Abstract: This paper systematically studies failure mechanism of coal roadway with compound roof and proposes a reasonable support scheme for this kind of roadway through the roof components testing, the analysis of the mechanical characteristics, the analysis of deformation failure process of compound roof and field monitoring. The results shows that two apex angles of coal roadway should reinforce support in the concentration area of shear stress, which can provide enough normal anchorage force in three hinged arch of anchor layer to inhibit the happen of shearing slip of rock. Inclining anchor bolt and cable in the area of two apex angles 20° to the working slope can effectively control failure of coal roadway with compound roof.