Abstract: Disclosed is a method of adapting a metal bar, for use as a rock bolt, to ensure that the bar will break in a predictable manner, the method including the step of removing material from the bar in a circumferential band to reduce a diameter of the bar within the band to a minor diameter thereby to provide a failure zone within which the bar will break if subjected to enough tensile load.

Abstract: A rapid construction method for a secondary lining of a small-section tunnel includes steps of: transporting and store secondary lining steel bars to a designated position in the tunnel with a steel bar transport vehicle and a wheel type dump truck; after the tunnel is cleaned, simultaneously constructing the secondary lining from two ends to a middle of the tunnel; constructing a lower inverted arch with a customized inverted arch formwork and then constructing an upper arch wall with a plurality of portal arch wall formwork trolleys; wherein the portal arch wall formwork trolleys form a set, and are connected by hinges, so as to construct in a curve tunnel. The rapid construction method has a long single construction section, and procedure connection is compact, thereby realizing rapid and efficient construction of the secondary lining.

Abstract: A formwork for the production of concrete articles includes: a supporting beam with a development axis; a panel which has an outer surface designed to be in contact with a concrete casting, the panel being connected on an inner side to the beam and being curvable around a transverse direction relative to the development axis of the beam; and a connector, present in the area of one end of the beam, allowing connection of the beam to another structure. The connector includes: a slide connected to the beam to perform a translation or rotation movement, or both, the slide carrying a first fastener connecting the beam to another adjacent beam, and a second fastener connecting the beam to a supporting structure; and an adjustment mechanism which acts on the slide to move it continuously between a retracted position and an extended position, adjusting its position relative to the beam.

Abstract: An internally injected replacement support room-type coal pillar recovery method is provided. During the recovery, the room-type coal pillars with an aspect ratio greater than 0.6 are divided into two parts: reserved coal pillars and pre-mined coal pillars. After the mining of the pre-mined coal pillars, a cemented filling material is injected into a goaf surrounded by the reserved coal pillars, and is stabilized to replace the coal pillars for support, and the reserved coal pillars are recovered. A mechanical model of the reserved coal pillars in a support overburden stage is established based on the Winkler beam theory, to obtain displacement and stress conditions of a roof of the reserved coal pillar in a support stage. A theoretical reserve-width of the reserved coal pillars is obtained according to a first strength theory of the roof and a criterion of ultimate strength of the reserved coal pillars.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bag including at least one flexible sheet of material, a back substantially orthogonal to a bottom, a front opposite the back, and a side comprising an envelope configured to receive a support structure.

Abstract: A protective structure is provided that is configured to crush descending items into particles. The protective structure comprises an upper mesh layer made of hard material capable of crushing the descending items and a bottom layer made of combined hard material and relatively soft material, wherein the bottom layer is capable of absorbing the particles. The protective structure is further provided with a plurality of supporting poles that are positioned between the upper mesh layer and the bottom layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bitumen recovery process from oil sands. The oil sands may be surface mined and transported to a treatment area or may be treated directly by means of an in situ process of oil sand deposits that are located too deep for strip mining. Specifically, the present invention involves the step of treating oil sands with a composition comprising an alkanolamine and an ethylene oxide capped glycol ether and/or propylene oxide capped glycol ether.

Abstract: A self-advancing roof support for a longwall mining system includes a base, a hydraulic actuator having one end pivotally coupled to the base, and a canopy portion that is connected to another end of the hydraulic actuator. The roof support also includes a load sensor disposed on the canopy portion. The load sensor generates a signal indicative of an amount of load borne by the canopy portion in abutment with a roof of an underground mine site. A controller is communicably coupled to the load sensor and the hydraulic actuator. The controller determines if the signal from the load sensor is suggestive of a cavity adjacent to a zone above the canopy portion. Based on the determination, the controller actuates movement of the hydraulic actuator such that the canopy portion is displaced into a position underlying the cavity.

Abstract: A support comprising an outer casing having a main axis, the outer casing comprising a first casing part and a second casing part, the first casing part being at least partially receivable within the second casing part to enable relative movement therebetween in the axial direction, the casing parts having a cavity therein at least one of which has a core that includes a compressible medium, the support further including a pressure responsive system configured so that under the influence of pressure it can cause the relative displacement or movement between the first and second casing parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rib (1) for supporting and reinforcing an excavation. The invention also relates to a structure and to a method for supporting and reinforcing an excavation. The rib (1) according to the invention comprises at least a structural element (5A) provided with a tubular body (6), preferably with a circular cross section, which defines an inner cavity (9A) adapted to be completely filled with concrete after installation of the rib. The structural element is provided with a filling device (7) operatively couplable to concrete injection means.

