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By Dave Weymer

Falling timber in BC has always been a hazardous job. Huge, often rotting trees and steep, rugged terrain combine to create difficult and dangerous conditions. Death and injury rates are among the highest of any occupation in North America. In BC, the men that head out, saw in hand, are called fallers.

Jan 1, 2013

By Marco Larghi, Jurg Knobel, Braden Schmidt

Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) which uses solid explosives has been used in Europe since 1996 and North America since 1999. With large destructive avalanches in transportation corridors, various States and Provinces have started implementing RACS into their summer construction projects to minimize traffic shutdowns. Since 2014 in North America, many of the projects are requiring the RACS deployment boxes to be removable by light duty helicopter for loading and summer storage. This is to further remove workers from the mountain tops, where inclement weather and Occupational Health and Safety concerns are widespread. We did not believe the method of flying primed charges under a helicopter was safe, so we developed a new charge container to deal with the issue.

Feb 1, 2020

By John C. Adams, Darrel D. Porter

After conventional drill and shoot methods were determined to be unfeasible due the fractured nature of the ground, a "coyote" blast was designed to produce 250,000 tons of rock from Rhone-Poulenc's Maiden Rock silica pit located near Butte, MT. This paper will cover the design and excavation of the explosive drifts, the placement and priming of 190,000 pounds of explosives, and the backfilling of the drift to provide confinement of the charges.

Jan 1, 1993

By Marco Larghi, Jurg Knobel, Braden Schmidt

Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) which uses solid explosives has been used in Europe since 1996 and North America since 1999. With large destructive avalanches in transportation corridors, various States and Provinces have started implementing RACS into their summer construction projects to minimize traffic shutdowns. Since 2014 in North America, many of the projects are requiring the RACS deployment boxes to be removable by light duty helicopter for loading and summer storage. This is to further remove workers from the mountain tops, where inclement weather and Occupational Health and Safety concerns are widespread. We did not believe the method of flying primed charges under a helicopter was safe, so we developed a new charge container to deal with the issue. In spring of 2016, the Inauen Schatti company of Switzerland started the development of a flyable RACS deployment box to complement their 2 stand alone tower systems. To go along with the new flyable deployment box, a new S-Load charge carrier was developed. The newly developed and patented S-Load explosive charge for the LM32 RACS system features a mechanism which combines the explosive and priming material just before the blast. These are stored separately during transport and storage in the LM32 RACS deployment box. The S-load is divided into two parts. The upper part contains the plastic bobbin and ignition sequence (impact pull wire igniter, safety fuse and #8 blasting cap), whereby the explosive material and detonating cord are positioned in the lower part of the explosive container. The explosive material and ignition sequence are separated by a certified housing during transport and storage. The key idea of the S-Load system was to achieve a maximum level of safety by keeping the priming components separate from the explosive material until just before detonation. Because of this the S-Load and the LM32 tower remains safe during transport by helicopter or when being stored in the deployment box on the mountain side in the avalanche start zone.

By Türker Hüdaverdi, Özge Akyildiz

"Efficiency of blast operations depends on fragmentation, overbreak, muckpile profile anddisplacement, vibration, airblast, flyrock and damage to wall or slope stability. To provide all these conditions at the optimal level, determination of rock mass properties (in-situ block size, joint spacing and orientation) is the very first step during design stage of rock blasting. Image analysis software is used not only to determine the fragmentation level of muckpile but also to characterize the bench face. In this study, an image analysis software was used to determine apparent block size of bench face and to measure blast fragmentation of muckpile. The source of errors and the vital points to be taken into consideration were explained for bench face characterization andfragmentation measurement. Since it provides much better results than previous techniques and it is not intrusive to production process, image analysis technique is considered as one of the most efficient and preferred way for fragmentation analysis. Besides these advantages, there are some weak points of image analysis software. Lighting is one of the most important factors for photographs captured for in-situ block size analysis and fragmentation analysis. Lighting determines shadow formation. In an ideal image, particles are clearly delineated by soft shadows. If shadows are too strong (dark), analysis suffers. Appropriate scale should be replaced onto blast muckpile during site measurements. The location of the scale in image affects the results of analysis. Also, the densityand orientation of discontinuities should be considered during application of image analysis technique to characterize bench faces. In this study, image analysis software was applied in thesandstone, limestone quarries of Istanbul region and an open pit boron mine. All image analysis, evaluations and results were made based on the site measurements."

