Abstract: The existing available closed support has some defects in application because of its deep arch floor beam. Therefore，a new support with higher horizontal resistance, characterized by shallow arch floor beam has been designed in this research, and also its leg-shed-lapping method has been analyzed. By using ANSYS12.1, the mechanical characteristics of shallow arch floor beam and deep arch floor beam have been simulated and analyzed. The results have indicated that the former one has more capacity to bear horizontal extruding force under uniform load intensity of 1 kN/m, and the bending stress takes up less parts, and it has better spatial stability and is more sensitive to sagitta. Moreover, the shallow arch floor beam had another advantage in bearing horizontal concentrated load, which is important to prevent shear-slip floor heave. The shallow beam has been proved to be effective in controlling floor heave in Linnancang Coal Mine in Kailuan, which has verified the accuracy of the simulating results.

Key words: shallow arch floor beam, soft rock roadway, shear-slip floor heave, numerical simulation