A similar material model and a numerical simulation were constructed and are described herein.The deformation and failure of surrounding rock of broken and soft roadway are studied by using these models.The deformation of the roof and floor,the relative deformation of the two sides and the deformation of the deep surrounding rock are predicted using the model.Measurements in a working mine are compared to the results of the models.The results show that the surrounding rock shows clear rheological features under high stress conditions.Deformation is unequally distributed across the whole section.The surrounding rock exhibited three deformation stages:displacement caused by stress concentration,rheological displacement after the digging effects had stabilized and displacement caused by supporting pressure of the roadway.Floor heave was serious,accounting for 65% of the total deformation of the roof and floor.Floor heave is the main reason for failure of the surrounding rock.The reasons for deformation of the surrounding rock are discussed based on the similar material and numerical simulations. A similar material model and a numerical simulation were constructed and are described herein. Deformation and failure of surrounding rock of broken and soft roadway are studied by using these models. Deformation of the roof and floor, the relative deformation of the two sides and the deformation of the deep surrounding rock are predicted using the model. Measures in a working mine are compared to the results of the models. The results show that the surrounding rock shows clear rheological features under high stress conditions. Deformation is unequally distributed across the whole section. surrounding caused by stress concentration, rheological displacement after the digging effects had stabilized and displacement caused by supporting pressure of the roadway. Floor heave was serious, accounting for 65% of the total deformation of the roof and floor. Floor heave is the main reason for failure of the surrounding rock. The reasons f or deformation of the surrounding rock are discussed based on the similar material and numerical simulations.