Abstract: A mine prop includes a first pipe having a first end and a second end, a second pipe having a first end and a second end, and a yield member secured to the second pipe. The second pipe is slidably received in the first pipe. The yield member is configured to yield before the first and second pipes when the mine prop is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: Systems for installing roof support sheets on a mine roof. One system includes a support frame, a lifting system, and a feeding system. The support frame holds a plurality of roof support sheets. The lifting system lifts at least one of the sheets from the support frame. The feeding system obtains the at least one sheet from the lifting system and feeds the at least one sheet toward an installation apparatus for installation on the mine roof. The lifting system includes a shoe and at least one arm for moving the shoe to engage and move the at least one sheet. The feeding system includes a drive assembly and a support. The drive assembly engages and moves the at least one sheet toward the installation apparatus, and the support supports the at least one sheet moved by the drive assembly.

Abstract: Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems for use in a mining operation include: a continuous miner configured to cut material from a face; a plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face; and a guidance system operable to receive a location signal based on relative location of the continuous miner along the face and to send a control signal to the plurality of powered roof supports positioned along the face.

Abstract: Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some mining operations use a powered roof support comprising: a canopy configured to directly contacts a roof of a mine; a base configured to rest on a floor of the mine, the base comprising a spill plate and a push cylinder with a maximum stroke greater than 11 feet; and a pair of hydraulic legs attaching the canopy to the base.

Abstract: A bolter (10) intended to receive a drill bit for the purposes of drilling a hole in a surrounding rock structure. The bolter (10) includes a telescopic leg (12) extending from a base (11). The base (11) is provided with a face (30) that is to receive a duct member (31). The duct member (31) provides for the delivery of a drive fluid (such as air) to the motor (29).

Abstract: Systems for installing roof support sheets on a mine roof. One system includes a support frame, a lifting system, and a feeding system. The support frame holds a plurality of roof support sheets. The lifting system lifts at least one of the sheets from the support frame. The feeding system obtains the at least one sheet from the lifting system and feeds the at least one sheet toward an installation apparatus for installation on the mine roof. The lifting system includes a shoe and at least one arm for moving the shoe to engage and move the at least one sheet. The feeding system includes a drive assembly and a support. The drive assembly engages and moves the at least one sheet toward the installation apparatus, and the support supports the at least one sheet moved by the drive assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a means for transporting a mine roof support set including a plurality of nested containers. Each container in the set has a progressively smaller cross-sectional dimension, or a tapered, frusto-conical shape, to allow the containers to be nested one within the other. The plurality of nested containers allows more efficient transportation of the mine roof support set to a mine site. The containers can be separated at the mine site and filled with a load-bearing material. The containers filled with the load-bearing material are then placed with their longitudinal axis between a mine roof and a mine floor.

Abstract: A support for use in mines and other underground workings is provided comprising a flexible inflatable bag configured for receiving a pumpable load-bearing material. A reinforcing material is provided for supporting the bag when the bag is filled with the load-bearing material. The reinforcing material can include reinforcing plates, rings, bands or barrels positioned about the outer periphery of the bag. Alternatively, the support can be formed from a plurality of stackable barrels that are filled with load-bearing material but without the inflatable bag. The barrels can include internal reinforcing or cladding material at spaced locations along the barrels to define controlled deflection zones. According to another design, the support can be designed to be extensible. The support is inexpensive to transport, can be erected on-site and has a reinforced structure with residual yield strength. A method for supporting a mine or other underground workings is disclosed.

Abstract: A longitudinally yieldable support for underground roof support includes a first support section with a first elongate outer shell filled with a solid compressible filler material and a second support section filled with a second solid compressible filler material with a second elongate outer shell extending above the first elongate outer shell. The second support section has density that is greater than a density of the first solid compressible filler material. A pair of attachment members are coupled to the second elongate outer shell and are configured for lifting the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell and for securing the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell once lifted.

Abstract: A yield support prop for a mine includes a first metal tube extending from the mine floor having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a second portion having a second outside diameter. The prop includes a second metal tube that is disposed about the first portion and extends toward the mine roof, when the second tube receives a load from the mine roof, the second portion deforms the second tube and expands the second tube creating resistance against the load from the mine roof. A method for supporting a mine roof. A method for building a yieldable mine prop.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mine roof support set including a plurality of nested containers. Each container in the set has a progressively smaller cross-sectional dimension to allow the containers to be nested one within the other. The plurality of containers can be nested during transportation of the mine roof support set to a mine site. The containers can be separated at the mine site and filled with a load-bearing material. The containers filled with the load-bearing material are placed with their longitudinal axis between a mine roof and a mine floor.

