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2026 Volume 8 Issue 2  Published: 2026-04-25
    Fundamental Research
  • Guangbo CHEN, Zerui XU, Tan LI, Junwen ZHANG, Eryu WANG, Chuangye WANG, Yejiao LIU, Guohua ZHANG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1346

    In cold-region rock engineering, ice-filled fractures significantly weaken the mechanical properties of rock masses, which severely impacts the safety and stability of projects. To investigate the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of ice-filled fractured rock masses, uniaxial compression tests, acoustic emission monitoring, and discrete element numerical simulations were conducted in this study. On this basis, the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of ice-filled fractured sandstone were systematically examined, with a focus on how fracture thickness (5–30 mm) and dip angle (0°–90°) influenced rock mass strength, elastic modulus, energy evolution, and crack propagation. The results show that compressive strength, elastic modulus, and pre- and post-peak energy all decrease non-linearly with the increase in fracture thickness, among which the elastic modulus drops by 20%–34%. The fracture dip angle was found to dominate the classification of failure modes. Vertical fractures (90°) exhibit the highest strength (23.56 MPa) due to efficient stress transfer, while low-angle fractures (15°–30°) experience a 30%–45% reduction in strength due to interface shear effects. Three failure modes were identified: ice layer crushing (α≤15°), interface slip (15°–75°), and rock main fracture (α≥75°). A micro-parameter system for the ice-rock composite medium was developed based on the PFC discrete element model, achieving over 90% agreement between simulation results and experimental data. By considering the coupling effects of fracture thickness and dip angle, the D-P strength criterion was modified, and the theoretical values deviate from experimental data by less than ±5% These findings provide theoretical support for the stability evaluation and disaster prevention in cold-region rock engineering and lay the groundwork for studying ice-rock interaction mechanisms in complex freeze-thaw environments.

  • Review
  • Lishuai JIANG, Mingtao GAO, Zongke WANG, Ye ZHAO, Hao FENG, Zhe ZHANG, Daosheng CAI, Guichen LI
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1136

    The surrounding rock of roadways often contains complex joint fractures, holes of different sizes, and other internal structural characteristics, which seriously affect their stability. Indoor physical model tests are one of the main ways to study the stability of engineering rock masses. However, traditional methods struggle to produce physical models with exactly the same structures and properties, and the mechanical properties and internal structures of physical models differ considerably from those of in-situ rock masses, which greatly limits the scientific nature of physical model tests in reflecting the actual engineering roadway. In recent years, the rapid development of 3D printing technology has effectively made up for the shortcomings of traditional methods. At the level of material research and development, sand-powder 3D printing coal-rock-like materials with high similarity to natural coal-rock in mechanical behavior are successfully prepared by systematically regulating printing matrix, particle gradation, binder saturation, and glass fiber content. This progress lays a material foundation for the production of physical models. At the level of mechanism research, based on mechanical tests on anchorage bodies using such coal-rock materials, the anchorage mechanisms of supporting elements such as bolts have been systematically revealed. These tests verify the feasibility of using these materials to simulate the anchorage in natural rock masses and provide a theoretical basis for the design of supporting structure. Finally, at the level of physical model tests, researches have employed the sand-powder 3D printing technology with the layered printing process to construct physical models of anchored roadways under the conditions of both intact surrounding rock and fractured surrounding rock. The influence of cracks on the deformation and failure law of roadway is quantitatively analyzed with the aid of the biaxial loading system and the digital speckle technique (DIC). The failure modes revealed by the tests are highly consistent with the field observation results. Collectively, these studies confirm that the sand-powder 3D printing technology can achieve high-precision reconstruction with respect to material properties, internal structure, and mechanical response, effectively overcoming the shortcomings of traditional model tests and showing good application prospects and scientificity in physical simulation research of rock mass engineering.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Meilu YU, Ding MA, Jianping ZUO, Ying XU, Huaiqian LIU, Chunyuan LI, Zhengdai LI, Chunhua WANG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1175

