Abstract
Stability maintenance of deep roadways in thermally damaged rock masses presents complex challenges under asymmetric stress conditions. This study investigates the failure mechanisms and proposes a control strategy using an integrated methodology of laboratory testing, theoretical analysis, and field validation. Triaxial compression tests with Acoustic Emission monitoring indicated that the mechanical degradation of thermally damaged rock is primarily influenced by the propagation of pre-existing microcracks. An analytical model based on the complex variable method quantified the stress field around a rectangular opening, incorporating the effect of principal stress rotation. The analysis revealed a coupled failure mechanism where stress asymmetry governs the inclined X-shaped plastic failure geometry while degraded rock properties determine the extent of the plastic zone. To address this mechanism, a Reinforcement-Anchorage-Confinement (RAC) collaborative support system was developed. Numerical simulations and a field application demonstrated that the RAC system controls fracture propagation and maintains roadway deformation within acceptable operational limits. This research provides a mechanistic framework for roadway stability control in similar geomechanical environments.
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The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51774289 and 52074291). Independent Foundation of Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Institute of Engineering [KLXGY-Z2503]. Research Projects for Basic Research Funds of Autonomous Region Universities in 2025 [XJEDU2025J140]. Autonomous Region Tianchi Talent Recruitment Program (Youth Doctorate Program) [2025XGYTCYC08]. Doctoral Start-up Research Fund of Xinjiang Institute of Engineering [2025XGYBQJ09] and Open Project of the Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining（KLXGY-KB2504）
Funding
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51774289 and 52074291). Independent Foundation of Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Institute of Engineering [KLXGY-Z2503]. Research Projects for Basic Research Funds of Autonomous Region Universities in 2025 [XJEDU2025J140]. Autonomous Region Tianchi Talent Recruitment Program (Youth Doctorate Program) [2025XGYTCYC08]. Doctoral Start-up Research Fund of Xinjiang Institute of Engineering [2025XGYBQJ09] and Open Project of the Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining (KLXGY-KB2504).
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L.L. wrote the main manuscript text, conceived the study, developed the methodology, conducted validation, and performed software analysis. Z.W. supervised the research and acquired funding. J.L. and P.W. reviewed and edited the manuscript, with J.L. also contributing to funding acquisition. B.L. conducted the investigation and software development. X.A. prepared the visualizations and performed formal analysis. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
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Wang, Z., Lin, L., Li, J. et al. Failure mechanisms and stability control of roadways in thermally damaged rock under asymmetric stress: a case study. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45210-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45210-z
