De-stressed mining of multi-seams: Surrounding rock control during the mining of a roadway in the overlying protected seam

Surrounding rock control in the overlying protective coal seam is a challenging topic for de-stressed mining of multi-seamed coal. Current research findings on roadway control were used in the design of a physical model of a complex textured roof having a varying thickness. The model was used to study roadway instability and collapse caused by dynamic pressure. The results show that when the thickness of the roof exceeds the bolted depth the roadway security is least and the roof has the greatest possibility for collapse. Numerical simulations were also carried out to study stress redistribution before and after roadway excavation during underlying protective seam mining. The evolution of roadway displacement and fracture, as affected by support methods, has been well studied. A series of support principles and technologies for mining affected roadways has been proposed after demonstration of successful practical application in the Huainan Mines. These principles and technologies are of extended value to deep coal mining support in China.