Abstract: An explosive-resistant mine seal (2) is provided, which includes a pair of block walls (14, 16). An adhesive (22) is provided between adjoining surfaces of the blocks (20) where the adhesive (22) has greater strength properties than the blocks (20) themselves. A core member (18, 18?) is provided between the two walls (14, 16) and is bound thereto. The adhesive (22) may be coated over the walls (14, 16) to increase the strength of the mine seal (2).

Abstract: A gob shield for a shield support and a method for producing such a gob shield. The gob shield having a cover plate, two cap connecting joints for connecting the gob shield to a roof cap, and side plate pairs having respectively two side plates with bolt receptacles for the fastening of links of a link mechanism to the gob shield. In order to simplify the production of the gob shield, each cap connecting joint is a component part of a separately producible elongate assembly, which, by a rear end, can be welded in place in the interspace between the side plates of a side plate pair before this master assembly comprising assembly and side plate pair is welded to the cover plate.

Abstract: A cable bolt includes a cable having a first end and a second end, and a barrel and wedge assembly attached to the cable at a position adjacent to the first end of the cable. The barrel and wedge assembly has a first end and a second end. The cable bolt also includes a nut positioned adjacent to the first end of the barrel and wedge assembly and defines a sealed interface therebetween. The nut defines a passageway in fluid communication with the cable.

Abstract: A support member (100) and method for constructing an improved mine roof support column (200), the support member (100) comprising a pair of bearing members (10) held in spaced apart relationship by a beam (20), each bearing member further comprising a female coupling structure (40) formed on a side opposing a complementary male coupling structure (30). A first set (300) of support members is placed in parallel, spaced apart relationship on a mine floor, and a second set (300?) of support members is turned 90 degrees relative to the first set (300) and then are coupled to the first set via the coupling structures (30 40), the process being repeated until a stacked support column (200) spanning the floor to the roof of the mine is created.

Abstract: There is provided a mesh system (2) comprising a mesh sheet (4) and a reinforcing member in the form of a cable (6) coupled to one side of the sheet (4). The cable (6) is coupled to the mesh by wire ties (7). Two lengths (6a) and (6b) of the cable (6) may overlap or be disposed in a mutually adjacent manner. The lengths (6a) and (6b) may be coupled together by U-bolts or crimped bands (9), which may also engage the underlying sheet (4).

Abstract: In a method for lining tunnel walls or ceilings with protective nets or the like, web-shaped protective net material is unwound from a reel and is fastened to the tunnel walls or ceiling by tie bolts. The reel is rotatably arranged. The rotation of the reel about a shaft is controlled in order to unwind the protective net material, the shaft being mechanically moved in steps along the tunnel walls or ceiling together with the reel. The protective net material unwound in each step is preferably stretched and mechanically fastened. The individuals carrying out these processes are thus not exposed to any direct risk, while the lining process can be accelerated.

Abstract: A mine roof support includes a rigid body having a first end and a second end and defining an interior space, a cementitious material positioned within the interior space of the body and a plurality of support members extending circumferentially around the body and engaging an outer surface of the body. A method includes providing a mine roof support comprising a rigid body having a first end and a second end, a cementitious material positioned within an interior space defined by the body, and a support member extending circumferentially around the body and engaging an outer surface of the body. The method also includes selecting a load capacity and elongation value of the support member to provide controlled yieldable confinement of the mine roof support during loading of the mine roof support.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a housing having a threaded rod engaging section. The threaded rod engaging section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship to, the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end. The passageway has a threaded portion extending from the first end of the passageway toward the second end. A stop member is positioned spaced from the first open end of the passageway. With this arrangement, the end of the threaded rod passes through the space between the first open end of the passageway and the stop member into engagement with the stop member, whereby all of the threads of the threaded portion of the passageway are in engagement with the threads of the threaded bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting communication equipment in an underground mine includes a pair of vertically extending laterally spaced and substantially parallel elongate members, a pair of horizontally extending members, each depending from and extending outwardly from proximate a lower end of a respective elongate member a distance approximately equal to a thickness of a power supply, an upper shield member attached to and extending outwardly from proximate an upper end of the pair of elongate members in the same direction as the pair of horizontally extending members, extending a distance approximately equal to a depth of power supply and having a width approximately equal to a width of the power supply, and a flexible sheet of material disposed over the pair of elongate members from below the upper shield to above the pair of horizontally extending members that is held in place by the communication node.

