Abstract:Based on the investigation of a large number of coal mine shafts in Huanghuai area,a comprehensive analysis is made on the characteristics of those ruptured shafts in this area. A review is presented on several different opinions about the mechanism of shaft rupture. The relation between interlayer glide caused by coal extraction and the shaft rupture is studied. The method for reinforcement of ruptured shafts is put forward and some measures to prevent rupture of the shaft wall are proposed.