Research on Synergistic Fracturing Technology for Lateral Multi-Layer Thick Hard Rock Stratum in Fully Mechanized Faces with Large Mining Height Based on the Triangular Slip Zone Theory

In response to ground pressure problems such as an abnormal increase in working face support resistance and severe roadway floor heave induced by the lateral composite structure of the multi-layer thick and hard roof in the 11,223 working face of Xiaojihan Coal Mine, based on the triangle area slip theory, this study reveals that the lateral triangle area forms a composite structure of “cantilever beam + masonry beam”. The stress transfer and unloading mechanism of the high- and low-position thick and hard rock stratum fracturing was clarified. A technical scheme is proposed and implemented to weaken the high- and low-position thick and hard rock strata through horizontal Long Directional Borehole synergistic fracturing and optimize stress transfer. The results show that (1) the lateral overlying rock forms a triangular slip area under the clamping of the cantilever and masonry beam structures. This composite structure is the main reason for the increase in the support resistance at the end of the working face and the stress concentration of the roadway surrounding rock. (2) The influence law that the load of the triangular slip area is mainly influenced by the length of the broken block, and the breaking angle was clarified. The distribution characteristics of the load in the lateral triangle area under the fracturing of thick and hard rock strata at different horizons are mastered. When the length of the key block is reduced by 40%, the supporting force F₁ of the rock mass below the broken block on it is reduced by 62.5%, and the supporting force F₂ and the frictional force F₃ of the end part on the broken area of the triangle area are reduced by 34.6%. (3) The fracturing of high- and low-position thick and hard rock strata can collaboratively weaken the stress accumulation at high and low positions. Fracturing the low-position thick and hard rock strata can cut off the low-position “cantilever beam” structure, and fracturing the high-position thick and hard rock strata at the same time can transfer the load of the “masonry beam”. Through simulation, it is seen that the stress peaks at the end of the working face and the roadway surrounding rock during synergistic fracturing are, respectively, reduced by 12.2% and 28.9%. (4) An industrial test of directional drilling hydraulic fracturing of lateral thick and hard rock strata is carried out, achieving the regulation effect that the average value of the support resistance at the end of the cycle is reduced from 27.2 MPa to 22.7 MPa, and the floor heave amount of the reused roadway is reduced by 62.3%. The research results can provide a reference for the advanced treatment of the strong ground pressure area of the multi-layer thick and hard roof.