    This study, through laboratory experiments, investigates the effects of freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles on the fracture characteristics of sandstone under seasonal freezing conditions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Sandstone samples were first pretreated with F-T cycles in a temperature range of 20 ℃ to −20 ℃ and then subjected to impact three-point bending tests with the aid of a SHPB system. In the meantime, the evolution of the fracture process zone (FPZ) was analyzed via high-speed camera recordings and Ncorr digital image correlation software. The results demonstrate that F-T cycles induce mechanical property degradation in sandstone, which in turn affects its dynamic fracture behavior. As F-T cycles increase, the time required for pre-existing crack penetration extends, the crack opening width within the same time interval increases, and the time needed to achieve an equivalent opening width decreases. Crack opening velocity is significantly suppressed by F-T cycles before 111 ms, while this influence dininishes afterward, indicating that F-T effects predominantly govern the initial crack tip propagation stage. The evolution of the FPZ can be divided into two stages: expansion and contraction. To be specific, in the initial stage, microcracks cluster near the crack tip, and the FPZ expands with the increase in load. After main crack penetrates, the FPZ contracts and eventually dissipates due to energy release. F-T cycles promote the formation of a substantial number of pores within the sandstone, enhancing its energy absorption capacity. As a result, FPZ peak values are reduced and peak stresses occur earlier, accompanied by a transition in failure mode from brittle to ductile, characterized by prolonged crack propagation time and reduced initial opening velocity. The research results can provide basic experimental data reference for the dynamic disaster relief of engineering rock masses in cold regions.

  • Engineering Case
  • Taoping ZHONG, Zhenlei LI, Ende LIU, Fei YANG, Binglin SONG, Dazhao SONG, Xueqiu HE
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1241

    As the mining depth of steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams continuously increases, the rock burst disasters associated with them are becoming increasingly severe. The rock burst-inducing factors exhibit diversity and keep evolving, which poses difficulties to precise prevention of rock bursts. To address these issues, this paper explored the evolutionary patterns of inducing factors in a typical steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams mine in Xinjiang by means of case analysis, field monitoring, and theoretical analysis. By analyzing five typical rock burst events in the mine, the main inducing factors were found to be steeply inclined roofs, intermediate rock pillars, remaining coal pillars, mining depth, mining intensity, and horizontal tectonic stress. Moreover, an improved analytic hierarchy process incorporating triangular fuzzy numbers was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the weights of these inducing factors and characterize their evolutionary patterns. The results disclose that steeply inclined roofs and intermediate rock pillars possess the highest weights and constitute the most significant inducing factors, and their weights keep growing with the continuous mining of coal seams. The weights of mining depth and horizontal tectonic stress generally rise with the continuous mining of coal seams, which reflects their enhanced inducing effects. In contrast, the weight of remaining coal pillars generally shows a decreasing trend, suggesting their gradually diminishing influence within the gob on rock bursts. The weight of mining intensity also decreases overall. Fianlly, the evolutionary patterns of inducing factors in steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams were well verified through mining data analysis, microseismic monitoring, ground stress testing, numerical simulation, and theoretical research. The research results can provide support for precise control of rock bursts in steeply inclined and extremely thick coal seams.

  • Engineering Case
  • Yanjun ZHANG, Yueguan YAN, Xugang LIAN, Shengliang WANG, Jiayuan KONG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1260

    Large-scale development of surface fractures exacerbates ecosystem degradation, damages engineering infrastructure, and poses constraints on regional ecological security and socio-economic development. To characterize the scale characteristics of fractures under high-intensity mining and establish an effective prevention and control system, this study took the 615 working face of Guanbanwusu Coal Mine as the research background. The overlying strata structure was divided under the guidance of the combined rock strata theory, and a fracture-rate-based quantitative characterization method was proposed for the fracture development process. Furthermore, quantitative relationships between the depth-thickness ratio and surface fracture scale parameters (maximum width, average penetration, and average advance distance) were revealed, and the corresponding collaborative control technology was proposed. The following beneficial findings were yielded. The overlying strata damage is divided vertically into four zones (according to the distribution of thick-hard strata and collapsed blocks) and horizontally into five zones (according to the extent of mining influence). Four combined rock strata structures of the overlying strata are determined, and stepwise breakage in overlying strata ultimately drives fractures to the surface. The intensified dilatancy of rock blocks near the goaf enhances the skewness and irregularity of the subsidence curve. The depth-thickness ratio shows a negative linear correlation with the maximum fracture width, and a negative exponential correlation with both the average penetration and advance distance. A decreasing depth-thickness ratio induces a transition in fracture type, from tensile and step-type dominance to collapse and step-type dominance. Based on these findings, the collaborative control technology of surface fractures was proposed. Key measures include optimization of mining sequences to mitigate surface subsidence, geophysical positioning combined with targeted remediation to enhance the stability of the overlying strata structural arch, and zone-specific treatment based on fracture classification and zoning. These measures conduce to facilitating the restoration of the regional ecological environment. This research provides significant insights for safeguarding regional ecological security and human settlements.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Feixiang LE, Chaodong XI, Zhen ZHANG, Jianzhong LI, Zhiguo LU, Jinhong YANG, Guiyang YUAN, Pengjie LI, Jinfu LOU
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1330

