Pumpable Crib

Abstract

A pumpable crib bag assembly includes a containment bag having a body and a supporting member. The containment bag is configured to contain a cementitious material therein and has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The pumpable crib bag assembly further includes a reinforcing layer positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the containment bag.

The invention claimed is 
     
         1 . A pumpable crib bag assembly comprising:
 a containment bag having a body and a supporting member, the containment bag configured to contain a cementitious material therein and having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface; and   a reinforcing layer positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the containment bag.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the body of the containment bag comprises a plurality of layers, the supporting member positioned between the plurality of layers. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer is cylindrical and is received within the body of the containment bag. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the reinforcing layer extends from the first end to the second end of the containment bag. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises about 60-150 gauge polyethylene sheet material. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises about 60-150 gauge polyethylene sheet material. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing layer is formed of a cylindrical. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the containment bag is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the containment bag is substantially frusto-conical. 
     
     
         12 . A method of installing a pumpable crib comprising:
 securing a first end of a containment bag to a roof portion of a mine opening;   positioning a reinforcing layer adjacent an inner surface of the containment bag;   positioning a second end of the containment bag on a floor portion of the mine opening; and   filling the containment bag with a cementitious material.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the reinforcing layer is formed of a mesh material and extends from the first end to the second end of the containment bag. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the reinforcing layer is cylindrical and extends from the first end to the second end of the containment bag. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the containment bag comprises a body and a supporting member. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the reinforcing layer comprises about 60-150 gauge polyethylene sheet material. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the containment bag is filled with the cementitious material via a fill tube positioned adjacent the first end of the containment bag. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the supporting member comprises a helically wound wire. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the body of the containment bag comprises a plurality of layers, the supporting member positioned between the plurality of layers.