Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As resource extraction extends to greater depths, surrounding rock in deep underground roadways exhibits pronounced creep deformation due to the coupled effects of high in-situ stress and time-dependent behavior. Conventional support systems face significant challenges in maintaining long-term stability under such conditions. This study focuses on the pump station roadway of a mine in North China as a case study and conducts an integrated investigation involving theoretical analysis, physical modeling, and numerical simulation to develop effective creep control strategies. A theoretical framework for creep deformation control is established based on the radial stress gradient mechanism of the surrounding rock. A composite support system-comprising concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) supports, staged grouting, rock bolts, and sprayed concrete-is proposed. Using a self-developed two-dimensional physical modeling apparatus, the deformation and stress evolution of the surrounding rock are systematically compared under unsupported and composite-supported conditions, identifying key deformation zones and dominant creep patterns. Furthermore, a three-dimensional numerical model incorporating a damage-coupled creep constitutive relationship is constructed to evaluate the support system's effectiveness in controlling roof subsidence, sidewall convergence, and plastic zone expansion. Results demonstrate that the CFST-based composite support system significantly mitigates creep-induced instability and enhances long-term roadway stability, offering theoretical and practical guidance for the design and optimization of support systems in deep soft rock roadways.
Source: PLoS ONE
Authors: Lijie Ge, Dong Liu, Jiaxing Tao, Zhuang Zhang, Hao Lei, Yan Zhao
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,382
Award: G31889439
OpenAlex ID: W4415971290