Text The introduction of the standardization of a powered roof support is a key point in increasing production efficiency in the mines of Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A. The introduced changes will increase the safety of the miners and affect the economic result associated with the exploitation of coal. The purpose of introducing this standardization is to systematize the construction solutions of roof supports in terms of power and control hydraulics, focusing on all technical conditions that powered roof supports operating in underground mining facilities must meet (including mining tremors). This article presents the method of standardizing the powered roof supports that are produced, modernized, and renovated by Zakład Remontowo-Produkcyjny within Polska Grupa Górnicza S.A.

The process of designing a longwall powered support is extremely complex and requires many operations related to the creation of a complete machine. The powered support section is one of the basic elements of the longwall system. It acts as protection for the working space and takes part in the process of excavating and transporting the spoil. The implementation of the support that meets the guidelines of the manufacturer and user requires an endurance analysis at the design stage conducted according to the regulations in force. The main objective of this research, pursued by the authors, was to perform the analysis of the ultimate strength of selected elements of the designed powered support section. The research was carried out with the use of special software that uses the finite element method. This article presents the analysis of the strength limits conducted with the help of the finite element method, determining the strength of selected elements of the longwall support section. The solutions proposed by the authors include changes in the structure and properties of the material in the design process. The aim of the proposed solution was to obtain a model with strength value that meets safety standards. The research results are a valuable source of knowledge for designers. Solutions of this type set examples for spatial models of the longwall support section being designed currently. The analysis presented in the article, together with the results of the research and the conclusions resulting from them, may improve the safety and effectiveness of powered supports.