<p>The objective of this study is to examine the impact of semicircular arch height on the stability of the surrounding rock. This study is based on a case study of a phosphate mine in Guizhou. It employs a multifaceted approach that integrates numerical simulation and physical similarity simulation experiments. These experiments are used to analyze the deformation and failure evolution of surrounding rock under different arch heights. The findings of this study elucidate the underlying influence mechanisms between the arch height and surrounding rock stability. The results of this study indicate that following the excavation of the roadway, the stress concentration and displacement-sensitive areas are predominantly distributed at the bottom angle of the two sides, arch shoulder, and center of the arch crown. Furthermore, the displacement of the surrounding rock increased with the rise in arch height. The primary area of surrounding rock damage was located at the center of the arch crown and arch shoulder. The arch height was less than 2.0&#xa0;m, and there was a significant negative correlation between the arch height and overall stability of the surrounding rock. The study determined that 1.5&#xa0;m is the optimal arch height, based on the degree of damage to the surrounding rock of the roadway with different arch heights. During the support design phase, it is imperative to fortify the support structure at the core of the arch crown and the surrounding rock damage to the arch shoulder. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical foundation and engineering guidance for the design and safety control of straight-walled semicircular arch roadways.</p>