Composite support prop

Abstract

A support pack component which comprises a rectangular cementitious block with metal plates on three of its edges.

1 . A support component for use in a composite support pack which comprises a cementitious block of parallelepiped form with six faces and a respective metallic plate on at least two of the faces. 
     
     
         2 . The support component of  claim 1  wherein the cementitious block has two major faces and four minor faces, wherein each minor face has a surface area which is smaller than the surface area of each major face, and a respective metallic plate is on at least two of the minor faces. 
     
     
         3 . The support component of  claim 2  wherein a respective metallic plate is on three of the minor faces. 
     
     
         4 . The support component of  claim 2  wherein an elongate steel strip is bent into a rectangular shape which is closed so that the strip, in use, forms a continuous rectangular boundary around the cementitious block which then has a respective metallic plate on each minor face. 
     
     
         5 . A support pack which comprises a plurality of layers of support components which are successively stacked vertically to overlie one another, wherein each layer includes at least two support components each of which is a support component according to  claim 3 . 
     
     
         6 . The support pack of  claim 5  wherein each layer includes four of the support components and in plan is of a square configuration with a central hollow in which an elongate support prop is positioned. 
     
     
         7 . A method of making a support component for a support pack which includes the steps of forming a square or rectangular frame from an elongate metallic strip, and casting a settable cementitious material into the frame, which acts as a mould and which remains engaged with the cementitious material once the cementitious material has set.