Abstract: In response to the fact that rib spalling affects the normal production seriously in large-cutting-height panel, a method for the determination of support capacity based on coal face stability control has been proposed. Taking panel 8101 as a background,a “ coal face-support-roof” mechanical model has been established to analyze the relationship between coal face pressure and support capacity. A coal wall stability control experimental frame was designed and a three-dimension similar simulation experiment was conducted. Coal face failure situation with changing support density was analyzed. Meanwhile,the characteristics of these failure situations were studied using numerical simulation. The re- sults show that roof pressure was borne by coal wall and support. Increasing support working resistance can reduce the pressure that acted on coal wall and enhance the stability of coal wall. Determination of support working resistance should base on the coal wall stability control. Support working resistance of panel 8101 was determined as 15 000 kN through a combination of theoretical analysis,similar simulation and numerical simulation,which was confirmed feasi- ble by engineering practice.