Roadway Protection by Roof-Cutting in the Support Removing Channel of the Long-Wall Mining Face

Abstract

Aiming at strong mining pressure and large deformation of surrounding rock in the main roadway, a mechanical model of the advanced abutment pressure distribution in the long-wall mining face was established. The main reason for the large deformation of the surrounding rock in the main roadway was found to be unreasonable position of the stop line, which brings the main roadway under the influence of mining operations. Therefore, on the premise of an unaltered stop line, the technique of cutting the roof and use of pressure relief to protect the main roadway were proposed. The technique will form a weak surface along the stop line, blocking the rock layer from transmitting the abutment pressure. Engineering practice shows that by using the advanced roof cutting and pressure-relief technique, the abutment pressure on the long-wall mining face is reduced and the main roadway is protected.