Becker Mining South Africa’s locally manufactured steel arch roof support systems – which are self-standing or can be integrated with other support elements – provide reliable tunnel support and safe working conditions in mining, as well as underground civil engineering projects – where unstable ground conditions exist.
This robust steel arch support system is suitable for highly fractured or stressed rock in tunnels, roadways and underground chambers and plays a critical role in tunnel rehabilitation and portal consolidation.
“Becker Mining’s steel arch supports have a high load carrying and yielding capacity for enhanced safety and extended service life, even in poor underground conditions,” explains Tom Searle, Senior General Manager: Capital, Becker Mining South Africa (Pty) Ltd. “Due to the adaptability of this system, which can be custom-designed and formed for specific requirements, these high strength steel arch roof supports are suitable for any rock or soil types in any shape of excavation.
“Steel arches are often installed to provide a safe working environment during the clean-up of a fall of ground, or in anticipation of seismic activity. This system also provides permanent support to portal entrances and maintains critical areas of a mine or tunnel where roof bolting is not sufficient or not possible.”
Local applications for Becker Mining’s steel arch roof support systems include gold and platinum mines, as well as underground civil engineering projects, like the Gautrain. These steel arch systems are also exported to Australasian and African mines, with Zambia, Zimbabwe and the DRC being key users.
The engineered TH29 steel arch profile, with segments clamped together to facilitate yielding, ensure long term stand-up support solutions for friable ground, seismic and varying stress conditions.
Becker Mining South Africa’s arch sets also include foot plates, clamps, steel lagging plates and ancillary equipment, for secure installation and optimum performance and safety in arduous conditions. Lagging plates or void fill are recommended for use in friable ground conditions.
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.
