Abstract: The mine support system (26) is typically used in underground coal mines. Support for the hanging wall (40) of the mine is provided by elongate, transversely extending headboards (10) which are supported by spaced apart supports. The supports may take the form of upright mine supports, typically timber props (28) located on the footwall (34) of the mine working, by roof bolts (30) engaging the hanging wall, or by a combination of props and roof bolts. Prestressing grout bags (32) are located on the headboards and bear against the hanging wall. The combination of headboards and bags forms a continuous bridge between the props.

Abstract: The yieldable load support comprises a compressible support member in the form of an elongate timber pole. The load support or pole is asymmetrically modified at or near one end thereof in a manner to positively induce sideways brushing of the pole at the modified end, in a preferential direction transverse to the length of the pole, when the support member is placed under longitudinal compressive load of sufficient magnitude.