Abstract: A bearing plate and a nut and bolt arrangement for use as a rib or roof support for coal mines where the extracted coal is used for powder coal and has a specific gravity in the range of 1.5-1.9, preferably 1.7. The bearing plate has an outer reinforced area surrounding an inner reinforced area. The outer reinforced area has one or more endless rib members and the inner reinforced area has a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are spaced from one another and the first end of each leg encircles a bolthole in a center of the bearing plate to receive the bolt of the nut and bolt assembly.

Abstract: A method for attaching a plate to an interior of an underground excavation, the method comprising: placing a first surface of the plate adjacent to the interior of the excavation, the plate having at least one through a passageway disposed within the plate; forming a mounting hole within the excavation in alignment with the passageway; inserting a bolt from a second surface of the plate opposite the first surface through the passageway and into the mounting hole; the bolt having a dome portion being integrally attached to a washer portion, such that the dome portion extends in a convex manner away from the first side of the washer portion; and a driver connected to the dome portion; driving the bolt into through the passageway and the mounting hole by means of the driver; and securing the bolt to the mounting hole disposed within the excavation via an anchorage device, adhesive or grout.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a housing having a threaded rod engaging section. The threaded rod engaging section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship to, the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end. The passageway has a threaded portion extending from the first end of the passageway toward the second end. A stop member is positioned spaced from the first open end of the passageway. With this arrangement, the end of the threaded rod passes through the space between the first open end of the passageway and the stop member into engagement with the stop member, whereby all of the threads of the threaded portion of the passageway are in engagement with the threads of the threaded bar.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mine roof support set including a plurality of nested containers. Each container in the set has a progressively smaller cross-sectional dimension to allow the containers to be nested one within the other. The plurality of nested containers allows more efficient transportation of the mine roof support set to a mine site. The containers can be separated at the mine site and filled with a load-bearing material. The containers filled with the load-bearing material are placed with their longitudinal axis between a mine roof and a mine floor.

Abstract: A grout pack [1] restraining envelope is provided which includes a plurality of restraining rings [7, 8] shaped to extend circumferentially around a grout bag [2] in a vertically spaced arrangement up at least a part of the height of the grout bag to provide support against lateral deformation of an installed grout pack as it occurs under axial load. At least some of the restraining rings are of differing tensile strengths or are configured to yield at differing tensions. The grout pack may have a collapsible polymer or wire mesh [3] positioned on the inside of the restraining rings to which at least some of the restraining rings are fastened. Restraining rings [7] of relatively higher tensile strength are provided at vertical positions at which relatively greater lateral deformation of the grout bag is expected, and rings [8] of relatively lower tensile strength are provided at vertical positions at which relatively less lateral deformation of the grout bag is expected.

Abstract: A crib bag is disclosed that includes a one-way fill valve, such as a duck bill valve, and a vent positioned at the top of the crib bag to allow venting of air from the crib bag when the bag is filled with cement compound and as the cement compound solidifies. When the mining crib bag is filled with cement compound, the one-way fill valve and the top vent prevent spillovers and associated hazards.

Abstract: A grout bag assembly (1) is provided comprising an inflatable grout bag (2, 26, 34, 40) having a top (4, 42), bottom (6) and generally cylindrical sidewall (8) with an inlet (10) for fluent settable grout material. An inner bag (14, 28, 38) is attached to the grout bag such that upon filling of the grout bag the inner bag forms a generally axially extending separate compartment (18) within the grout bag. The inner bag preferably has a separate inlet (20) accessible from the exterior of the grout pack after the grout bag has been installed. The inner bag is generally attached to the inside of the grout bag such that a space of optionally varying radial size is formed between the inner surface of the grout bag and the outer surface of the inner bag.

Abstract: A pedestal support for a mine prop. The pedestal support includes a collar to dispose a mine prop at least partially therein and a yielding member extending from the collar. The yielding member includes a wall having a top edge and a bottom edge and having a thickness that tapers from the top edge to the bottom edge and that flares from the top edge to the bottom edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides cambered impact resistant lagging roof panels for an arch support assembly which is designed for withstanding the effects of rock bursts in an underground mine. The impact resistant panels are aligned in a parallel series with their cambered faces facing upwardly and positioned transversely between adjacent sets of steel arch supports of the assembly. The impact resistant lagging panels are constructed as C-shaped metal channels with their channel openings facing downward. The panels are retained between adjacent beams under compression.

Abstract: A mine rib support for bracing a vertical mine rib disposed between a mine floor and a mine roof. The support includes an elongated upright and continuous telescopically expandable support having a preset curvature. The member is longitudinally expanded for engaging the mine floor and the mine roof under compression with the curvature facing towards the mine rib. A support plate is laterally extended from the support member into compression engagement with the mine rib, thereby prestressing the support for support of the mine rib.

