Abstract: A system and support means for creating lateral and compressive forces in and for supporting mine roofs, and particularly in coal mines and the like, where the roofs frequently include, at least in part, layers of rock and shale in overlying strata, and are notoriously weak in tensile and shear strength. A plurality of individual support means or members are inserted vertically into holes bored in the mine roof, and each includes expansion means, operable by bolt means available below the mine roof, to activate the expansion means to thereby create lateral and compressive support forces within the various strata layers, thereby so strengthening the roof structure as to prevent collapse of a mine roof or portions thereof.