The software allows mine planners to access the knowledge gained during years of NIOSH research in a simple and accessible format.

The improved software packages include Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems, the Support Technology Optimisation Program, Coal Mine Roof Rating and Analysis of Horizontal Stress in Mining.

The Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems program helps select the proper roof bolt system design from the immense variety of available bolt types and patterns.

It was developed by NIOSH from statistical analysis of extensive bolt performance and roof fall data.

The new features include the capability to analyse roof bolt systems that use two types of bolts and a roof support cost module that estimates the total installed cost of different patterns, considering the costs of consumables, labour, maintenance and other factors.

The Support Technology Optimisation Program can be used to make judgments regarding which secondary support system would be the most effective in a particular mine condition and to evaluate the advantages or disadvantages of alternative support systems.

The updated version allows supports with large load-shedding following yielding to be designed based on the peak loading capability as well as the residual loading capability.

Seven new support systems have been added to the program and easier access to the photo gallery has been provided.

The Coal Mine Roof Rating program replaces complicated geologic information with a simple numerical rating that mine planners can use in many ground control applications.

It can be readily integrated into a geologic exploration program and is capable of generating an AutoCAD CMRR "layer".

The software package includes the complete CMRR database with more than 250 ratings obtained from 70 different US coal seams and an all-new "Help" file that clearly explains all aspects of the program.

The Analysis of Horizontal Stress in Mining can help find the optimum mine layouts for control of horizontal stress.

It can be used to analyse both development and longwall retreat designs and it shows how the stress condition varies as the entry, crosscut and panel orientations are changed.

The improved Version 2 features improved graphics that enable the user to observe the effect of design changes without adjusting the display on the computer screen and resource files containing information on stress mapping, advance-and-relieve mining, stress measurements in US coal mines and other topics.

Free copies of the ground control software are available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/topics/groundcontrol/groundcontrol.htm or by contacting Kim Mitchell at KAMitchell@cdc.gov.