    To address the inadequate understanding of the fracturing behavior of thick-hard strata and the collapse-movement mechanism of overlying strata in 10 m ultra-large mining height faces of extra-thick coal seams, this study took the 122104 working face of Caojiatan Coal Mine as the engineering background. A combined approach involving physical similarity simulation, image processing with statistical analysis, and field monitoring was adopted to investigate the dominant role of thick-hard strata breakage in the overburden collapse and movement process. The engineering applicability and consistency of the model results were verified with field measurements. (1) An automatic fracture extraction and multi-index quantification method based on multi-temporal overburden images was proposed, enabling efficient quantification of parameters such as fracture development height, coverage area, and total length. The results show that the fracture parameters exhibit a pronounced "step-like" jump evolution with face advance, where each abrupt change strictly corresponds to the breakage sequence of specific thick-hard strata (I, II, and III). This quantitatively reveals, from the perspective of fracture evolution, the controlling effect of thick-hard strata breakage on overburden movement. (2) The breakage mechanism of thick-hard strata is characterized as a "cantilever beam-coordinated collapse" process. Before breakage, thick-hard strata form a large-span cantilever beam structure that constrains overburden collapse; when the cantilever reaches its limit, sudden breakage occurs, triggering large-scale coordinated collapse of the overburden, demonstrating typical structural failure characteristics. (3) Field monitoring data, including layered subsidence, mine pressure, and microseismicity, provide effective mutual validation with the model experiments. The coordinated movement mode of strata revealed by the layered subsidence curves aligns well with the "step-like" propagation pattern of fractures observed in the model; mine pressure monitoring indicates that the breakage of thick-hard strata II and III directly induces intense periodic weighting; microseismic monitoring further confirms that the periodic breakage of thick-hard strata constitutes the main source of concentrated energy release in the overburden. These results jointly verify, in terms of spatial evolution and energy release, the field applicability of the mechanism by which thick-hard strata breakage dominates overburden movement. From the perspective of fracture evolution, this study systematically elucidates the mechanism of thick-hard strata breakage-dominated overburden collapse and movement under ultra-large mining height conditions, providing a quantitative theoretical basis for improving overburden movement theory and preventing roof disasters in 10 m ultra-large mining height faces.

  • Engineering Case
  • Hongwei WANG, Kaiyong ZUO, Yutao CHEN, Guoliang DONG, Yanjun LI, Jianqiang JIAO, Jinyuan BAI, Litao WANG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1347

    The Yushenfu mining area is characterized by shallow coal seams, thin overlying bedrock, and thick loose layers, and most mines in this mining area involve repeated mining of multiple coal seams. Affected by multiple factors such as coal seam mining height and spacing, the spatial interaction of surrounding rock in the upper and lower stopes makes it challenging to accurately predict fracture zone height. In this paper, the fracture zone height under multi-coal seam repeated mining in typical coal mines in the Yushenfu mining area was taken as the research object, and the research methods of physical similarity simulation, theoretical analysis, and deep learning were used. First, the fracture development law under multi-coal seam repeated mining was analyzed. Subsequently, a multi-factor coupling nonlinear regression model was established to describe the relationship between the fracture zone height and key parameters, including coal seam mining height, spacing, burial depth, dip angle, working face length, and interval rock strength. On this basis, the prediction method of fracture zone height under multi-coal seam repeated mining based on the SSA-BP neural network was established, and its accuracy was verified. The results indicate that the fracture development under repeated mining in Ciyaota Coal Mine exhibits a three-stage characteristic, i.e., localized slow growth, nonlinear rapid increase through interconnection, and dynamic stabilization. The ultimate height of the fracture zone reaches 139.0 m. The nonlinear regression model incorporating the coupled effects of coal seam mining height, interlayer spacing, strength of intervening rock strata, and working face length achieves an R2 value of 0.880, confirming these parameters as key influencing factors for the fracture zone height. Compared to predictions from traditional empirical formulas and the BP model, the SSA-BP model demonstrates reductions in MAPE values by 22.96% and 6.70%, respectively, and attains a low RMSE of 1.79, indicating superior stability. Validation at the 14205 working face of Zhonghui Funeng Coal Mine in the Yushenfu mining area shows a relative error of 1.3% between the predicted and measured heights, well below 5%. The study demonstrates strong generalizability for predicting the height of water-conducting fracture zones under multi-coal seam repeated mining in the Yushenfu mining area and provides valuable insights for water hazard prevention and control under such mining conditions.

