The Impact of Abutment Pressure on Gateroad Stability in Longwall Mining Along the Strike: Case Study of The Cam Pha Region, Vietnam and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Cam Pha coal region (Quang Ninh – Vietnam) is the primary coal production area of Vietnam National Coal – Mineral Industries Group (VINACOMIN). During the 2020–2024 period, the ratio of repaired (re-supported) roadway meters to the total newly excavated roadway meters in underground mines in this region was 26.0–30.2%. This high ratio disrupts production, increases costs, and reduces mining efficiency. Currently, gateroad support designs are primarily based on the natural equilibrium arch theory (e.g. M.M. Protodyaconov, P.M. Tsimbarevich). These theories only consider the physico-mechanical characteristics of the rock mass surrounding the roadway and do not account for the longwall abutment pressure. This leads to a discrepancy between designed and actual loads, resulting in roadway deformation and failure. Based on a review of global methods for determining abutment pressure and comparing them with practical conditions in Cam Pha, this paper identifies a research gap regarding a research gap regarding the lack of a quantified model for the distribution and influence range of abutment pressure suitable for the region's specific geological conditions. The paper proposes a research direction that closely combines analytical theory, numerical simulation, and field monitoring to determine the impact of longwall abutment pressure on gateroads, aiming to optimize roadway stability solutions to mitigate abutment pressure in accordance with the geological and technical characteristics of Cam Pha – Quang Ninh coal mines.