Abstract: In order to grasp the failure law in the process of controlling the deformation of surrounding rock of roadway for reinforcing steel mesh, the force transfer mechanism and load-carrying characteristics of reinforcing steel mesh under static load are obtained by means of vertical load test and numerical simulation calculation (Ansys). Firstly, the reinforcing steel in the cross-shaped stretching zone in the center of reinforcing steel mesh is mainly subjected to the tensile action caused by vertical load, showing tensile fracture of main transfer bar and binding wire fixed between main transfer bar and model boundary is broken and released. Secondly, the non-main transfer bar is distorted locally, and the rectangular mesh in the area is distorted into diamond mesh. Based on the force transmission mechanism of steel mesh and the load-carrying characteristics in different zones, three optimization schemes are proposed, namely the expansion of steel bar in the cross-shaped stretch zone, the torsional strengthening of joints in partial twisted load-bearing zone and the increase of strength in the middle zone of tied wire bundling. It is necessary to strengthen the steel mesh in different zones in order to improve the stability of the steel mesh.