  • Engineering Case
  • Guangchao ZHANG, Teng LEI, Kai LYU, Zhaoyun ZHANG, Jinshuai DONG, Fei HAN, Yuhang LIU, Xiaobin LI, Maosheng YIN, Tong CHEN, Hao ZUO
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1176

    To investigate the instability and deformation characteristics of thick hard roofs overlying open roadways in deep mines, this study employs the sixth mining area of Dongtan Coal Mine(Yanzhou mining district)as an engineering case. A Timoshenko beam model on an elastic foundation was established to characterize roof deflection, incorporating structural and mechanical properties of thick hard strata. Analytical solutions for bending moment, shear force, and deflection were derived, revealing significant influences of roof layer position, thickness, and strength on roadway deformation-validated through numerical simulations. Key findings include: ① Roof flexural fracturing is critically controlled by thick hard roof properties. Maximum subsidence and fracture dimensions exhibit negative correlations with roof layer elevation: each 5 m elevation increase reduces subsidence by 16%-37%. Lower-layer roofs develop fractures deeper within coal walls, generating larger fractured blocks. The influence of roof thickness and strength evolves through two stages: During initial roadway development, thick hard roofs form stable, high-capacity cantilever structures where subsidence negatively correlates with thickness/strength. Subsequent intense mining triggers cantilever fracture, releasing dynamic loads that dominate roadway deformation. At this stage, thickness and strength positively influence fracture dimensions and energy release, intensifying roadway destabilization. ② Roadway deformation progresses through static load-dominated and dynamic load-expansion stages. Initially, the cantilever transfers static loads to deeper coal, expanding plastic zones. Post-fracture, the absence of immediate roof buffering allows dynamic stress waves to directly intensify surrounding rock damage. ③ Field tests demonstrate that hydraulic fracturing combined with deep-hole blasting reduces dynamic impact energy by 60%. Integrated with high-preload anchor cables and grouting, this limits roof subsidence to <300 mm. Optimizing advance rates to 3 m/day reduces high-energy seismic events by 65%. This research elucidates the mechanical mechanisms of impact-induced failure beneath thick hard roofs and proposes a targeted control strategy integrating directional roof cutting, multi-level support, and advance rate optimization. The outcomes provide theoretical and technical foundations for roadway stability control in deep mining environments under thick, hard, directly overlying strata.

  • Engineering Case
  • Yazhou LIU, Xinshuai SHI, Jianguo NING, Guangwen LIU, Xincheng TIAN, Shuai ZHOU
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1178

    Addressing the technical challenges of severe deformation and maintenance difficulties in gob-side roadways with retained pillars under hard roof and thin coal seam conditions during mining-excavation interaction at Binhu Coal Mine, this study employs integrated theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field experiments to investigate the movement characteristics of the adjacent goaf-side overlying strata, the morphology of the caving structure, and the induced roadway instability mechanism. Key parameters for roof-cutting pressure relief and roadway protection were optimized and applied in engineering practice. The research indicates that two dominant key strata exist within the overburden of the No. 16 coal seam. Their structural characteristics and mechanical behavior govern the movement patterns and caving structure morphology of the adjacent strata. The dynamic evolution (formation, movement, and caving) of the lateral suspended roof in this zone subjects the roadway surrounding rock to significant multiple dynamic load impacts and high static stress, substantially increasing the risk of roadway instability and failure. Using the maximum principal stress deviatoric as the evaluation indicator, the optimal roof-cutting height and angle were theoretically determined as 16 m and 10°, respectively. Field tests further optimized the blasting parameters, establishing a spacing of 2 m for deep boreholes and 1 m for shallow boreholes. Additionally, a comprehensive support system comprising a primary "bolt-mesh-cable-belt" support combined with temporary reinforcement using "unit hydraulic props" was proposed to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock. Ground pressure monitoring confirmed that roadway deformation was effectively controlled, achieving a self-stabilized state approximately 140 m behind the working face. This validates the effectiveness of the roof-cutting pressure relief technology in resolving the maintenance challenges of gob-side roadways under thin coal seam and hard roof conditions.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Jun LU, Ziyang XIONG, Heping XIE, Dongming ZHANG, Wenpu LI
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1273