Jan 1, 2017

By Gloria Contreras

The study aims to optimize the density of holes per tunnel section. The energy distribution, the one with the highest density, is used in the center of the diagram and is distributed homogeneously towards the contours with the lowest energies up to the contours to produce a perimeter control.

Feb 1, 2020

By D. Johansson, C. San Miguel, U. Stenman, N. Petropoulos

Blasting is a commonly utilized method in civil engineering projects and mining operations. Ammonium nitrate-based (AN-based) explosives are the most efficient explosives today in terms of handling and performance. However, a side effect is the production of gases. The reduction of these gases plays an important role in the safety and environmental aspects in the working place. Therefore, optimizing the recipes of explosives is vital for minimizing the environmental impact and increasing performance. The aim of the project is to provide results and recommendations on the use of emulsion commercial explosives to support the Swedish mining industry and tunnel-contractors as well as the explosives manufactures. The approach was to test various recipes of civil emulsion explosives to investigate the generation of toxic fumes (CO, CO2, NO, NO2 and NOx) during their detonation. To further increase the knowledge of the influence of different additives, ammonium nitrate prills were added in various percentages. The experimental configuration consisted of magnetite mortar cylindrical specimens with a 50 mm borehole at their center, filled with emulsion explosive. Several tests with different emulsion compositions regarding ammonium nitrate additives (10%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35%) were carried out in a blasting chamber. The measurement equipment was composed of a flue gas analyzer. The instrument was meticulously cleaned after every test, as well as before and during the tests due to condensation (high humidity and dust) at the inlet of the instrument. The emulsion was manually sensitized with microballons and pumped into the cylinders to ensure lack of bubbles, which could introduce inhomogeneities. The acquired gas concentration data was complemented with temperature, humidity, and VoD measurements. The results showed a linear increase of nitrogen gases as the percentage of ammonium nitrate prills increased. On the other hand, carbon gases had a relatively low coefficient of determination. The VoD data showed a behavior that can be described with a simple quadratic equation.

Jan 1, 2024

By Julio Cesar Barbosa de Freitas, Rafael Gonçalves Araujo, Túlio Soares, Jair Koppe, Augusto Ferraz Ribeiro, Pedro Barreto Garcia

This study thesis was motivated by the fact that it is of fundamental importance for open pit mining that the slopes initially have a geometry in accordance with what is proposed in the mining planning. This occurs because an inconsistency in this design can impact the operational safety and economic solutions of the mining project. These consequences can be explained by the fact that rock blasting close to mining limits requires specific study due to the attention required. Because, when this operation is not carried out properly, the mining plan in the mine may not be respected and may create risks to the operation due to the presence of unstable blocks on the slopes (Mackenzie). In this sense, Mackenzie (2004) cites pre-split, trim blasting and buffer as commonly used explosive blasting techniques that aim to limit damage beyond the projected wall. Therefore, Enaex Brazil realized the need to better understand the pre-split method. To do this, it is necessary to understand how the energy released during detonation is perpetuated in the rock mass when this technique is used and when it is absent. Thus, this analysis is based on a seismic study that allows the creation of vibration attenuation laws and an elementary wave damage model, which allows the local characterization of the rock. With this model it is possible to relate the peak levels of vibration during blasting and the extent of damage, but a critical level of vibration (PPVc) and its relationship with the Uniaxial Comprehension Resistance (UCS) are also defined for the start of fracturing and its level (McKenzie et al, 1995). And, mainly, this work aims to address a way to measure the pre-split filter potential by comparing the attenuation law with and without pre-split, ultimately knowing whether this finishing blasting is being effective, to understand the pre-split filter capacity.

