Research on an automatic roadway formation method in deep mining areas by roof cutting with high-strength bolt-grouting

Abstract The excavation of deep mining roadways with traditional mining methods leads to various issues, such as the occurrence of large deformations, the waste of coal resources, complex conditions and the high cost of advanced support measures. In this study, we examined the roadway damage mechanism of the traditional gob-side entry driving method with coal pillars using the Suncun Coal Mine, the deepest mine in China, as an engineering case study. A method for the automatic formation of roadways in deep mining areas by roof cutting with high-strength bolt-grouting was proposed, and several quantitative evaluation indicators, namely, the roadway deformation control rate, anchor cable strength utilization ratio, and hydraulic prop strength utilization ratio, were established. The impacts of controlling the deformation of the surrounding rock were comparatively analysed in consideration of numerous factors, such as the mechanical parameters of the surrounding rock, roof cutting height, roof cutting angle, grouting anchor cable length, and hydraulic prop spacing. On this basis, the proposed method was applied in the field. The results showed that the automatically formed roadway cross-section exhibited decreased convergence deformation; moreover, the roof deformation was effectively controlled, and the passive hydraulic prop supports could be effectively replaced with the active support of grouting anchor cables, verifying the effect of the proposed method.