Deformation mechanism and excavation process of large span intersection within deep soft rock roadway

The FLAC3D software was used to simulate and analyze numerically the displacement, stress and plastic zone distribution characteristics of a large span intersection in a deep soft rock roadway after the surrounding rock was excavated. Our simulation results show that there are two kinds of dominating factors affecting roadway stability at points of intersection, one is the angle between horizontal stress and axial direction of the roadway and the other are the angles at the points of intersection. These results are based on a study we carried out as follows: first, we analyzed the failure mechanism of a large span intersection and then we built a mechanical model of a rock pillar at one of the points of intersection. At the end of this analysis, we obtained the failure characteristics of the critical parts on the large span intersection. Given these failure characteristics, we proposed a new supporting method, i.e., a Double-Bolt Control Technology (DBCT). By way of numerical simulation, DBCT can effectively control the deformation of the surrounding rock at the points of intersection in roadways. © 2010 China University of Mining and Technology.