Mine roof and rib support with reinforced channel

A method of supporting a rock formation comprising:

• positioning a support member with a longitudinal reinforcing portion spaced from edges of said support member against a rock formation, said support member having a first arm joined to a second arm and defining an opening intermediate said first and second arms, such that said first arm is positioned against a mine roof surface and said second arm is positioned against a mine rib surface;
• positioning a bearing plate having an opening against said support member so that said support member opening is aligned with said plate opening;
• and
• extending a mine roof bolt through said plate opening and said support member opening into engagement with a rock formation to compress said bearing plate against said support member to maintain said support member in contact with the rock formation.

A stackable mine roof and rib support member comprising:

• a one-piece elongated member comprising a roof arm and a rib arm, said roof arm provided at an angle to said rib arm such that said roof arm and said rib arm are connected via a bent portion, said bent portion defining an opening for receiving a mine roof bolt therethrough;
• said elongated member having a back surface and a front surface, a base portion, an elongated reinforcement portion extending from said base portion;
• and
• longitudinal edge portions extending angularly away from said base portion and terminating in edges,
• whereby said front surface of support member is configured to receive a back surface of another of said support member in overlying and abutting relationship.