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By Dave I. McGregor

The Multiple Raise Round Blasting Technique (MRRBT) is a safe, efficient, cost effective method of blasting thee will use existing mine personnel. The MRRBT, developed from the conventional 'drop raise method' style of blasting, can be used for most raise mining applications. Current results using MRRBT indicate no upper limit for the maximum length that a raise can be blasted.

Jan 1, 1994

By Shad M. Sargand, Manseok Chang, Glenn A. Hazen

Customarily, peak particle velocity of surface wave vibrations has been the recommended criterion for the prediction of blast damage to structures. Currently blast spectrum and natural frequencies of a structure have been also recognized as important for predicting damage potential. While others have considered the importance of structural frequencies, they have not analyzed the structural response spectrum when establishing damage criteria.

Jan 1, 1992

By D P. Onag, B Mohanty

AECL Research (AECL) has constructed an Underground Research Laboratory (URL) as a facility for research and development in the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program. The objectives of the program are to develop and evaluate the technology to ensure safe, permanent disposal of Canada's nuclear fuel waste. Several multidisciplinary experiments and engineering demonstrations are planned for the URL over the next ten years.

Jan 1, 1991

By J R. "Dick" Daniel

Over the past several years, the Hercules Technical Service Group for the Explosives Department has produced a series of programs for the TI59 programmable calculator dealing with explosive application problems. These programs have been made available to both our internal staff and to the Hercules explosives distributor organization. Several of these programs have found good acceptance and wide usage.

Jan 1, 1984

By Mark D. Kirkbride

This paper outlines the process for designing a hard rock blast in an underground coal mine. The coal mine is located in Western Kentucky and operates four continuous miner units at 7 unit-shifts per day. The mine operates in the Western Kentucky No. 11 Seam with local variations from 4.5 - 5.5 feet seam thickness. The seam has sporadic siderite deposits. Usually these deposits do not significantly interfere with the mining process. When previous siderite deposits were encountered they were small enough to drop an entry for a couple of crosscuts. The blasting plan was called for after a siderite deposit was encountered in the belt entry at about one third of the panel length. The other sides of the panel had been previously mined and sealed so the decision was made to mine through the siderite deposit with the continuous miner instead of abandoning the panel. The deposit was approximately 300 feet in length down the belt entry. Mining through the deposit with the continuous miner was expensive in both terms of production and of wear and tear on the continuous miner. A blasting plan for the siderite deposits was designed to minimize damage to the continuous miner should a similar situation occur.

Jan 1, 1999

By J S. Kuszmaul

"A computational model of rock blasting is being developed to examine the blasting problems associated with in situ oil shale processing. This model, however, will also be useful as a design tool for the traditional problems in rock blasting. The model includes fundamental treatment of both shock-wave propagation and the accumulation of brittle fracture in the rock. As a result, the model accurately predicts the degree and extent of fracturing as functions of design parameters. The model has proven useful for making parametric studies and for evaluation of alternate blast designs. This paper demonstrates the use of the numerical model to simulate the fracturing induced by the detonation of a vertical explosive column near a bench. The fracturing induced by three differentexplosives indicate that (in the chosen geometry) the most efficient breakage is done by a column of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixture (ANFO) used with a toe charge of aluminized ANFO. There was too much unfractured rock left when ANFO was used alone; aluminized ANFO used for the entire explosive column caused excessive fracturing. A final case involves ANFO used alone to fracture a different rock type. This case points out that in a different rock type, the ANFO will not leave excessive unfractured rock."

Jan 1, 1987

By Claude Cunningham

AEL has been developing electronic detonators continuously since 1986. It launched its first system for opencast mining in 1993, and now has two distinct product lines. The path has not been without great difficulty, but the determination to persevere was always buoyed by the strong encouragement of customers who experienced the transformed blasting results, as well as a clear vision of the enormous intrinsic value of the concept. The path of growth to dominant global supplier is traced through the separate application channels of coal stripping, quarrying, massive mining, opencast mining and narrow reef mining, to the first allelectronic detonator demolition blast in June 2001. Reasons for the slow coming to market of this highly desirable concept, which often coincide with reasons for the demise of various other systems, include the difficulty of safely mating electronics and explosives in a low cost environment; the extreme difficulties of achieving proper connection under mining conditions; the rapid rate of evolution of the technology, and the safety concerns raised by various accidents and incidents along the way. ED.s are now established as the way forward and are set to displace other systems in all serious applications. There is place for both programmable and pre-set delay systems.

