STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA LIMITED
Collieries Division
ROOF SUPPORT SYSTEM IN UG MINES
. RAJ ARYAN
BIT SINDRI
INTRODUCTION TO ROOF SUPPORT SYSTEM
Roof support systems are essential safety and productivity
elements in underground mining operations. The purpose of
these systems is to prevent rock falls, control ground movement,
and ensure the stability of underground excavations such as
tunnels, roadways, and longwall faces.
In underground coal mines, especially in India, roof falls are
among the most common causes of accidents. Hence,
implementing a reliable roof support system is critical for both
worker safety and operational efficiency.
Purpose of Roof Support System
•Prevent roof collapse by providing artificial support to the
overhead strata.
•Ensure safety of miners and equipment.
•Facilitate smooth extraction and transport of coal or minerals.
•Control convergence and subsidence in mine workings.
•Reduce downtime caused by roof-related hazards.
•Maintain longwall or bord & pillar stability during and after
extraction.
Types of Roof Support Systems
Roof support systems can be broadly categorized into two types:
Temporary and Permanent supports.
Temporary Roof Support Systems
Used during development or initial excavation:
•Hydraulic Props / Jacks
•Friction Props
•Mechanical Props
•Steel Arches
•Steel Chocks
•Wooden Chocks
Permanent Roof Support Systems
Used for long-term stability:
•Roof Bolts
• Tensioned bolts
• Grouted bolts
•Cable Bolts
•W-Straps / Mesh
•Shotcrete (Sprayed Concrete)
•Steel Sets / Lattice Girders
•Concrete or Brick Pillars (for very high-stress areas)
Roof Support Practices at Chasnalla UG Mines
Primary Support System
•Roof Bolting is extensively used in development galleries and
junctions. Bolts are resin-grouted for better anchorage.
•W-straps or wire mesh are used in conjunction with bolts for
better load distribution in fractured roofs.
Secondary Support System
•Hydraulic Props (Valley Props) and steel chocks are used in
depillaring panels, especially in areas with high stress or caving zones.
•Wooden sleepers or timber props are sometimes used as quick-fix
supports in emergencies or temporary zones.
Monitoring and Safety
•Tell-tales and convergence recorders are installed to monitor strata
behavior.
•Regular roof inspections are conducted by the support team.
•Roof stitching is done in high-risk areas to prevent separation of layers.
Conclusion
The implementation of an effective roof support
system in underground mines, such as SAIL
Chasnalla, is crucial to ensure safety, operational
continuity, and efficiency. The integration of modern
support technologies like resin-grouted bolts,
hydraulic props, and monitoring tools reflects the
mine’s commitment to safe mining practices.