Jan 21, 2025

By Tie-jun Tao, Ming-sheng Zhao, En-an Chi

"Karst landform is a special kind of geomorphic unit which is often accompanied by a large number of geological defects: caves. In blasting engineering, if there are karst caves around the blast-holes, it may result in higher boulder yield and the generation of flying rocks due to the change of burden which is very hazardous for the safety of surroundings. The models of rocks with karst caves from blasting holewere built by the software of ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The results of computation simulation show that thecave can increase more free surface for blasting and leads to a broken zone around itself. Thus rockmass around the cave will fly toward inside and it will result in undesirable result of whole rock mass to be blasted. In addition, the models of rocks with karst caves in different shapes were simulated and thecomputation results show that the caves in round shape have higher load resistance capability than that the caves in rectangle shape. All the simulation results can offer effective guidance for blasting design. The models of rocks with karst caves were built in different distances and shapes from blasting hole by the software of ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The effect of different karst caves on blasting stress and blastingresult were studied."

Jan 1, 2017

By Douglas R. Simms

O & G Industries, Inc. owns and operates a number of rock quarries within the State of Connecticut. These rock quarries are surrounded by residences and commercial neighbors who have concerns related to blasting. In addition, local commissions which issue the mining permits to O & G are required to hold public hearings, prior to issuing the annual permits each year.

Jan 1, 1994

By Ery Wardhana, Fathur Rozaq, Jeff Averett, Nella Lubis, Carl Lager, Herry Saputra, Rudolf Sitorus, Relinda Sanistrya, Hormat Sinaga, Andhiko Maharjono

Efficient drill and blast operations are crucial for achieving optimal fragmentation, productivity, safety, and operational efficiency for the mining industry. However, conventional methods face significant challenges, including manual borehole marking and retrieval by survey teams, limited real-time data monitoring, excessive borehole collar deviation affecting blast quality, suboptimal drill productivity impacting person-hours and fuel usage, subjective judgment by drill operators on voids during drilling, and limitations in explosive charging design that do not match rock hardness. Rock hardness determination using lithological data from exploration models is often inaccurate due to the interpolation effect of wide drilling distances and depths, necessitating manual field verification using drill cuttings and historical blasting results. Furthermore, using single-density bulk emulsion throughout blast holes leads to suboptimal results due to varying rock properties. This study introduces an integrated approach that combines smart drilling technology with advanced emulsion technology to enhance drilling and blasting efficiency. The method utilizes smart drilling technology with GPS for precise borehole placement, Measure While Drilling (MWD) loggers, and real-time performance monitoring. Additionally, it integrates a smart Mobile Processing Unit (MPU) featuring a digital system and an automated gassing system (AGS). This setup allows for multiple emulsion densities within a single blast hole, customized to match the hardness index parameters determined from MWD data, addressing the challenges in drilling and blasting operations. The study evaluates the effectiveness of this innovative approach through comprehensive field trials and data analysis. While maintaining the digging rate according to production targets, key metrics such as drilling productivity, drilling accuracy, fuel consumption, powder factor, drilling and blasting cost, and fragmentation size were compared between conventional and new methods. Results showed a 56% increase in drilling accuracy, a 23% increase in penetration rate, a 19.6% increase in drilling productivity, and a 29% reduction in fuel consumption. This new method decreased the powder factor by 5.2%, impacting the drill & blast cost reduction by 2.3%. Moreover, fragmentation size improved by 12.8%, demonstrating the effectiveness of rock hardness-adjustable emulsion density in achieving better blast energy placement. In conclusion, integrating smart drilling and advanced emulsion technology significantly enhances drilling and blasting efficiency. This approach offers substantial cost savings and operational improvements, providing a strong rationale for adopting this innovative method in drilling and blasting activities.

Jan 21, 2025

By Seokbin Lim

According to published literature, the equation of motion of linear shaped charges (LSCs) has been investigated as early as the 1960s in a few research organizations. However, due to the comparatively low penetration performance, the amount of research has not been extensive, and the use of this device is quite limited in very specialized applications. Traditionally, the equation of motion of an LSCs’ liner shares the same basis as conical shaped charges (CSCs) because they are under the same functional category and generally have similar geometric configuration. However, the nature of LSCs is not quite similar with that of CSCs due to multiple reasons, and they required a new set of equations to properly address their performance. In this paper, we reviewed different sets of approaches in describing the liner collapse behavior of LSCs mostly based on the author’s contributions.