Jan 1, 2002

By L. Russell Payne

The use of shock tube in the blasting industry is relatively well characterized and understood within the realms to which it is used. Non-conventional uses of shock tube within the EOD and the Aerospace Industry however has not been as widely researched and published. Characteristics of shock tube such as its reliability, simplicity and its non-electric nature make it ideal for functioning or driving mechanical mechanisms, detonators, and timing devices. Outlined in the text are the performance characteristics of shock tube in an array of atmospheric environments including pressures ranging from ambient to 100,000 ft equivalent atmosphere. In addition the useful exit work energy or impulse of the shock tube for driving these various EOD and Aerospace mechanisms is published as a function of tube lengths and atmospheric pressures. Of particular interest to these devices is the required length of shock tube needed to produce the steady state detonation energies and the accompanying properties of the shock tube at these lengths. Various sources publish an arbitrary run distance for steady state detonation and output some where between 20 cm and 1.0 meter. Statistical and experimental evidence with in the text show these numbers to be low and provides an updated reference for shock tubes usage in nonconventional situations.

Jan 1, 2008

By Split Engineering Chile Fernando Fernandez

Mathematical modeling in conjunction with mineral characterization is widely used as a method for design and optimization of comminution circuits, to simulate the processes of crushing, grinding and classification. An important input parameter to the simulation models is the Run-of-Mine Particle Size Distribution (ROM PSD). The run-of-mine size distributions due to blasting have a great influence on the performance of a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill. In this paper, a mine case study was conducted where there are four primary geologic units and the material properties between the four units vary considerably. Also, the mixture of the four unit that will be mined at any given time also vary considerably. This presents a challenge in terms of optimizing the blasting for mill production throughout the mine life. As part of the case study, field rock mass characterization, laboratory rock mechanics tests, and laboratory breakage tests were conducted. The field characterization and rock mechanics tests provide material properties used to simulate the effect of different blast designs on run of mine particle size distributions (ROM PSD). The JKSimBlast software was used for these simulations. The rock breakage tests provide material properties used to simulate crushing and grinding performance. The JKSimMet software was used for these simulations.

Jan 1, 2015

By Richard Mainiero, James H. Rowland III

For many years there have been small scale tests available for evaluating the toxic fumes production by capsensitive explosives (DOT Class 1. l), but these could not be used with blasting agents due to the large charge sizes and heavy confinement required for proper detonation. Considering the extensive use of blasting agents in construction and mining, there is a need to determine the quantities of toxic ti,tmes generated by blasting agents. At the International Society of Explosive Engineers Twenty Third Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique in 1997, the authors reported on a facility for detonating large (4.54 kg), confined blasting agent charges in a controlled volume that had been constructed at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Pittsburgh Research Lab’s Experimental Mine. Since 1997, this facility has been used to collect data on toxic fumes produced by the detonation of various ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures and several cap-sensitive explosives. ANFO composition ranging from 1 to 10 percent (pet) tieI oil have been studied. As expected from previous studies, with an increase in fuel oil content the carbon monoxide production increases, while nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide production decrease. The detonation velocity varies from 3,000 to 4,000 m/set for the 1 to 10 pet range of fuel oil content, suggesting that ANFO mixes with improper fuel oil content may appear to detonate properly, while their fume production differs significantly from optimum. The study also considers such factors as degree of confinement, water contamination, and aluminum content on blasting agent fume production. Results indicate that water contamination of the ANFO has little effect on carbon monoxide production, but causes significant increase in nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide production. Decreasing confinement from Schedule 80 steel pipe to 0.4~mm thick sheet metal also has little effect on carbon monoxide production, but significantly increases nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide production. Adding 5 and 10 pet aluminum to the ANFO had no clear effect on carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, or nitrogen dioxide production.

