Abstract: To investigate the adaptability of block wall in gob-side entry retaining, block wall structure form, failure process, constitutive relation and bearing capacity were studied, revealing the failure mechanism and bearing behavior of block wall structure. The results show that failure of block wall in gob-side entry retaining usually occurs in III stage, and retained entry is easily maintained in I, II stages. Axial bearing capacity of block wall should match its support resistance, and the strength of wall, roof and floor should be matched. Based on the two matching principles, a whole design process of block wall structure in gob-side entry retaining was proposed, and has been applied in Shaqu Coal Mine. The blocks with the size of 0.80 m×0.18 m×0.12 m, strength over 10 MPa and the mortar with the strength over 2.5 MPa, were designed to lay block wall with width of 1.6 m and strength between 4.3~9.3 MPa by using special masonry form, which has achieved favorable effects in gob-side entry retaining.

Key words: gob-side entry retaining, block wall, failure mechanism, bearing behavior, bearing capacity matching, strength matching