Principles and Practices of Rock Blasting

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
1 Introduction
	1.1 Preamble
	1.2 Need for and Importance of Rock Blasting
	1.3 Recent Advances in Blasting Technology
	1.4 Summary
	References
2 Theory of Rock Blasting
	2.1 Introduction
	2.2 Explosives for Rock Blasting
		2.2.1 Type of Commercial Explosives
			2.2.1.1 Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) Explosive
			2.2.1.2 Slurry Explosive
			2.2.1.3 Emulsion Explosive
			2.2.1.4 Booster
		2.2.2 Initiation System
			2.2.2.1 Safety Fuse
			2.2.2.2 Plain Detonator
			2.2.2.3 Electric Detonator
			2.2.2.4 Detonating Fuse and MS Connector
			2.2.2.5 Non-Electric (Nonel) Detonator
			2.2.2.6 Electronic Detonator
	2.3 Explosive Parameters and Their Role On Blasting Output
		2.3.1 Density
		2.3.2 Velocity of Detonation (VoD)
			2.3.2.1 Dautriche Method
			2.3.2.2 Photographic Method
			2.3.2.3 Electrical Method
			2.3.2.4 Optical Method
		2.3.3 Detonation Pressure
		2.3.4 Water Resistivity
		2.3.5 Sensitivity
		2.3.6 Smoke and Fumes
	2.4 Influence of Design Parameters On Blasting Results
		2.4.1 Burden
		2.4.2 Spacing
		2.4.3 Subgrade Drilling
		2.4.4 Stemming Length (T)
		2.4.5 Blasthole Inclination
		2.4.6 Maximum Charge Per Delay (MCPD)
		2.4.7 Total Quantity of Explosive in a Blast Round
		2.4.8 Charge Factor
		2.4.9 Delay Pattern
	2.5 Blast-Induced Hazards
		2.5.1 Blast-Induced Ground Vibration
		2.5.2 Flyrocks
		2.5.3 Air Overpressure (AOp)
		2.5.4 Dust
	2.6 Summary
	References
3 Practical Challenges With Rock Blasting
	3.1 Introduction
	3.2 Operational Challenges
		3.2.1 Drilling and Blasting in Hard Rock Formations
		3.2.2 Maintaining Drilling Accuracy in Varying Depths of Blasthole
		3.2.3 Blasting in Watery Strata
		3.2.4 Presence of Cavities in the Rock Mass
	3.3 Safety-Related Challenges
		3.3.1 Handling of Explosives and Their Initiation System
		3.3.2 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
		3.3.3 Natural Factors
	3.4 Challenges With Production Blasting
		3.4.1 Backbreak
		3.4.2 Fragmentation
			3.4.2.1 Kuz-Ram Model
			3.4.2.2 KCO Model
		3.4.3 Throw of Muckpile
	3.5 Summary
	References
4 Blasting Practices at Large Opencast Coal Mines
	4.1 Introduction
	4.2 Overview of Mines
		4.2.1 Lithology
		4.2.2 Overburden (OB) and Coal Benches
		4.2.3 Excavators and Bench Size
	4.3 Drilling Pattern for Different Bench Sizes
	4.4 Explosive Charging
		4.4.1 Charging Pattern for Shovel Benches
		4.4.2 Explosive Charging in Dragline Benches
	4.5 Initiation System and Delay Timings
		4.5.1 Nonel, DF and Electronic Initiation in Shovel Benches
		4.5.2 DF and Electronic Initiation in Dragline Benches
	4.6 Special Blasting Techniques for Dragline Benches
		4.6.1 Line Drilling
		4.6.2 Pre-Split Blasting
	4.7 Advanced Monitoring and Assessment of Blasting Outputs
		4.7.1 Measurement and Prediction of Ground Vibration
		4.7.2 High-Speed Videography
	4.8 Summary
	References
5 Charge Factor and Dimensional Parameters for Excavation in Open Pit Iron Ore Mines
	5.1 Introduction
	5.2 Lithology of Iron Ore Mines
	5.3 Blasting-Related Challenges in Iron Ore Mines
	5.4 Literature Review On Charge Factors for Blasting in Different Rock Strata
	5.5 Algorithms for Charge Factor and Dimensional Parameter Determination
	5.6 Case Study: Determination of Charge Factor for Different Rock Types of an Iron Ore Mine
		5.6.1 Estimation of Charge Factors Using the Developed Algorithm and Comparison With Other Methods
		5.6.2 Computation of Dimensional Parameters for Different Rock Strata of the Mine
		5.6.3 Experimental Trials and Validation of the Designed Charge Factor and Dimensional Parameters
	5.7 Summary
	References
6 Excavation Using Drilling and Blasting in Limestone Quarries
	6.1 Introduction
	6.2 Blasting Practices at Indian Limestone Mines
	6.3 Rock Fragmentation While Blasting in Jointed Limestone Strata
	6.4 Ground Vibration Propagation Characteristic in Limestone Blasting
	6.5 Case Study: Rock Excavation Using Drilling and Blasting at a Highly Fractured Limestone Mine