    Deep coal mining is confronted with complex geological conditions and strong engineering disturbances. The environment characterized by high geostress, high gas pressure, high geothermal temperature, and intense mining disturbance frequently induces nonlinear large deformation and catastrophic instability of surrounding rock, which seriously restricts the safe and efficient exploitation of deep geological resources. To investigate the mechanical response and energy evolution characteristics of coal and rock under deep true triaxial stress conditions, true triaxial tests were conducted on raw coal, sandstone, and composite coal-rock specimens under different intermediate principal stresses with the aid of a multifunctional true triaxial fluid-solid coupling testing system. The results show that composite coal-rock exhibits stronger plastic deformation capacity and a smaller post-peak stress drop. The dissipated energy of coal increases significantly after the peak, whereas that of sandstone accelerates during the plastic stage. The energy evolution of composite coal-rock approaches sandstone at low stress and resembles coal at high stress. For coal, the fluctuation peaks of the energy release rate (\begin{document}$ {G}_{{\mathrm{e}}} $\end{document}) and energy dissipation rate (\begin{document}$ {G}_{{\mathrm{d}}} $\end{document}) occur near the strength peak, and an increase in \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{2} $\end{document} reduces their amplitudes. For sandstone, the fluctuation peaks appear in the yield stage, but the influence of \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{2} $\end{document} is relatively weak. Composite coal-rock exhibits gentle but high-amplitude post-peak fluctuations, which are markedly suppressed by the increase in \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{2} $\end{document}. Post-peak elastic energy release has a greater effect on the brittleness index than pre-peak elastic energy storage. Coal failure is mainly controlled by a single dominant crack and is weakly affected by \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{2} $\end{document}, whereas sandstone exhibits a more complex fracture network at low \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{2} $\end{document} and a simpler pattern at medium and high stress levels. In composite coal-rock, secondary cracks in the sandstone layer propagate along the \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{1} $\end{document} direction, while those in the coal seam propagate along the \begin{document}$ {\sigma }_{3} $\end{document} direction. These results provide theoretical support for surrounding rock control and dynamic disaster prevention in deep resource extraction.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Xingping LAI, Xinzhe WANG, Jiantao CAO, Haidong XU, Feng CUI, Pengfei SHAN, Shuai ZHANG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1451

    Deep mining of coal resources is commonly accompanied by high in-situ stress and progressive energy accumulation, which can readily trigger dynamic disasters such as rock bursts. From the perspective of material toughening, elucidating the impact-mitigation mechanisms of coal-based cemented fill materials and establishing an quantitative characterization and evaluation index system for toughening based on the energy dissipation theory are emerging as promising approaches for achieving impact-mitigation control and optimizing material-oriented design. To clarify the impact-mitigation mechanisms, this study employed coal-based solid wastes as the primary constituents and systematically investigated the coupled effects of aggregate gradation, binder-to-aggregate ratio, curing age, and fiber toughening through uniaxial compression tests, energy evolution analysis, rock burst propensity assessment, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that aggregate gradation, binder-to-aggregate ratio, and curing age exert significant influences on the mechanical performance of the cemented fill. The uniaxial compressive strength grows with the increase in curing age, and rises first and falls subsequently with the increases in Talbot index n and binder-to-aggregate ratio, reaching an optimum at a curing age of 28 d with n=0.6 and a binder-to-aggregate ratio of 2.5∶1. The incorporation of polypropylene fibers markedly enhances the compressive strength and improves post-peak ductility, broadens the energy-dissipation pathways, and enables sustained absorption and dissipation of externally imposed impact energy during the post-peak failure stage. Based on the energy dissipation theory, a FIMI-Lite impact-mitigation evaluation framework comprising five indices (energy dissipation ratio, dynamic toughness index, residual load-bearing ratio, brittleness index, and equivalent vibration isolation coefficient) was proposed to quantitatively characterize the impact-mitigation performance of cemented fill materials. Comparative analyses show that fiber-toughened fills outperform the conventional counterparts across all indices, with the fiber-toughened fill at n=0.4 achieving the highest comprehensive FIMI-Lite score. SEM observations reveal that an appropriate gradation promotes the formation of a dense load-bearing skeleton, whereas the incorporation of fibers conduces to constructing a three-dimensional "particle-cementitious matrix-fiber" network. The synergy of these two factors refines the pore structure, retards crack propagation, and enables stepwise energy absorption and progressive release. The above microstructural findings establish a mechanistic linkage to the macroscopic impact-mitigation performance. The proposed approach provides a scientific basis for optimizing the design of coal-based cemented fill materials and for preventing and controlling coal burst hazards in deep coal mining.

