To investigate the mechanisms of the prestressed anchor bolts in controlling the slabbing failure of rock mass

laboratory physical model experiments on slabbing failure are conducted and the forming process of slabbing failure in plane strain condition is simulated by using the FLAC simulation technology. On the basis of above work

numerical experiments based on three different applying schemes of prestressed anchor bolts are conducted to reveal the mechanisms of the prestressed anchor bolts in controlling the slabbing failure process. The results show that the effect of the prestressed anchor bolts manifest in weakening the concentration effect of stress near crack tip

restraining the crack propagation

coalescence and the slabbing failure process; when applied on the edge of slabbing failure zone

prestressed anchor bolts can not only effectively restrain the formation of slabbing failure but also control the scope of slabbing failure to some extent; when applied in the slabbing zone

prestressed anchor bolts have significant effect in restricting the displacements of the free surface of rock sample

improving the overall stiffness of the slabbing rock. The research results of this paper are of significant importance in understanding the formation mechanisms of slabbing failure

reasonable support control measures of slabbing failure and also rockburst prevention in deep tunnels.