the coal body, and the peak stress
tection role for the dynamic behavior in the deep coal body and the roof and floor of th
value of σmax decreases. The coal body, after pressure relief, plays an energy absorption
roadway. The free space formed by the borehole can absorb the deformation of the road
and protection role for the dynamic behavior in the deep coal body and the roof and floor
of the roadway. The free space formed by the borehole can absorb the deformation of the
way‐surrounding rock and reduce the influence of dynamic pressure on the roadway.
roadway-surrounding rock and reduce the influence of dynamic pressure on the roadway.
σmax
σ'max l
l'
The weakening zone formed by borehole
Roadway

Figure 17. Principle of borehole for pressure relief. The symbols σ
Figure 17. Principle of borehole for pressure relief. The symbols σmax and σ’
max and σ’
max are the are the peak stresse
maxpeak stresses
in the roadway sidewalls before and after pressure relief. The symbols l and l’ are the distances
in the roadway sidewalls before and after pressure relief. The symbols l and l’ are the distances from
from the peak stress to the edge of the roadway sidewall before and after pressure relief.
the peak stress to the edge of the roadway sidewall before and after pressure relief.
The pressure relief borehole is arranged in the pillar sidewall (Figure 18), 2000 mm
The pressure relief borehole is arranged in the pillar sidewall (Figure 18), 2000 mm
away from the floor; the pillar sidewall arrangement is vertical, and the spacing is 2200 mm.
Minerals 2023, 13, 391
away from the floor; the pillar sidewall arrangement is vertical, and the spacing is 220 17
The borehole diameter is 95–125 mm, and the borehole depth is 10 m, as shown in
mm. The borehole diameter is 95–125 mm, and the borehole depth is 10 m, as shown i
Figure 18. The construction should be completed 20–60 m away from working face 23205
Figure 18. The construction should be completed 20–60 m away from working face 2320
in RAR 23205.
in RAR 23205.
Large diameter borehole
Φ（95—125）×10,000 mm
Spacing 2200 mm
3600 mm
Pillar
sidewall
2000 mm

5400 mm

Figure 18. Large‐diameter borehole layout (net section).
Figure 18. Large-diameter borehole layout (net section).
The drilling rig of ZDY1200L is used for borehole construction (Figure 19). The drilling
The drilling rig of ZDY1200L is used for borehole construction (Figure 19). The d
rig is suitable for roof and roadside boreholes, and the borehole diameter is 95 mm.
ing rig is suitable for roof and roadside boreholes, and the borehole diameter is 95 m
In order to explore the development of cracks inside the coal pillar, the integrity of the
coal body inside the pressure relief hole is detected and analyzed. Since the diameter of the
pressure relief hole is large but the diameter of the imaging instrument probe is only 28 mm,
the probe can only capture some of the coal development inside the hole (Figure 20).
The drilling rig of ZDY1200L is used for borehole construction (Figure 19). The drill‐
5400 mm
ing rig is suitable for roof and roadside boreholes, and the borehole diameter is 95 mm.

Figure 18. Large‐diameter borehole layout (net section).
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 17 of 21

The drilling rig of ZDY1200L is used for borehole construction (Figure 19). The dril
ing rig is suitable for roof and roadside boreholes, and the borehole diameter is 95 mm.

Figure 19. Large‐diameter borehole drilling rig.
In order to explore the development of cracks inside the coal pillar, the integrity of
the coal body inside the pressure relief hole is detected and analyzed. Since the diameter
of the pressure relief hole is large but the diameter of the imaging instrument probe is
of the coal development inside the hole
only 28 mm, the probe can only capture some
(Figure 20).
Figure 19. Large‐diameter borehole drilling rig.
Figure 19. Large-diameter borehole drilling rig.
In order to explore the development of cracks inside the coal pillar, the integrity o
the coal body inside the pressure relief hole is detected and analyzed. Since the diamete
of the pressure relief hole is large but the diameter of the imaging instrument probe i
only 28 mm, the probe can only capture some of the coal development inside the hol
(Figure 20).
Figure 20. Borehole imaging diagram of the surrounding rock structure of the coal pillar (before the
Figure 20. Borehole imaging diagram of the surrounding rock structure of the coal pillar (before the
first mining).
first mining).
According to the surrounding rock detection analysis of a large‐diameter borehole in
According to the surrounding rock detection analysis of a large-diameter borehole in
the coal pillar side, there are only a few cracks in some sections, the development crack is
the coal pillar side, there are only a few cracks in some sections, the development crack is
small, and the coal structure is relatively complete.
5.4. Evaluation of the Support Effect of a Strong Mining Roadway