Jan 1, 2014

By Tristan Worsey, John Henchion, Nathan Rouse, Yannick Lauras

"This paper presents an approach used to plan and evaluate drill and blast trials for a mine that currently mechanically excavates in-situ rock. The document presents the approach used to plan the trials, the key performance indicators (KPIs) that were necessary to evaluate the mining methods, the test matrix used during the trials, and the results of the trials. The trials, which occurred as part of an overall drill to mill optimization project at this site, helped to evaluate various blast designs using fragmentation results,drilling and blasting costs, and downstream costs. This project was unique in that (1) drill and blast methods were trialed on multiple rock types and various bench heights using a range of blasthole diameters and powder factors and (2) the load and haul costs were evaluated using a range of loading equipment, from 66 tonne (73 ton) excavators up to 250 tonne (276 ton) excavators. A ten year net cost financial evaluation of the material extraction alternatives was also prepared for the site management. Ultimately, the process of evaluating the drill and blast trials helped the management decide whether to continue extracting using mechanical methods or to introduce drill and blast methods to extract the rock."

Jan 1, 2017

By Marilena Cardu, Mauricio Dompiri, Jacopo Seccatore

Blasting in geological bodies is an industrial process acting in an environment characterized by high uncertainties (natural joints, faults, voids, abrupt structural changes), which are transposed into the process parameters (e.g. energetic transfer to rock mass, hole deviations, misfires, vibrations, fly-rock...). The approach to this problem searching for the “optimum” result can be ineffective. The geological environment is marked out by too many uncertainties, to have an “optimum” suitable to different applications. Researching for “Robustness” in a blast design gives rise to much more efficiency. Robustness is the capability of the system to behave constantly under varying conditions, without leading to unexpected results. Since the geology varies from site to site, and often from bench to bench on each site, setting a robust method can grant better results in varying environments, lowering the costs and increasing benefits and safety.

Jan 1, 2011

By J Silva Castro, Braden Lusk

Information management is important in all disciplines. In mining; collection and analysis of information before, during and even after mining is a keystone to performance. During mining, information is useful to optimize the resources and make appropriate decisions. Current technologies allow for collecting information in real time. Records of blasting activity at the mine are common practice in surface coal mining operations. The most common blast information recorded contains the location of the blast, scaled distance, geometry of the blast, weight of explosive used and quantity of blasted rock. Sometimes due to the proximity of protected structures, seismograph evidence of the particle velocity and airblast levels is required. However, in the majority of cases, the seismograph information is not linked to the blast information. Blast related information is recorded separately from the seismograph information and seismograms are little more than an attachment to the blast record. This fact makes simultaneous visualization and analysis of the technical details of the blast with the vibration and airblast information difficult.

Jan 1, 2012

By G. Walsh, L. Wolkovitch, A. Savage, V. Romero, T. Zimmerly, G. Imahara, J. Hyneman, K. Byron, D Tapster, S. Belleci, J. Metzger, M. Stanley

Testing was conducted at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center for the MythBusters on three separate occasions. This testing included (1) an experiment designed to create diamond from graphite using the shock and pressure of a detonation, (2) the flattening of a car using a steel plate driven by a rocket sled, and (3) the bifurcation of a car also using a rocket sled. All tests were successful; diamond was produced following the detonation of ANFO, and extracted from a graphite / cobalt matrix. A plate was accelerated to 646 mph (1040 km/hr) using a two-stage sled system loaded with 5” (12.7 cm) high velocity aircraft rockets (HVAR) into a car, which was subsequently demolished. Finally, a steel wedge was pushed to 541 mph (871 km/hr) by a one stage sled using HVAR rockets, and was able to cleanly cut a target car in half.

