Metal mesh, as a critical component of the bolt support system, directly influences the effectiveness of roadway support. To reveal the dynamic mechanical properties of commonly used metal meshes in roadways subjected to rockburst conditions and to provide a design basis for their selection in such scenarios, this study utilized a specially designed metal mesh fixation device and a drop‐weight impact testing machine. The mechanical properties of two widely used metal meshes (diamond mesh and reinforcing steel mesh) in coal mine roadways were tested. The deformation and failure characteristics, mechanical response patterns, and energy absorption characteristics of the metal meshes under impact loads were analyzed. The results indicate that under impact loading, diamond mesh undergoes overall deformation while maintaining the original grid structure. When the impact energy exceeds the critical energy threshold (which is the maximum impact energy that the mesh can sustain), some wires in the diamond mesh break. In contrast, under low‐energy impacts, reinforcing steel mesh primarily fails at welding points without rebar breakage. Its impact point experiences extensive rebar breakage when the impact energy exceeds the critical energy threshold, leading to a complete loss of load‐bearing capacity. The maximum impact energy resistance of the diamond mesh is 750 J while that of the reinforcing steel mesh is 2000 J. Both meshes exhibit increasing impact forces with higher impact energy. The diamond mesh achieves a maximum load‐bearing capacity of 32.40 kN, while the reinforcing steel mesh reaches 40 kN. Reinforcing steel mesh demonstrates higher (more than 23.46%) load‐bearing capacity and shorter action duration, providing immediate load support under impact conditions. At the same impact energy, the maximum deflection of the reinforcing steel mesh is approximately one‐third that of the diamond mesh. Deformation in the diamond mesh is more concentrated at the impact center, whereas the reinforcing steel mesh displays a broader deformation range, enabling better energy absorption. Overall, diamond mesh is more suitable for roadways subjected to low‐impact energy due to its high energy absorption efficiency through flexible deformation. In contrast, reinforcing steel mesh is more effective under medium to high impact energy, exhibiting superior energy absorption and deformation resistance.

Artificial support system takes advantages of self-bearing capacity of surrounding rock mass in roadway support, which is one of the important supporting ideas in modern times. The implementation way of an artificial support system is worthy of deep investigation. In this study, an HLBR hypothesis was proposed with comprehensive consideration of mechanical properties of surrounding rock mass based on the reinforced arch theory and axial variation theory. A model of bearing structure in surrounding rock mass was constructed, and the stress state on the bearing structure was analyzed. It was believed that when the axial ratio (k) of this bearing structure is equal to the lateral stress factor (λ) (which is the optimal axial ratio), the tangential stress on the bearing boundary reaches the minimum and is in uniform distribution. At this moment, the roadway and the supporting structure can make good use of the self-carrying capacity of surrounding rock mass, which is conducive to lowering the stress distribution level of surrounding rock mass. According to prestress diffusion characteristics of bolt, some ways to achieve HLBR were proposed, which were the optimal axial ratio design, difference support and local grouting modification, and finally performance of the original support design in a belt roadway of the mining district IV of a mine in Shanxi Province. A new supporting scheme was provided according to the HLBR hypothesis. In addition, the FLAC3D strain-softening model was modified by C++, which was used to interpret the reasonability of the suggested supporting scheme. The proposed HLBR hypothesis discloses ways to use self-capacity of surrounding rock mass. This study provides a new idea for roadway sectional design and roadway support design, which are beneficial to maintaining the stability of surrounding rock mass in roadways.

Frequent failures of roadway anchor bolts in the roof-dripping zones of the Tashan coal mine endanger roadway stability and safety. To clarify the stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) mechanism and identify mitigation strategies, we combined water-chemistry analysis, multi-scale fractography, slow strain-rate tensile (SSRT) testing, and on-site anti-corrosion trials. Mine water showed weak alkalinity (pH 7.06–7.82), high mineralization (970–1980 mg L^− 1), and elevated Cl^⁻/SO₄²⁻ suggesting strong pitting tendencies. Failed field bolts displayed limited necking, step-like fracture sections, and dendritic crack networks initiated at pits. SSRT tests in simulated solution revealed marked reductions in plasticity and strength compared to air; the SCC susceptibility index (ISCC), based on elongation, rose from 15.76% at 10^− 3 s^− 1 to 59.23% at 10^− 7 s^− 1, demonstrating greater SCC sensitivity at lower strain rates. SEM confirmed reduced dimples, deep pits, and reticulated cracking. A four-stage mechanism was proposed: pit initiation, crack nucleation via anodic dissolution under stress, occluded-cell-assisted propagation, and unstable fracture, often intergranular. Field trials with hot-dip-galvanized bolts showed intact surfaces and stable axial-force responses for over 30 days in dripping zones, confirming both barrier and sacrificial-anode protection. These results provide mechanistic insights and may offer practical guidance for improving corrosion-resistant anchor bolt design in aggressive underground environments, while recognizing that long-term monitoring and broader protective strategies remain necessary.

Rock burst hazards are a common occurrence during deep coal mining, resulting in the collapse of roadway wall rock and the failure of support structures. In response, in situ testing was conducted in underground mine areas affected by rock burst disasters to systematically assess the impact of rock burst on wall rock of roadways and the performance of support systems. The findings of the study suggest that rock burst events lead to a substantial decrease in the strength of the coal mass of the roadway roof and ribs, as well as an increase in fractured zones. Additionally, there is a reduction in wave velocity, attenuation of anchoring and pretension forces of rock bolts, and varying degrees of damage to anchoring interfaces between rock bolts and their anchoring agents and between anchoring agents and wall rock. The parameters defining the mechanical and impact resistance properties of rock bolts and anchor cables, including extension rate and tensile strength, exhibit a significant decrease. In light of the aforementioned research results, it is recommended that the existing support system for roadways vulnerable to rock burst be enhanced and reconfigured in three key areas: improving support design, choosing materials with superior impact resistance capabilities, and bolstering monitoring and warning mechanisms.