Abstract: Based on the theory of Winkler elastic foundation, numerical simulation software of UDEC and laboratory similar material test, we consider that the fracture position of the stope roof is governed by adjacent strata. The research shows that the single beam model is quite different from the actual situation caused by the overburden. The existence of plastic zone is the precondition of roof fracture position ahead of the coal wall, and the fracture position is not usually associated with elastic-plastic boundary, nor with the starting point of separation, which is affected by the rigidity of roof, the rigidity of the coal and the bond force among the layers. The harder of the roof, the closer of roof fracture position to the plastic zone boundary, the smaller the roof stiffness, which is closer to the coal wall. The increase of the bonding force among the layers leads to the fracture position backwards, even appeared at the behind of coal wall.