The roof straps and roof support modules are used in underground coal and metalliferous mines in conjunction with roof bolts to assist in the stabilisation and containment of materials between bolts. Main applications are primary roadway development and longwall installations, but not longwall take-off.

The roof straps and modules, which are suitable for use with a wide range of rock bolting techniques, are manufactured from hard drawn wire welded in a defined pattern and can be used on a variety of underground machinery, including continuous miners and mechanical bolters.

Kim Henley, the company’s national mining engineer, said users of strata control systems will now be able to clearly specify and identify the genuine OneSteel double wire design.

“The patent formally recognises the design excellence that OneSteel applies in developing more efficient and cost effective strata control solutions.

“The patented double wire sections concentrates the maximum cross section of steel where it is required – in the collar load area of the roof bolt, thereby improving shear resistance under load. The design also allows for bolts to be placed anywhere along the roof strap or module, eliminating the delays associated with locating bolt holes, as is the case with conventional straps,” Henley said.

The inventor of these patented products, OneSteel Reinforcing’s Hal Dembeck, passed away only days before the notification of the patent award.

The company said its range of strata control products was available uncoated or galvanised for improved corrosion resistance.