  • Review
  • Shenghua YIN, Fusong DONG
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1217

    As the mining of mineral resources extends to depths, the importance of cemented backfill in maintaining stope stability and achieving green mining has become increasingly prominent. The cemented backfill is a multi-phase heterogeneous material. After the filling slurry is filled into the stope, the mechanical properties of the cemented backfill are affected by the coupling of multiple factors such as material composition, maintenance conditions, external loads, and seepage fields. It shows significant spatiotemporal evolution and nonlinear characteristics. Solving the quality problems of the cemented backfill induced by seepage has far-reaching theoretical value and engineering practical significance for ensuring safe, efficient, and green mining of mines. In recent years, fruitful results have been achieved in the mechanical evolution characteristics, failure characteristics and fluid-solid coupling response of cemented backfill at macro-fine-micro scales. First, the influencing factors and evolution rules of the strength of the cemented backfill are summarized from the aspects of cementitious material type, proportioning parameters, maintenance conditions, etc., and the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the cemented backfill are clarified. Second, the failure mode and crack propagation behavior of the cemented backfill under static and dynamic loads are summarized, and a comparative analysis is conducted with the failure theory of rock-like materials. Furthermore, the application results of multi-scale observation methods based on SEM, XRD, CT scanning, acoustic emission and other methods in revealing the intrinsic relationship between the microstructure evolution and macroscopic mechanical behavior of the cemented backfill are summarized; the mechanical response and damage evolution mechanism of the cemented backfill under the action of seepage-stress coupling are focused on, and the characteristics, limitations of indoor tests and numerical simulation methods are reviewed. Finally, in view of the problems in current research such as insufficient universality of constitutive models, unclear multi-scale mechanisms, and disconnected field applications, future development directions such as constructing a time-varying damage-seepage coupling model, developing a multi-scale collaborative observation and simulation platform, and promoting a closed-loop research system of "indoor experiments-numerical simulation-field monitoring" are proposed, in order to provide theoretical support and technical reference for performance improvement, stability evaluation, and engineering applications of the cemented backfill in deep complex environments.

  • Engineering Case
  • Ping MA, Jinlong ZHOU, Yongxue XIA, Jingyong GAO, Taotao DU, Jiaming GAO, Jianhong WU
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1187

    The 3-1 coal seam in Menkeqing Coal Mine has strong propensity for rock burst. Given the large coal seam burial depth, high mining intensity, and the presence of a thick composite sandstone roof overlying the coal seam, rock burst disasters are likely to be induced during mining of the working face. Conventional pressure relief measures targeting medium- to high-position thick and hard roofs are limited in both treatment height and range, often failing to achieve the desired pressure relief effect. In response to this problem, dominant disaster-inducing factors for rock burst were analyzed first. On this basis, roof lithology analysis, key strata theory calculation, microseismic monitoring, and strata fracture energy transfer calculation were performed to identify the dominant strata responsible for rock burst and reveal the mechanism of regional fracturing with long boreholes for pressure relief and rock burst prevention. Furthermore, the engineering practice of regional fracturing with long boreholes was conducted, and the corresponding effect analysis was carried out. The results show that the large burial depth of the working face provides sufficient foundation static load. The 3-1 coal seam and its roof and floor have the potential to generate rock burst, and the dynamic load arising from the breakage of the highly integral and continuous composite sandstone roof is the main source triggering rock burst. Regional fracturing with long boreholes was used for advanced prefracturing of the thick and hard composite sandstone roof. After the construction was completed, cracks propagated notably in fractured strata, and a remarkable prefracturing effect was achieved. During mining of the working face, the frequency, energy, and concentration of high-energy microseismic events in the fracturing area were significantly reduced, the intensity and distance of periodic weighting of the working face decreased. The engineering practice demonstrates the effectiveness of regional fracturing with long boreholes in significantly reducing the risk of rock burst disasters and ensuring safe mining of the working face. The research results can provide reference for the prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines with similar conditions.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Hongrui ZHAO
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1091

    To address issues such as insufficient stirring of resin anchoring agent, inadequate filling in reamed areas, eccentricity of cable bolts, and damage to hole walls during cable bolts reaming anchoring in soft rock roadways, a resin anchoring enhancement technology based on the Multi-segment Reaming Anchoring Enhancement (MRAE) component was proposed. Through theoretical analysis, the mechanisms of MRAE, including the "graded crushing-gradient stirring", the synergistic flow control of "ascending guidance-sealing", and the "centralized limiting-radial support" were revealed, and the mechanisms by which MRAE enhances the stirring effect of resin anchoring agent, the strength of the anchor solid, the pull-out resistance, and the centering performance of the cable bolt were also clarified. Besides, numerical simulations were conducted to comparatively analyze the characteristics of the stirring flow field of resin anchoring agent between MRAE and ordinary cable bolts, verifying that MRAE enhances the migration speed and diffusion range of resin. Moreover, laboratory experiments were performed to study the influence of MRAE on the drilling thrust, torque, and pull-out force of cable bolts. The results show that the average peak pull-out force of the enhanced anchoring group (36.5 kN) is 2.5 times that of the ordinary anchoring group (14.9 kN), and the centering degree is significantly improved. Field tests further verify the effectiveness of this technology. In soft rock roadways, both the pull-out force and pre-tightening force of the enhanced anchoring cable bolts meet the design values. The roof separation displacement is reduced by a factor of 1.52 compared with ordinary anchoring. Even under non-reaming conditions, its anchoring force still meets engineering requirements. The research results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for improving the anchoring quality of cable bolts in soft rock roadways.

