Abstract: An improved guide segment assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a support frame and a guide segment that includes a bottom segment portion having a number of support rolls for engaging a bottom surface of a continuously cast strand, and a top segment having a number of guide rolls thereon for engaging a top surface of the strand. A force applicator is provided for urging the top and bottom segment portions toward one another against mechanical stops in order to provide support for the strand that is sufficient to counter ferrostatic pressure within the strand. A resilient mechanism is positioned between the support frame and the guide segment for permitting limited movement between the support frame and the guide segment during abnormal casting conditions. As a result of the resilient mechanism, both the support rolls and the guide rolls will be amply protected against overload conditions during abnormal conditions such as cold withdrawals.