Abstract: Numerical method is used to build a three-dimensional calculation model for numerically simulating the whole excavation procedure in the stope by 11 steps.By this method，the distribution of horizontal displacement，vertical displacement and plastic zone of surrounding rock in mined-out area after excavation is obtained and then the deformation and failure of the natural roof caving in the mining area is analyzed.The excavation of the stope leads to the release of internal stresses in rock mass，and the displacement of rock mass directs to the internal part of goaf.Maximum horizontal displacement occurs at the two sides of mining area in the stope and it directs to the internal part of goaf.With the expansion of the excavation width，the vertical displacement expands from the stope roof to the inside of rock mass in the form of arc curve.During the excavation，the rock of goaf roof falls due to the shear failure，therefore，the roof caving occurs.And the rock mass in the upper central part of the goaf roof deforms downward continually with the roof caving happening，hence，a certain height of damaged rock mass occurs.When the area of excavation expands further in the stope，rocks above the stope roof will not remain stable and continue to fall down.

Key words: Natural caving, Roof, Deformation, Failure