  • Engineering Case
  • Zhiqiang WANG, Yuda LIU, Boyuan DAI, Changde YANG, Kun NIU, Yong TIAN
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1161

    Aiming at the problem of coal pillar instability in the fully mechanized mining face section of hard roof and floor, taking the section coal pillar of the track haulage roadway in the 1016 working face of a certain mine in Xinjiang as the engineering background, through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and field test research methods. The movement law of overlying strata in the working face was analyzed. The causes of energy accumulation in the coal pillar under the condition of hard roof and floor were proposed. The function relationship between the elastic strain energy density in the coal pillar and the first and third principal stresses was studied. According to the theory of elasticity, the stress and energy distribution laws in the coal pillar under different stress concentration coefficients were obtained. The research shows that after the upper working face is mined, the thick and hard basic roof will form a "long cantilever beam" structure, causing the load in the coal pillar to increase. Due to the significant difference in strength between the coal mass and the roof and floor, the energy input from the outside into the "roof-coal pillar-floor" system mainly accumulates in the coal pillar in the form of elastic strain energy. The elastic strain energy at any position in the section coal pillar can be roughly regarded as a positive correlation with the first and third principal stresses. The junction of the elastic and plastic zones in the coal pillar and the surrounding area are the main parts where the elastic strain energy is accumulated, while the accumulation degree of elastic strain energy in the broken zone of the coal body is relatively small. The deterioration of the stress environment of the coal pillar after the roadway is excavated, the release of the accumulated energy in the coal pillar is the main reasons for the deformation and failure of the coal pillar. The prevention and control technology of "intensive drilling in the roof + coal pillar drilling pressure relief + strengthening support" was proposed, and the field application effect was obvious.

  • Review
  • Yongshui KANG, Youqi HUANG, Xiang LI, Bin LIU, Yinyu LI, Haijiao ZHANG, Guimin ZHANG, Haiming LIU
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1335

    In deep coal mines, the prominent conflict between the high in-situ stress and the low strength of soft surrounding rock frequently induces large-scale deformation disasters that pose a severe threat to safe production. Borehole pressure relief technology, which improves the strength-to-stress ratio of surrounding rock through stress release and space compensation mechanisms, has achieved remarkable advancements in both theoretical development and engineering practice in recent years. This paper systematically reviewed the research dynamics of borehole pressure relief technology both domestically and internationally, focusing on four aspects, i.e., operational mechanisms, parameter design, model testing, and effect evaluation. The following key conclusions were drawn: ① Pressure relief boreholes facilitate the coordinated regulation of triaxial stresses and compensate for shear dilation by inducing fracture propagation, resulting in a stress distribution pattern characterized by “shallow-pressure relief and deep-bearing capacity” and forming a “pressure relief-support” synergic system when combined with high-strength support. ② Key parameters such as borehole diameter, spacing, and depth significantly influence the pressure relief effectiveness. Although multi-factor coupled design criteria have been preliminarily established, their applicability under complex geological conditions requires further validation. ③ Current technical bottlenecks include an incomplete quantitative evaluation framework for pressure relief effectiveness, unclear energy evolution mechanisms, and underdeveloped theories for dynamic pressure relief-support coupling. Looking forward, research should focus on constructing a “multi-field coupling and static/dynamic synergy” analytical framework and developing dynamic constitutive theories integrating thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-damage (THMD) effects. Innovations in precise pressure relief equipment enabled by while-drilling sensing and intelligent decision-making are also needed. Furthermore, optimizing differentiated support and grouting reinforcement and building an integrated “pressure relief-support-reinforcement” control system will drive borehole pressure relief technology toward intelligent, precise, and large-scale applications.

