Mine support and method of forming the same

A method of forming a mine support capable of bearing an axial compressive load comprising the steps of:

• (1) providing an outer container arranged in use to define a base;
• (2) locating within the container a tube of a flexible material divided by dividing walls of a flexible material into an array of compartments running the length of the tube, the compartments being arranged in rows and columns so that the tube divided by the dividing walls has a honeycomb structure, with a first end of the tube positioned in use on the container base and a second end of the tube above the first end of the tube;
• (3) filling one or more of the compartments at or near the centre of the tube with a first load bearing material to form a pillar with a load bearing capability in or near the centre of the tube;
• and
• (4) filling the remainder of the compartments of the tube with a second material having no or a lower load bearing capability than the first load bearing material, to form the mine support.