Mechanism and technology of partitioned parallel anchoring in rapid heading faces with moderately stable surrounding rock

•A novel support approach involving partitioned parallel anchoring in coal or semi-coal entry heading faces can balance timely and efficient anchoring and enhance heading speed.•Spatially, anchoring operations are categorized into local anchoring and reinforcement anchoring. Temporally, cutting, local anchoring, and reinforcement anchoring are carried out simultaneously.•A reasonable partitioned parallel anchoring can effectively keep the entry within acceptable limits.•Partitioned parallel anchoring approach can offer valuable insights for efficient rock anchoring and rapid heading. Rock support is a complex challenge in coal mine heading operations. In particular, heading faces with moderately stable surrounding rock are constrained by unsupported roof /sidewall distance and duration. The ability to provide rapid and effective support directly impacts surrounding rock stability and heading efficiency. This study focused on the anchoring mechanism in rapid heading faces in a specific entry of the No. 2 Coal Mine of Huangling Mine, characterized by moderately stable surrounding rock. The geological conditions, heading status, and factors limiting rapid heading were analyzed. A novel partitioned parallel anchoring (PPA) model was proposed, and its mechanism and impact on the surrounding rock stability were investigated. The findings show that the surrounding rock is significantly affected by heading disturbances; however, a reasonably implemented effective PPA strategy can control surrounding rock deformation. Spatially, anchoring operations are categorized into local anchoring and reinforcement anchoring. Temporally, cutting, local anchoring, and reinforcement anchoring are performed simultaneously, effectively reducing the cycle time and enhancing the overall heading speed. Combining these findings with the actual geological conditions, a specific scheme of PPA was proposed, and the optimization of the rapid heading and PPA processes, along with the effectiveness of PPA, were validated through field experiments. Finally, recommendations for effective PPA in rapid heading faces were provided, offering valuable insights into efficient rock anchoring and rapid heading under similar geological conditions.