Abstract: A prop intended particularly for use in underground mines, is made of timber. At one or both ends of the prop, a reduced diameter portion is formed. The rest of the prop has a larger diameter. At the end or ends of the larger diameter portion adjacent the reduced diameter portion(s), a restraining ring surrounds the prop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mine support for use in a hard rock deep level mine in which the hanging and foot walls in stopes are subject to closure. The support consists of a timber load-resisting element which is tightly housed in a sleeve of material which has a variable effective length and is adapted to contain transverse spread of the timber while the support is being compressed by the closing hanging and foot walls. It is essential to the invention that in use the grain of the timber element lies in the direction of the compressive load.