Figure 20. Borehole imaging diagram of the surrounding rock structure of the coal pillar (before th
5.4.1. Borehole Detection of Surrounding Rock Structure of Strong Mining Roadways
first mining).
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 Borehole imager software was used to analyze the borehole detection results 18 of of
Borehole imager software was used to analyze the borehole detection results of coal– 21
coal–rock fracture separation distribution. The borehole imaging diagram of the roof-
rock fracture separation distribution. The borehole imaging diagram of the roof‐surround‐
According to the surrounding rock detection analysis of a large‐diameter borehole i
surrounding rock structure is shown in Figure 21.
ing rock structure is shown in Figure 21.
the coal pillar side, there are only a few cracks in some sections, the development crack i

Borehole imager software was used to analyze the borehole detection results of coal
rock fracture separation distribution. The borehole imaging diagram of the roof‐surround
Figure 21. Borehole imaging diagram of the roof‐surrounding rock structure.
Figure 21. Borehole imaging diagram of the roof-surrounding rock structure.
ing rock structure is shown in Figure 21.
In Figure 21, we see that there are only a few longitudinal cracks in the shallow road‐
In Figure 21, we see that there are only a few longitudinal cracks in the shallow
roadway roof, and the surrounding rock is complete within 5 m without cracks. Different
way roof, and the surrounding rock is complete within 5 m without cracks. Different from
fromadjacent
the the adjacent
RAR RAR 23204
23204 affected
affected by by mining,
mining, the
the roof
roof crackdevelopment
crack developmentis isserious,
serious, the
the
rock mass is broken, and the roof shows stepped subsidence, so the maintenance of RAR
rock mass is broken, and the roof shows stepped subsidence, so the maintenance of RAR
23205 is
23205 is better
better and can
and meet
can thethe
meet requirements of safe
requirements and efficient
of safe production
and efficient in coalin
production mines.
coal
mines.
5.4.2. Deformation Analysis of Roadway-Surrounding Rock
Through the reinforcement of RAR 23205 before working
5.4.2. Deformation Analysis of Roadway‐Surrounding Rock face 23204 mining, the
deformation of the roadway is in a controllable range when the adjacent working face is
Through the reinforcement of RAR 23205 before working face 23204 mining, the de‐
mined, and the deformation of the surrounding rock is small. Because RAR 23205
formation of the roadway is in a controllable range when the adjacent working lags
face is
100 m behind the working face 23204, the influence of the first mining tends to
mined, and the deformation of the surrounding rock is small. Because RAR 23205 lags 100 be stable.
At this time, the surrounding rock deformation of RAR 23205 is less than 50 mm and the
m behind the working face 23204, the influence of the first mining tends to be stable. At
this time, the surrounding rock deformation of RAR 23205 is less than 50 mm and the
roadway is well maintained (Figure 22), which lays the foundation for the second mining
and safe production at the working face.
5.4.2. Deformation Analysis of Roadway‐Surrounding Rock
Through the reinforcement of RAR 23205 before working face 23204 mining, the de‐
formation of the roadway is in a controllable range when the adjacent working face is
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 mined, and the deformation of the surrounding rock is small. Because RAR 23205 lags 100 18 of 21
m behind the working face 23204, the influence of the first mining tends to be stable. At
this time, the surrounding rock deformation of RAR 23205 is less than 50 mm and the
(a) (b) (c) (d)