  • Review
  • Jiangfeng LIU, Shuyuan LIU, Xinyue ZHANG, Yuedu CHEN, Qing MA, Lang LIU
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1322

    With the escalating global demand for carbon emission reduction, CO2 sequestration and enhanced coal-bed methane (CO2-ECBM) has attracted widespread international attention due to its distinctive advantages in promoting the synergistic development of energy development and carbon emission reduction. This paper systematically reviewed recent advances in CO2-ECBM research across scientific, engineering, and policy-economic dimensions. Besides, it elucidated the sequestration mechanisms governed by a synergistic suite of processes, including adsorption trapping, capillary trapping, structural trapping, solubility trapping, and mineral trapping, and further evaluated the technological maturity and economic feasibility of the technology. The results demonstrate that CO2-ECBM technology not only effectively promotes coalbed methane recovery but also offers substantial sequestration potential and favorable geological stability. Through a comparative analysis on typical demonstration projects conducted worldwide, it is pointed out that practical applications of this technology still face challenges such as poor injectability of coal seams, permeability decline induced by CO2 injection, insufficient assessment of long-term sequestration safety, and economic feasibility hampered by technical costs and carbon price volatility. Drawing on bibliometric analysis and hotspot evolution mapping, this study outlines the current research landscape and development trajectory, highlighting critical future priorities such as geological suitability evaluation systems for sequestration sites, high-efficiency technologies for coal seam permeability enhancement, multi-field coupled multi-scale CO2 migration mechanisms, and intelligent monitoring and early warning systems for sequestration stability. Concurrently, it is imperative to strengthen technology integration and policy support to accelerate the commercialization and scaling of CO2-ECBM technology. These initiatives are critical for underpinning global efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality goals.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Qiqi KOU, Hailong ZHANG, Jiapeng CHEN, Tianshu SONG, He JIANG, Deqiang CHENG, Liangliang CHEN
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1198

    The complex environment of mining working faces—including dust, high humidity, and smoke—causes severe feature degradation in monitoring images under varying fog concentrations. Moreover, existing dehazing models trained mainly on synthetic data exhibit domain gaps with real mining fog, limiting intelligent monitoring effectiveness and posing safety risks. This study proposes a dehazing method for working face images based on fog grading and domain differences. First, fog evaluation metrics guide image grading, enabling adaptive network selection for light and dense fog scenarios. Second, a contrastive learning strategy refines negative samples based on fog concentration, improving feature discrimination and cross-domain generalization. Finally, an unsupervised fine-tuning strategy with cyclic consistency mitigates domain bias between synthetic and real fog images without requiring annotations. Experiments show that the proposed method outperforms existing approaches on both synthetic and real datasets, supporting safe and intelligent monitoring in coal mines.

  • Fundamental Research
  • Yongqiang HOU, Ke YANG, Shenghua YIN, Xinyue ZHANG, Leiming WANG, Xiang YU, Wentao XIA
    Journal of Mining and Strata Control Engineering. 2026, 8(2): doi: 10.13532/j.jmsce.cn10-1638/td.2025-1159

    The particle size distribution of gangue aggregates and the curing age are the key factors affecting the mechanical properties of cemented gangue backfill. To study the mechanical properties and damage evolution characteristics of backfill with different particle size distributions of aggregates at different curing ages, coal gangue was used as the aggregate and fly ash as the auxiliary cementitious material to prepare cemented backfill. The mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture evolution characteristics of backfill with different aggregate particle size distributions were studied. Based on the dissipated energy, a damage constitutive model of the backfill considering the curing age effect was established, further revealing the energy damage evolution process of the backfill. The results show that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the backfill with different aggregate size distribution increase with the extension of curing age. The elastic modulus and peak stress of the backfill with a particle size distribution of 0-5 mm are the highest, the backfill with a particle size distribution of 0-10 mm is the second, and the backfill with a particle size distribution of 5-10 mm is the smallest. Under uniaxial compression, the backfill with the particle size distribution of 0-5 mm maintained good integrity, and the extension of curing age could restrain the expansion and penetration of failure cracks, and improve the integrity of the sample. The microstructure density of the backfill with the aggregate size distribution of 0-5 mm is the best, and the extension of curing age reduces the size and range of the void structure inside the backfill, and improves the microstructure density. The total energy, elastic strain energy and dissipative energy of the backfill with different aggregate particle size distribution increased quadratic function with the increase of curing age, and the change of aggregate particle size distribution and curing age had no effect on the energy accumulation and dissipation process in the backfill. The established damage constitutive model considering the effect of curing age can accurately reflect the stress distribution under load of the backfill, and the damage evolution of backfill can be divided into four stages: initial damage stage, damage stable stage, damage accelerated growth stage and damage failure stage.