Safer Mine Tunnels: New Roof Cutting Technique Reduces Deformation and Improves Worker Safety
The study looked at how to prevent roof collapse in underground mines by cutting the roof and releasing pressure. By using computer simulations, researchers found that cutting the roof at a 15° angle and to a height of 8 meters helps maintain stability. They also determined that a support resistance of 0.38 MPa is needed to keep the roof secure. Field tests confirmed that the support scheme worked, with minimal deformation of the surrounding rock near the mine's working face.