Investigation on the failure evolution characteristics of surrounding rock in deep cross‐fault roadway: Based on physical model test and numerical simulation

Faults and periodic weighting pose a serious threat to the stability of the surrounding rock in deep coal mine roadways. To reveal the evolution of failure in the surrounding rock in the deep cross‐fault roadway during excavation support and periodic weighting, this research employs a systematic analysis integrating physical model testing and numerical simulation. First, we built a physical model replicating field conditions, with digital image correlation (DIC), strain, and acoustic emission (AE) systems to monitor displacement, strain, and rock failure. Then, a numerical model of the actual mining area was established to further investigate the response characteristics of the surrounding rock stress field, displacement field, plastic zone, and support structure. The results during the excavation support stage show that the surrounding rock displacement primarily follows a quasi‐hyperbolic distribution, with tensile failure predominating. Displacement and compressive stress in the roof increase while the sidewalls' compressive stress decreases. The axial stress of anchor cables increases at the fault plane. The results during the periodic weighting stage show that: Roof z ‐displacement propagates horizontally downward, with strain exhibiting step‐like jumps. The extent of damage to the roof of the hanging wall, the floor, and the sidewalls of the foot wall is intensified. The location of AE events is influenced by the strike and dip of the fault. Shear failure dominates in sandstone at the fault plane, while tensile failure prevails in mudstone. Moreover, the axial stress in both bolts and cables generally increases, but locally decreases in the region where roof cables intersect the fault plane.