A new classification method,which considers the depth of limit equilibrium zone in the surrounding rock as its indicator,was put forward.This method takes the impact of mining and coal rock mechanical properties and the degree of weathering of seam roof into consideration to get the final plastic failure zone radius,which is revised in accordance with connecting situation between the plastic damage zone and the weathered zone of seam roof,as the core of this method.The application in 11912 working face of Gequan mine,which is complex and severely weathered in some roof,showed that this classification method has good supporting effect.
