Optimal parameters of roadway supports for water prevention based on the FFA algorithm

Roadways are important paths in mining engineering. If the stability of roadway supports cannot be guaranteed, workers’ lives will be threatened. Therefore, the firefly algorithm (FFA) and FLAC3D numerical simulation were combined. Taking the roadway of the Banji Coal Mine as an example, the FFA was used to obtain the optimal grouting area and cable distribution design. This support scheme was then applied to engineering practice. The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with those of engineering practice, indicating that the proposed method is reliable and feasible and can be applied to determine the optimal design for supporting roadways in engineering practice.