Integrated support strategy for controlling roof collapse in deep soft rock roadway

Roof collapse in deep soft rock roadways, driven by high stress and complex geology, poses severe risks to mining safety. This paper investigates a roof collapse incident in a deep roadway characterised by weak mudstones, dense structures, water-induced softening, and rapid weathering. A comprehensive treatment method and support optimisation are proposed, incorporating pre-reinforcement by way of advance grouting pipes shield and grouting, immediate support using short cables and steel sets, and long-term reinforcement through long cables and subsequent grouting. In addition, a novel floor reinforcement strategy is introduced to ensure long-term stability, employing shear-resistant pipe piles to mitigate shear failure and floor cables combined with a fibre-reinforced inverted arch to counteract tensile failure. Field application tests demonstrate satisfactory performance, indicating that this integrated methodology offers an effective framework for stabilising deep soft rock roadways. This integrated methodology provides a framework for stabilising deep soft rock roadways.