Theoretical and numerical study on reinforcing effect of rock-bolt through composite soft rock-mass

Anchoring mechanism and failure characteristics of composite soft rock with weak interface usually exhibit remarkable difference from those in single rock mass. In order to fully understand the reinforcement mechanism of composite soft roof in western mining area of China, a mechanical model of composite soft rock with weak interface and rock bolt which considering the transverse shear sliding between different rock layers was established firstly. The anchoring effect was quantified by a factor defined as anchoring effect coefficient and its evolution equation was further deduced based on the deformation relationship and homogenized distribution assumption of stress acting on composite structure. Meanwhile, the numerical simulation model of composite soft rock with shear joint was prompted by finite element method. Then detailed analysis were carried out for the deformation features, stress distribution and failure behavior of rock mass and rock bolt near the joint under transverse load. The theoretical result indicates that the anchoring effect of rock-bolt through weak joint changes with the working status of rock mass and closely relates with the physical and geometric parameters of rock mass and rock bolt. From the numerical results, the bending deformation of rock bolt accurately characterized by Doseresp model is mainly concentrated between two plastic hinges near the shear joint. The maximum tensile and compression stresses distribute in the plastic hinge. However, the maximum shear stress appears at the positions of joint surface. The failure zones of composite rock are produced firstly at the joint surface due to the reaction of rock bolt. The above results laid a theoretical and computational foundation for further study of anchorage failure in composite soft rock.