Modeling arching process in bedded rock mass above a mine tunnel at different dip angles of bedding

Advanced mining technologies require prediction of loads exerted on mine support systems and need estimation of influence of loading on the support design. This article focuses on prediction of loads applied to support systems in horizontal mine tunnels in hard and bedded rock masses with regard to the dip angle of bedding relative to the cross-section of the tunnel, and in view of the tear resistance of rocks in perpendicular to the bedding. Currently, the volume of rock mass that exerts pressure on a support system in a mine tunnel is determined using the theory of natural arch. It is assumed that rocks represent granular particles with internal friction, cohesion and tear resistance between them, which conforms with a Shvedov–Bengham’s model. The related models and procedures of load assessment on mine supports involve various coefficients and amendments aimed to take into account the physical and mechanical properties of adjacent rock mass, methods of heading, service life of mine tunnels and other factors. The objective of this study is the stress–strain assessment of brittle and bedded rock mass above a mine tunnel at different angles of bedding and physical and mechanical properties of rocks. Their influence on the maximum permissible sizes of spans of the tunnels is determined on the assumption of the remaining load-bearing capacity of rocks. The value of the detachment angle of rocks above the tunnel is correlated with the bedding angle in rock mass. It is found that the rock detachment angle above the tunnel decreases with the increasing angle of bedding. 

Evstratov V. A., Voronova E. Yu., Lugantsev B. B., Kholodova L. A. Modeling arching process in bedded rock mass above a mine tunnel at different dip angles of bedding. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(8):31-40. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_8_0_31.

V.A. Evstratov¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Professor, e-mail: vae602@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9531-2557,
E.Yu. Voronova¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, Head of Chair, e-mail: eleonora_sam_ti@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4721-4570, 
B.B. Lugantsev, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Full Member of the Academy of Mining Sciences, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Shakhty Scientific Research and Design Coal Institute, Shakhty, Russia, e-mail: boris4721@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8296-7922,
L.A. Kholodova¹, Senior Lecturer, e-mail: holodova0420@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0003-9726-399X,
¹ Shakhty Automobile and Road Construction Institute — Branch of the Platov South Russian State Polytechnic University, 346500, Shakhty, Russia.

V.A. Evstratov, e-mail: vae602@yandex.ru.

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