Abstract
<jats:p>Purpose. To substantiate the possibility of improving the stability of preparatory mine workings supported by yielding frame support at deep horizons by preventing roof folding and localizing uneven deformations at the early stages of roadway drivage. Methodology. The study was carried out based on photographic documentation and visual analysis of the actual condition of the rock contour and frame support elements during operation and repair of mine workings at depths of 600…1300 m. An analytical justification of the parameters of the technology for mechanized filling of the support space with a hardening suspension was performed. The approximate characteristics of pumping equipment and the composition of the mixture were determined. Results. It has been established that in stratified rock massifs the dominant deformation mechanism is associated with the formation of folds and hinge displacements in the roadway roof, which causes significantly greater convergence in the “roof–floor” direction compared to lateral deformations. It has been proven that one of the key causes of intensive folding is the presence of an unfilled cavity between the upper segment of the frame support and the rock contour. A technology for the remote creation of roof support by installing flexible shells filled with a hardening suspension based on crushed rock with binding components has been proposed. The feasibility of using screw or peristaltic pumps for supplying dense mixtures has been substantiated. Additionally, a method of roadway drivage with in-situ sorting of the broken rock mass directly in the face area has been proposed to obtain a fine fraction suitable for preparing the suspension. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a cause-and-effect relationship between overbreak in the arch part of the roadway, the absence of filling of the technological gap, and the development of a hinge folding mechanism determining the uneven deformation of frame support has been substantiated. An integrated approach combining improvement of support technology and roadway drivage method with in-mine rock utilization has been developed. Practical significance. The proposed technical solutions make it possible to increase the stability of preparatory mine workings, extend the maintenance interval, reduce labor intensity of repair operations, and minimize the risk of emergency situations. The use of sorted rock in the composition of a hardening suspension contributes to reducing the volume of waste rock hoisted to the surface, ensuring economic benefits and lowering environmental impact.</jats:p>