Figure 22. Maintenance effect of RAR 23205: (a) pillar sidewall; (b) pillar sidewall cracking in some
Figure 22. Maintenance effect of RAR 23205: (a) pillar sidewall; (b) pillar sidewall cracking in some
places; (c) roof reinforcement with cable beams; (d) overall maintenance effect.
places; (c) roof reinforcement with cable beams; (d) overall maintenance effect.
6. New Roadways’ Layout Optimization and Control Countermeasures
6. New Roadways’ Layout Optimization and Control Countermeasures
1. The replacement working face adopts the layout of the “H” mining roadway [30], as
The replacement working face adopts the layout of the “H” mining roadway [30],
shown in Figure 23. When working face 1 is being mined, haulage roadway 2 is ar‐
as shown in Figure 23. When working face 1 is being mined, haulage roadway 2
ranged as a replacement. When haulage roadway 2 is tunneled to the middle of work‐
is arranged as a replacement. When haulage roadway 2 is tunneled to the middle
ing face 1, it is perpendicular to working face 1 and used to tunnel the central con‐
of working face 1, it is perpendicular to working face 1 and used to tunnel the
nection roadway. When the central connection roadway is tunneled to the narrow
central connection roadway. When the central connection roadway is tunneled to the
coal pillar of working face 1, working face 1 is completed, and the goaf is stable, the
narrow coal pillar of working face 1, working face 1 is completed, and the goaf is
central connection roadway is tunneled along the left and right directions of the nar‐
stable, the central connection roadway is tunneled along the left and right directions
row coal pillar to form return air roadway 2. This avoids the stress of a second strong
of the narrow coal pillar to form return air roadway 2. This avoids the stress of
mining
a second and can significantly
strong mining and reduce the deformation
can significantly reduceof the
the deformation
rock surrounding
of the the
rock
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 mining roadway, reduce the size of the protective coal pillar, reduce the waste of coal
surrounding the mining roadway, reduce the size of the protective coal pillar, reduce 19 of 2
resources, improve the recovery rate, and ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable
the waste of coal resources, improve the recovery rate, and ensure the safe, efficient,
production of the mine;
and sustainable production of the mine;
Working face 1

Haulage roadway 1
Narrow pillar
Connection roadway Working face 2
Haulage roadway 2

