The weakly cemented rock mass makes poor stability. Large deformation often occurs during coal mining or roadway excavation

which brings maintenance difficulties. To address the problems of the mechanical characteristics and deformation control of the surrounding rock of the weakly cemented siltstone

we performed the field survey

laboratory tests

theoretical analysis by selecting Linchang coalmine in Guangxi Province of China as the engineering background. On-site investigations show that the roof rock layer of roadway has poor self-supporting ability

high failure rate of supporting structure due to water effect; large floor heave occurs affected by water and mining. The point load test indicates that the uniaxial compressive strength is only 1.9−2.3 MPa. Scanning with an electron microscope reveals that the weakly cemented siltstone is based on coarse-grained minerals. According to Protodyakonov’s pressure arch theory

we derived the equations of ultimate bearing capacity of roof and two sides and put forward the key points of weakly cemented roadway surrounding rock control

including improving the overall strength and bearing capacity of roadway surrounding rock

determining reasonable bolt support parameters

designing roof anchor cable to strengthen support. Based on the results of experimental analysis and theoretical research

we proposed a control plan based on grouting reinforcement

combined with bolts and cables

and carried out industrial tests in Linchang coalmine. The monitoring data show that the designed support scheme can effectively control the deformation of the weakly cemented siltstone roadway.