Abstract: A rib support system, a rib support device, a rib support method, a method for manufacturing a rib support device, and a computer readable medium are provided as described herein. The rib support device is configured to support a mine or tunnel rib (or wall) or roof to prevent spalling, and to provide safety and long term protection of tunnel (or open) areas. The rib support device may be made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material, or the like, that is resistant to corrosion, has superior overall performance and strength, has few (or no) sharp edges, is light weight, and is easy to handle.

Abstract: A rock bolt for being grouted in a borehole, —includes an elongate cylindrical massive stem (1) with extensive lengths of stem portions (1s) separated by integrated anchors (2). The anchors are distributed with separations along the length of the stem (1). The anchors (2) are locally anchored relative to their local borehole wall portions for taking up load arising due to rock deformation. The stem portions (1s) are arranged for slipping relative to the grout or the borehole so as for each of the stems (1s) to take up local elongation strain between pairs of locally anchored preceding and consecutive anchors.

Abstract: An arch support assembly for withstanding the effects of rock burst in underground mines, which includes a spaced aligned series of arch supports, each support having a spaced pair of upright side support columns with an upwardly cambered cap beam arch having opposite ends therefore transversely meeting and secured respectively to the upper ends of the side columns at an obtuse angle. The arch supports are rigidly tied together and provided with a roof supported by the cap beams to provide in combination an arch support assembly.

Abstract: A pedestal support for a mine prop. The pedestal support includes a collar to dispose a mine prop at least partially therein and a yielding member extending from the collar. The yielding member includes a wall having a top edge and a bottom edge and having a thickness that tapers from the top edge to the bottom edge and that flares from the top edge to the bottom edge.

Abstract: A shield canopy for a shield-type support for underground mining having a canopy plate and a supporting structure being welded on below the canopy plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars which extend from a rear canopy region up to a front canopy region. At least two of the longitudinal spars having section struts which are provided with a top section flange and a web running perpendicularly to the top section flange, and the canopy plate and the section struts are angled upwards in the front canopy region.

Abstract: A pumpable inflatable crib bag assembly for supporting a mine roof which includes a generally cylindrical bag having top and bottom ends for retaining and confining a liquid settable grout to be pumped into the bag. The bag further includes an inner generally cylindrical mesh reinforcement disposed within and generally coextending with the bag. This generally cylindrical mesh reinforcement is spaced from an inner wall of the bag and is permeable to the liquid settable grout whereby the liquid settable grout may be pumped through a fill port into the bag to thereby fill the bag and encapsulate the mesh reinforcement. The liquid settable grout is pumped through a fill port which is adjacent the top end of the bag.

Abstract: A method of designing supports for an underground mine opening comprising the steps of: receiving mine slope information including at least one of site location, entry length, entry grade, entry orientation, size of opening, surface topology, adjacent borehole data and rock mechanics test data, historical roof fall height, and expected steel set support capacity; conducting stress and geological condition evaluation of the mine opening using a finite element computer modeling program based on the mine opening information; and designing structural supports for the mine opening utilizing the stress and geological condition evaluation of the mine opening.

Abstract: A mine ventilation and bridge structure incorporating a bridge feature enabling a mine vehicle to cross over the structure. The structure comprises a pair of generally parallel and spaced-apart side walls defining opposing side walls and a plurality of elongate deck panels extending between the side walls. At least one deck panel of the plurality of deck panels is a reinforced bridge deck panel constructed to support the weight of a vehicle crossing over the mine ventilation and bridge structure.

Abstract: A shield cap for a shield-type support for underground mining includes a cap plate, with reception devices for the connection of hydraulic cylinder heads to the shield cap, and a supporting structure welded below the cap plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars. At least two of the longitudinal spars include substantially I-profile struts having an upper profile chord, a lower profile chord and a middle chord running perpendicularly to the two profile chords. The distance between the upper and the lower profile chord decreases at least over a part length of each strut.

Abstract: A gob shield for a shield support and a method for producing such a gob shield. The gob shield having a cover plate, two cap connecting joints for connecting the gob shield to a roof cap, and side plate pairs having respectively two side plates with bolt receptacles for the fastening of links of a link mechanism to the gob shield. In order to simplify the production of the gob shield, each cap connecting joint is a component part of a separately producible elongate assembly, which, by a rear end, can be welded in place in the interspace between the side plates of a side plate pair before this master assembly comprising assembly and side plate pair is welded to the cover plate.