Research on the deformation mechanism and ACC control technology of gob‐side roadway in an extra‐thick coal seam with varying thickness

Abstract

To improve the extraction of coal resources, gob‐side entry driving is gradually being promoted and applied. However, as the thickness of the coal seam increases, the deformation control of the roadway becomes more difficult. Aiming at this problem, a combination of theoretical calculation, numerical simulation, and field test was used to analyze the aspects of the stress environment, surrounding rock properties, and support forms. The phenomenon and mechanization of intensified deformation and failure of roadway with increasing coal seam thickness were revealed. The specific results include: (1) The ratio of principal stress at the excavation position controls the maximum failure depth of roadway, and the direction of principal stress determines the location of the maximum failure depth; (2) As the thickness of the coal seam increases, the properties of the surrounding rock at the excavation position decrease, the principal stress ratio increases, and the deflection angle of the principal stress increases, which lead to an intensification of the deformation and failure of the roadway. Based on the deformation and failure characteristics of the roadway and the shortcomings of the original support form, a control strategy and support scheme based on a new support structure called “Anchor Cable with C‐shaped Tube” is proposed, which has achieved better deformation control effect in on‐site application.