This paper summarizes the results of a research project whose goal was to provide the Australian coal industry with a rib support design methodology and software tool that could be used by suitably qualified colliery staff. The project was funded mainly by the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) and further supported by several Australian longwall operations. The outcome of the project is a design methodology and software tool called Analysis and Design of Rib Support (ADRS). ADRS is an empirical technique it recognizes that several geotechnical and design factors affect ribline performance and, in addition, that operational and safety issues essentially dictate the level of performance required