Figure 23. Layout method of the “H” type for mining roadways in longwall coal faces. The blue
Figure 23. Layout method of the “H” type for mining roadways in longwall coal faces. The blue
arrow represents the tunneling direction. The numbers 1 and 2 represent the first and second
arrow represents the tunneling direction. The numbers 1 and 2 represent the first and second working
working faces, respectively.
faces, respectively.
2.2. Goaf-side entry driving is adopted, and two or three mining areas are arranged to
Goaf‐side entry driving is adopted, and two or three mining areas are arranged t
optimize the mining replacement sequence. The goaf-side entry driving with narrow
optimize the mining replacement sequence. The goaf‐side entry driving with narrow
coal pillars avoids the stress concentration, which is conducive to the stability of
coal pillars avoids the stress concentration, which is conducive to the stability o
roadway-surrounding rock and improves the recovery rate of coal resources [31–33];
roadway‐surrounding rock and improves the recovery rate of coal resources [31–33
3. Increasing the thickness of the anchorage layer in the roof and pre‐tightening bolt
avoids roof separation in the anchorage zone. A reasonable design of bolt (cable) sup
port parameters and the establishment of double layers of shallow bearing circles an
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 19 of 21
3. Increasing the thickness of the anchorage layer in the roof and pre-tightening bolts
avoids roof separation in the anchorage zone. A reasonable design of bolt (cable)
support parameters and the establishment of double layers of shallow bearing circles
and deep strengthening circles can not only control the shallow deformation but also
constitute a thick anchoring circle to resist disturbance, and it can give full play to the
bearing performance of the roadway-surrounding rock to control the deformation of
the surrounding rock [34,35].
7. Conclusions
This paper presents a case study on pressure relief and bolt reinforcement for strong
mining roadways in a thick coal seam in Inner Mongolia. It provides a practical reference
and guidance for other coal mines with similar geological conditions. Our conclusions are
summarized as follows:
1. The factors influencing the large deformation and failure of the rock surrounding a
strong mining roadway, i.e., RAR 23204 in Zhuanlongwan Coal Mine, include a large
mining height, repeated mining, stress concentration due to a large coal pillar, and a
small thickness of the anchorage layer in the roof;
2. The stress evolution of the surrounding rock in RAR 23205 during repeated mining is
revealed. The results show that the stress peak in the central coal pillar caused by the
first and second mining is 23.19 MPa and 27.49 MPa, respectively, and the stress con-
centration coefficients are 4.538 and 5.379, respectively. The corresponding distances
between the stress peak point and the pillar sidewall are 13 m and 10.5 m, respectively.
The deformations of the roadway caused by lateral abutment pressure from the second
mining in RAR 23205 are far greater than those of the tunneling and the first mining,
and the deformation of the pillar sidewall and roof is especially severe. The influence
of the second mining greatly increases the difficulty of roadway maintenance;
3. The countermeasures of pressure relief of large-diameter boreholes in the large coal
pillar and long anchorage for roof reinforcement were carried out to control the
stability of a strong mining roadway, i.e., RAR 23205. Field measurements indicated
that deformations of RAR 23205 in the thick coal seam could be efficiently controlled.
The maximum deformation of the surrounding rock of the roadway was 50 mm,
which meets the safety and efficiency requirements of the coal mine;
4. Roadways’ layout optimization and control countermeasures include adopting the
layout mode of the “H” type for new mining roadways and goaf-side entry driving
with a narrow coal pillar, increasing the thickness of the anchorage layer in the roof,
and pre-tightening the force of bolts. These measures should increase the stability of
the rock surrounding strong mining roadways.
Author Contributions: Data curation: D.Q. and J.D.; Formal analysis: J.D.; Funding acquisition:
D.Q.; Investigation: D.Q. and J.D.; Project administration: D.Q.; Writing: original draft: D.Q. and J.D.;
Writing—editing: D.Q. and J.D.; Writing—review: D.Q., H.J., J.D., J.Y., M.J., G.X., C.Y., Y.Z., J.L., S.H.
and B.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
(grant nos. 51704277, 52074261 and 62204260) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central
Universities (grant no. 2018QNA27).
Data Availability Statement: Data are contained within the article.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Zhuanlong-
wan Coal Mine for their assistance during the field measurements.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Minerals 2023, 13, 391 20 of 21
Abbreviations
haulage roadway 23204 HR 23204
return air roadway 23205 RAR 23205
return air roadway 23204 RAR 23204
fiberglass-reinforced plastic bolt FRP bolt
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Instability Mechanism Pressure Relief and Long Anc

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Instability Mechanism Pressure Relief and Long Anc

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minerals

Received: 27 February 2023

Minerals 2023, 13, 391. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13030391 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 4 of 21

Coal pillar (19 m) Return air roadway 23203

Coal pillar (19 m) Haulage roadway 23203

Coal pillar (19 m) Return air roadway 23204

Thickness Buried Borehole

1.79 131.74 Coal

10.44 145.78 Silty Gray, massive structure, argillaceous

Muddy Black, layered structure, broken.

10.94 164.76 Sandstone Gray-white, layered structure.

1.90 166.66 Mudstone Light gray, layered structure.

150 1000 1000 1300 1000 1000 150

Spacing 1100 mm sidewall sidewall

Figure 4. Original support scheme of RAR 23205.

2. 2.Failure and Instability of Two Sides of The Roadway

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 7 of 21

4. Large Deformation and Instability Mechanism of Surrounding Rock of Strong

Coal III‐2 1.74 1430 1.32 0.49 30 d 2.5 1.8

In-situ stress 5.11 MPa 5

Mining working face

Vertical stress (MPa)

4.4.3. Displacement Distribution of Surrounding Rock after the Second Mining

5. Pressure Relief and Anchorage Control Schemes and Engineering Practice

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 15 of 21

1400 mm 2600 mm 1400 mm

The weakening zone formed by borehole

Minerals 2023, 13, 391 17 of 21

5.4. Evaluation of the Support Effect of a Strong Mining Roadway

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Return air roadway 1

Connection roadway Working face 2

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