The procedures currently used for the design of rock reinforcement in fractured strata are reviewed briefly. The trend to install support systems using full column resin or grouted dowels as opposed to point anchored bolts, is discussed and the reasons are given. The application of mathematical modelling techniques to the design of dowel reinforcement systems in fractured rock is discussed and the results of investigations carried out are reviewed in context with design objectives associated with cut and fill mining systems. It is shown that finite element analyses of alternative extraction sequences in adjacent, multiple orebodies can provide valuable information on the superposition and change in strain concentration as mining progresses. Examples are given to illustrate the problems encountered and the procedures developed to resolve them. Future developments leading to improved design of reinforcement systems in fractured strata are postulated and topics worthy of continuing research and development activity are discussed.