In a steep coal seam, when coal is taken out, the roof may cave in. Researchers studied a coal mine to figure out how to estimate the roof's behavior above the empty space (goaf). By creating a model and analyzing the forces, they found that the roof could bend up to 0.8 meters above a point about 39 meters from the face's top. They also saw that cracks would first form in the upper parts of the face's walls and the middle of the roof, shaped like an 'E'. By comparing measurements and calculations, they confirmed their predictions were correct. So, the study helps mining companies understand how the roof might behave in these conditions.