Study on the Influence of Structural Plane Dip Angle on Mechanical Properties of Surrounding Rock

Jia Zhao; Yanfeng Li; Guangzuo Feng; Lujun Wang; Baozuo Liu; Enyu Lu; Liang Fang

Abstract

Deep mine roadways are highly susceptible to instability due to the combined effects of mining-induced and tectonic stresses, where localized weak planes play a critical role. This study investigates the influence of weak-plane dip angle on the mechanical behavior of surrounding rock and roadway stability, using the Xinli-Sanshandao fault zone as an engineering backdrop. Laboratory uniaxial compression tests were conducted on red sandstone specimens with weak planes at dip angles of 0°, 30°, and 60° to determine their mechanical parameters and failure modes. A three-dimensional elasto-plastic model in FLAC3D was then used to simulate scenarios with weak planes located above, below, or through the roadway. Results show that increasing dip angles reduce rock strength and peak strain while changing the failure mode from tensile to shear-dominated. Numerical simulations indicate that overhead weak planes mainly increase roof displacement, sub-roadway weak planes increase both roof and sidewall displacements, and through-going weak planes produce the most significant displacements and stress concentrations, leading to plastic deformation and the lowest roadway stability. These findings highlight that high-angle and through-going weak planes significantly compromise the load-bearing capacity of surrounding rock and present the greatest hazard to underground structures.

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