Synchronization of the yield as a way to increase integrity and bearing capacity of the frame supports

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to provide structural integrity, increase the bearing capacity and safety of the yield frame supports used in heavy underground conditions. Actual measurements in situ, loading of the frames by testing machine, physical modelling and thermodynamics of irreversible processes verified that the frame clamps yield asynchronously, by turn, each after other in the conventional frame supports that cause their blocking, jamming and destroying. Connecting the opposite clamps with a flexible element synchronizes the yield of the opposite fasteners and prevents their failure. Coherent behaviour of the clamps increased bearing capacity of the frames by factor 1.73.