Parameter design of anchor support for large cross-sectional roadway based on non-destructive testing of anchor rods

Traditional roadway support technologies frequently suffer from limitations including insufficient support effectiveness and elevated costs, especially when applied to large-section roadways. To address these challenges, this study proposes a non-destructive testing method for measuring axial bolt force based on the principles of elastic dynamics. Furthermore, a five-step roadway support design framework—”inspection-modeling-verification-optimization-calculation”—is established based on the method. Focusing on large-section excavation roadways at Shanxi Province's Xiegou Coal Mine and incorporating numerical simulation results, we have developed an optimized support design method for dynamic pressure roadways that has demonstrated successful field application. The results showed that the elastic wave frequency-based non-destructive testing method provides accurate assessment of multi-anchor support conditions. The proposed “coordinated same-row anchor-cable support system” for large-section roadways significantly enhances the support system’s load-bearing capacity. Practical implementation shows that increasing bolt spacing from 1000 to 2000 mm reduces bolt quantity by 42.9%, yielding substantial material savings without compromising roadway stability. The integrated approach developed in this study—combining advanced testing technology with optimized support design—achieves an optimal balance among safety requirements, cost-effectiveness, and resource conservation. This methodology not only reduces material consumption and improves support reliability but also contributes to environmental sustainability in mining operations by minimizing the ecological footprint of energy extraction activities.