		6.5.1 Geology of the Study Site
		6.5.2 Blasting Details
		6.5.3 Vibration Propagation Characteristics of Case Study Mine
			6.5.3.1 Structural Response to Ground Vibration
			6.5.3.2 Optimisation of Delay Timing By Analysis of Signature Hole Waveform
		6.5.4 Fragmentation Results From the Experimental Blasts
		6.5.5 Control of In-Situ Dust Generation Due to Blasting
	6.6 Summary
	References
7 Rock Blasting for Laying Foundation of an Industrial Establishment
	7.1 Introduction
	7.2 Elements of Industrial Thermal Power Plant
	7.3 Sensitivity to the Structures and Planning of Foundation Blasting Work
		7.3.1 Ground Vibration Limit for Nearby Structures During Civil Construction Work
		7.3.2 Prediction of Ground Vibration
		7.3.3 Control of Air Overpressure
		7.3.4 Control of Flyrock
	7.4 Case Study On Drilling and Blasting for Establishment of a Thermal Power Plant
		7.4.1 Numerical Simulation and Planning for Initial Excavation
		7.4.2 Experimental Trials and Assessment of Safe Values of Maximum Charge Per Delay
	7.5 Designing of Controlled Blasting Pattern for Safety of Different Structures at Case Study Site
		7.5.1 Controlled Blast Design Pattern for Wagon Tippler and Track Hopper Area
		7.5.2 Controlled Blast Design Pattern for Blasting With Larger Diameter Blastholes
		7.5.3 Control On Flyrock During Rock Excavation at Case Study Site
	7.6 Summary
	References
8 Blasting in Close Proximity to Structures
	8.1 Introduction
	8.2 Classification of Structures
	8.3 Alternatives to Blasting Operation
	8.4 Statutory Regulations and Danger Zones From Blasting Sites
	8.5 Method of Blasting Within 50 Metres of Structures
	8.6 Planning and Execution of Blasting Near Sensitive Structures
		8.6.1 Planning and Execution of Blasting Near Sensitive Structures of Thermal Power Plant
		8.6.2 Planning and Execution of Blasting Near Residential and Commercial Establishments
		8.6.3 Planning and Execution of Blasting Near Railway Structures
		8.6.4 Planning and Execution of Blasting Near Petrol Pumps
		8.6.5 Planning and Execution of Foundation Blasting Near Railway Bridge
	8.7 Preventive Measures to Safeguard Structures From Blasting Hazards
		8.7.1 Pre-Blast Surveys
		8.7.2 Blast Design Optimisation
		8.7.3 Taking Shelter
		8.7.4 Protective Measures
		8.7.5 Vibration and Air Overpressure Monitoring and Control
		8.7.6 Blast Warning Systems
		8.7.7 Post-Blast Assessments
	8.8 Summary
	References
9 Blasting Techniques for Road Construction in Hilly Terrain
	9.1 Introduction
	9.2 Understanding Geological and Geotechnical Challenges
		9.2.1 Geological and Geotechnical Factors
		9.2.2 Landslide
		9.2.3 Hill Slope
		9.2.4 Hydro-Meteorological Disasters
	9.3 Planning for Hilly Road Construction and Constraints
		9.3.1 Road Alignment and Design Specifications
		9.3.2 Determination of Safe Slope Angle
	9.4 Drilling Machinery
	9.5 Selection of Explosives and Accessories
		9.5.1 Initiation System
	9.6 Selection of Methodology for Road Construction
		9.6.1 Topsoil and Soft Rock Removal
		9.6.2 Occasional Blasting
		9.6.3 Formation Cutting for Hilly Roads
			9.6.3.1 Trench Or Through Cut for Hilly Roads
			9.6.3.2 Blast-Induced Gravity Fall Excavation Method
		9.6.4 Widening By Benching Method
		9.6.5 Slope Trimming
		9.6.6 Semi-Tunnels
	9.7 Preventive Measures to Control Throw of Blast Towards Valley Side
	9.8 Summary
	References
10 Secondary Rock Breakage
	10.1 Introduction
	10.2 Purposes of Secondary Blasting
	10.3 Theoretical Concepts of Secondary Rock Breakage
	10.4 Methods of Secondary Rock Breakage
	10.5 Blast Design Parameters for Secondary Blasting
		10.5.1 Pop Shooting
		10.5.2 Plaster Shooting
	10.6 Optimisation of Blast Design Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques
	10.7 Delineation of Flyrock Zones
		10.7.1 Methods for Delineating Flyrock Zones
	10.8 Alternative Practices of Secondary Rock Breakage
		10.8.1 Plasma Blasting
	10.9 Economic Benefits of Secondary Blasting
	10.10 Summary
	References
Index