Mining system solutions supplier Becker Mining South Africa’s locally manufactured steel arch roof support systems provide reliable tunnel support and safe working conditions in mining, as well as in underground civil engineering projects where unstable ground conditions exist.

These support systems can be integrated with other support elements, explains Becker Mining South Africa Capital senior GM Tom Searle.

This robust steel arch roof support system – which is suitable for highly fractured rock in tunnels, roadways and underground chambers – plays a critical role in tunnel rehabilitation, void filling and portal consolidation.

“Becker Mining’s steel arch supports have a high load-carrying capacity and dependable yielding of segments, for enhanced safety and extended service life, even in poor underground conditions.”

Owing to the adaptability of this system, which can be customised to meet specific requirements, these “high-strength” steel arch roof supports are suitable for any rock or soil types in any shape of excavation, he adds.

This steel arch system provides stable support and assists in establishing a safe working environment during the clean-up of debris caused by fall of ground, or before and during seismic movements, says Searle, adding that this system also provides permanent support to portal entrances and maintains critical areas of a mine or tunnel where roof bolting is not sufficient.

He notes that local applications for Becker Mining’s steel arch roof support systems include gold and platinum mines, as well as underground civil engineering projects, such as the Gautrain.

These steel arch systems are also exported to Australasian and African mines, with Zambia being a key user.

Additionally, in the mining sector, these steel arch roof support systems are used in various tunnel applications, including x-cuts haulages, incline shaft portals and special shafts.

The engineered TH29 steel arch profile, with balanced static values, ensures long-term stand-up support solutions for friable ground conditions and where pressures are uncertain.

Further, Becker Mining South Africa’s arch sets also include clamps and steel lagging plates and other ancillary equipment, for secure installation and optimum performance and safety in arduous conditions. Lagging plates, which are recommended for use in friable ground conditions, are folded, seamed and bolted together.

Searle elaborates that the locally forged arch profiles are formed at the company’s production plant in Johannesburg and further points out that large stockholding enables quick and efficient manufacture and delivery.

Becker Mining South Africa provides a technical advisory and support service, as well as specialised training for correct assembly and ease of installation of this system. In some applications, these steel arch roof supports are reclaimable and reusable.