Introduction -- Mining Theory of Automatically Formed Roadway (AFR) -- AFR Mining Method and Key Technologies -- The AFR with Shallow Buried Depth -- Model Test System of AFR Mining Method -- Design Principle of Key Parameters -- Summary and Prospect of AFR Mining Method.

This book investigates in detail the theory and method of automatically formed mining roadway (AFR). The AFR method utilizes mining pressure and broken expansion characteristics of the collapsed rock mass in the gob to automatically form roadways, which changes the traditional “long cantilever beam” to “short cantilever beam” structure, and eliminate roadway excavation and coal pillar reserve. Key technologies are developed under the guidance of the “equilibrium mining” theory, such as in situ drilling and zoning technology, roof directional presplitting technology, high prestressed constant-resistance support technology, and gangue blocking support technology. The mining technologies and methods are successfully applied to a large number of coal mines of different geological conditions. The book is intended for both researchers and practitioners working in the mining, civil, and geological engineering fields.