Characteristics of stress distribution in floor strata and control of roadway stability under coal pillars

Given the difficulties encountered in roadway support under coal pillars, we studied the characteristics of stress distribution and their effect on roadway stability, using theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The results show that, under a coal pillar, vertical stress in a floor stratum increases while horizontal stress decreases. We conclude that the increased difference between vertical and horizontal stress is an important reason for deformation of the surrounding rock and failures of roadways under coal pillars. Based on this, we propose control technologies of the surrounding rock of a roadway under a coal pillar, such as high strength and high pre-stressed bolt support, cable reinforcement support, single hydraulic prop with beam support and reinforcement by grouting of the surrounding rock, which have been successfully applied in a stability control project of a roadway under a coal pillar. © 2011, China University of Mining & Technology. All rights reserved.