Researchers Develop New Support Scheme to Enhance Roadway Stability in Western China

A new study by researchers at Hebei University of Engineering in Handan, People's Republic of China, has developed a novel support scheme to enhance roadway stability in fault-affected zones in coal mines in western China. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, investigated the deformation and failure mechanisms of surrounding rock in fault-affected zones and proposed targeted control technology for surrounding rock stability in fault-crossing roadways. The research revealed that the roof and floor strata along the 11E5-303 Working face's adjacent roadway are highly susceptible to water-induced softening and swelling, leading to a significant decrease in mechanical strength.

Key Takeaways:

• The study focused on the lower gateway of the 11E5-303 working face crossing the SF1 normal fault in Zhaohequan Coal Mine, Handan, People's Republic of China.
• A comprehensive investigation was conducted using field investigation, laboratory testing, numerical simulation, and engineering applications to understand the deformation and failure mechanisms of surrounding rock in fault-affected zones.
• The research revealed that the roadway surrounding rock within 10 m of the fault zone is subject to intense deformation and damage, with the hanging wall showing a significantly larger failure range than the footwall.
• Floor heave at the fault zone is also markedly greater than in other sections, emphasizing the need for early implementation of high-strength support systems within the fault-affected area to enhance stability.
• The optimized support scheme significantly improved the stability of the roadway, demonstrating apparent effectiveness.
• The research concluded that the study provides valuable guidance for roadway support design and stability control under similar geological conditions.

Statistics:

• The optimized support scheme reduced roof subsidence by 68% and floor heaves by 81% compared to the original support system.
• The study analyzed the deformation and failure mechanisms of the surrounding rock under the existing support system using the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.
• The research conducted field investigation, laboratory testing, numerical simulation, and engineering applications to understand the deformation and failure mechanisms of surrounding rock in fault-affected zones.

Sources:

• Characteristics of deformation and failure with support countermeasures for expansive soft rock roadway crossing faults in the western region. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35373.
• Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
• NewsRx. New Science Study Results from Hebei University of Engineering Described (Characteristics of deformation and failure with support countermeasures for expansive soft rock roadway crossing faults in the western region). Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 2208.