Development and prospects of support and reinforcement materials for coal mine roadways

There are four main types of roadway support and reinforcement methods in underground coal mines of China, including rock surface support such as shed supports, props, masonry supports, shotcreting and hydraulic shield supports; rock bolts and cable support; grouting reinforcement surrounding rock support, and combination of the above-mentioned supports. The mechanical performances of the various support materials and components and the physical and mechanical properties of grouting reinforcement and backfilling materials were systematically introduced in this paper, the support and reinforcement effects and their suitability were analyzed. It is pointed out that the system of roadway support and reinforcement materials containing metal materials, nonmetal and composite materials for China coal mines has been formed, which has realized the revolution of support materials from wood to metal, and the revolution in technology from passive to active supports. It not only significantly improves the control effect of the surrounding rock of the roadway, but also reduces the maintenance cost of the roadway, which provides reliable assurance for safe and high-efficient construction and production of coal mines. Finally, the existing issues associated with support and reinforcement materials and components are analyzed, and the development prospects in the future are put forward. © 2021 The authors. All right reserved.