TITLE:
Classification and Application of Surrounding Rock Stability in Mining Roadways of Gently Inclined and Inclined Coal Seams
AUTHORS:
Chaoyang Dong, Zhihai Ji, Ziqi Zhou, Yangwei Di
KEYWORDS:
Geological Structural Characteristics, Physical and Mechanical Properties, Stress State, Stability Classification, Optimized Support Scheme
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.4,
April
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: To scientifically and quantitatively evaluate the stability of the surrounding rock in retreat mining roadways at Balianceng Coal Mine, a comprehensive research approach integrating in-situ measurements, theoretical analysis, laboratory testing, and numerical simulation was adopted. The geological structure, physical-mechanical properties, and stress state of the surrounding rock were systematically investigated. Based on the stability classification criteria for surrounding rock in gently inclined and inclined coal seam retreat roadways, a set of comprehensive evaluation indices governing roadway stability was established, enabling a systematic quantitative classification of surrounding rock stability grades. An optimized support scheme was then proposed according to the classification results, and field application demonstrated satisfactory support performance. The results indicate that the roof of the No. 26 coal roadway at Balianceng Coal Mine is composed mainly of a composite medium-hard rock assemblage consisting of silty mudstone and argillaceous sandstone, while the floor is dominated by a single medium-hard silty mudstone. The coal seam exhibits a firmness coefficient of 0.90, the surrounding rock contains a moderate density of structural discontinuities, the mining-induced influence coefficient is 2.18, and the ratio of the maximum horizontal principal stress to the vertical stress is 1.33. Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the surrounding rock of the No. 26 coal roadway is classified as Class III, corresponding to a moderately stable condition. The proposed methodology provides a practical reference for applying engineering analogy methods to roadway stability evaluation and support design.