Jan 1, 2010

By Nicholas Matthews, Vilem Petr

This project will report findings on the establishment of a new surface test site at the Colorado School of Mines Edgar Mine. Concerns over the blast effects on site neighbors prompted the study to be conducted. The current maximum charge weight of 20-lb was studied to ensure that all environmental effects were within the range prescribed by state and federal regulations. Geophone locations were surveyed using GPS and monitored using Instantel Minimate Plus instruments. Distances and orientation of measurement sites to the test site were varied according to the local geography and geology. Weather conditions were also observed and recorded during all tests. Neighbor complaints were recorded and taken into account during analysis. Current results show that the current charge limit results in a safety factor of over 200 for all blasting activities at the site. Data collection is ongoing and a review is to be conducted annually. These results will be presented in the future. Results are presented and discussed in the following paper. Copyright

Jan 1, 2010

By Pavel A. Torres, Darwin Torres, Sandro Huaman

Given the limited efficiency of blast-induced ground vibrations prediction empirical models, due to the complex geological system from a Peruvian mine. An artificial neural network was built in order to get better results. More accurate and precise predictions allowed the generation of blasting domains for future designs and decision making.

Feb 1, 2020

By Dr. Zach Agioutantis, Elliott Morgan

The explosives, mining, and heavy civil industries consistently battle the uncertainty that is associated with working with a heterogenous medium like rock in blasting. This has led to studies to increase fundamental understanding of material response under dynamic loading that is associated with blasting. This study looks at the dynamic strain associated with blasting the lab Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) testing while also building off of previous studies with the goal of better understanding the dynamic forces that are enacted on a geologic body during a blast loading event. This is required in order to advance geologic blast response modeling. This is achieved through analyzing the stress and strain values for each specimen that are calculated from strain data collected with a SHPB. Based on this data, the dynamic material response characteristics are able to be determined. Tests were conducted on five Berea Sandstone specimens with a rough length to diameter ratio (L/D) of 1.0. The strain data from these tests were then used to create stress strain curves as well as charts depicting failure stress to both strain rate and failure particle velocities. The tests conducted returned similar results to previous tests results on Berea Sandstone while also showing a correlation between strain rate at failure and failure particle velocities. While further research is needed, there is evidence that SHPB test data could be used in conjunction with the MBF model. The MBF model states that the peak particle velocity (PPV) of blast vibrations can be correlated with deformation (strain) at a given point. With a further understanding of dynamic material response correlated to PPV measurements, further refinement could allow for better prediction of blast performance.

Jan 21, 2025

By Garfiansyah Rayes

In 2023, an Indonesian coal mine experienced significant contamination of an emulsion blend explosive by dynamic mud and water flow, triggered by flooding due to exceptionally high rainfall. This intrusion into explosive columns compromised the stability and efficiency of blasting operations, thereby impacting overall mining productivity. The extent and impact of these contaminants on the stability and performance of the emulsion blend explosive were rigorously analyzed through a robust assessment methodology that included comprehensive field measurements and controlled laboratory experiments designed to replicate the challenging site conditions. Utilizing a combination of theoretical calculations and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, this study evaluates the kinetic interactions between dynamic mud flows and emulsion explosives within drill holes. The methodology integrates Torricelli’s theorem for velocity assessments and Darcy’s Law for understanding the penetration mechanics of mud into the emulsion blend. CFD simulations are further correlated with actual blast data to assess discrepancies between theoretical predictions and real-world outcomes. Results demonstrate a significant reduction in the velocity of detonation (VOD) of the explo-sives, traced directly to mud contamination levels, which align with the quantified penetration rates in the study. Practical measures for mitigating such contamination are proposed, including the reinforcement of water-ways, culverts, and bund walls at drilling locations based on validated simulation data. Additionally, rec-ommendations for operational adjustments during high rainfall events are discussed, aiming to enhance blasting safety and efficiency. The paper concludes by suggesting future research directions towards the development of more resilient emulsion formulations and enhanced predictive modeling techniques to better forecast the impacts of en-vironmental variables on explosive performance in mining operations

Jan 21, 2025