Jan 1, 2000

By Jack Elorenta

A recent forum of mine operators revealed a continuing strong interest in alternative methods of freeing rock. A Rand Corporation report lists a continuous mechanical machine that would replace drilling and blasting as a priority for mine operators. Meanwhile, mounting evidence documents a dramatic cost benefit in processing where increased blast energy is available. The reasons for this dichotomy may be due to a number of factors.

Jan 1, 2002

By Jacques Monette, P K. O'Connell, Keith Boyle

The mine contracting industry in Canada is no different from any other industry in its quest for productivity improvements. Dynatec Mining Ltd. has focused on drilling and blasting of rounds as an area for improvement. This paper describes the development of blasting long rounds in shaft sinking as well as a description of the lateral excavation system as applied at Aur Resources Inc., Louvicourt Project.

Jan 1, 1994

By Mark S. Stagg, Siskind David E

The mining industry occasionally blasts near pressurized transmission pipelines and has requested guidance on safe vibration levels and setback distances. The Bureau of Mines and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources cooperated with AMAX Coal Company on a study of coal mine overburden blasting. Five buried and pressurized 250-ft pipeline sections were specifically installed on the Minnehaha Mine highwall near Sullivan, IN for testing to failure. Four welded steel pipes ranging from 6- to 20-in diameter and one 8-in PVC water supply pipe were monitored for vibration, strain, and internal pressure for a period of 6 months while production blasting advanced up to the pipeline field. In contrast to previous studies of small-scale blasting representing construction activities, these tests involved overburden blasts of up to 2100 lb per delay in 12-1/4-in diameter holes.

Jan 1, 1993

By Edward Fitch

The DOE is evaluating Yucca Mountain, Nevada as a potential site for disposal of high level nuclear waste. Yucca Mountain is located approximately 160 km northwest of Las Vegas on the western edge of the Nevada Test Site and the Nellis Air Force Range. An exploratory tunnel has been constructed through Yucca Mountain for site characterization. A controlled drilling and blasting technique, smooth wall blasting, was used to excavate the TBM starter tunnel and alcoves off the main tunnel to provide areas for scientific investigation. Fundamental to the blasting program has been the use of two blast design equations used in concert to minimize blast damage to the surrounding rock mass. The first of these equations was developed by Roger Holmberg and estimates near-field peak particle velocity that is the basis for minimizing blast damage to the host rock. The second of these equations was developed by B. H. Sanden and provides bore hole pressure estimation which allows controls to minimize crushing of the rock mass along the perimeter yet allowing enough force to create tensile failure between perimeter bore holes. This is key to the smooth wall blasting technique. To date, essentially the same controlled drilling and blasting program has been in place for all excavation requiring controlled drilling and blasting at the ESF. The controlled drilling and blasting program uses an iterative process to achieve continuous improvement in the blast rounds. This involves interaction between Architect and Engineer (A/E), Constructor, and Testing Coordination O&e (TCO) to ensure each blast round successfully meets the expectations of affected participants. The A/E requested that the TCO provide validation of the near-field peak particle velocity estimation under the Construction Monitoring Program. Data gathered under this program were reduced by statistical analysis and used to verify blast design parameters and provide a site specific blast damage relationship.

Jan 1, 2000

By Michael J. Burrell

Sands Hill Coal, located in Wellston, Ohio produces coal for steam generation and crushed limestone for the aggregate market in southeastern Ohio. This paper concerns the blasting and production of the limestone which lies between the #5 and #4 coal seams. The limestone bed averages 8 to 10 feet in thickness and is overlain with 17 to 20 feet of shale from the floor of the #5 seam.

Jan 1, 1990

By G Dean Barrett, Ed Jr Smith, Calvin J. Konya

The purpose of the project was two fold: 1. To determine whether Pyrodex, a propellant, manufactured by the Hodgdon Powder Company, could be used as a substitute for high explosives for presplitting in granite and other materials. 2. To determine if Pyrodex, a slow reacting propellant which produces no stress waves in rock because it reacts subsonically, could cause the rock to crack similar to the results achieved with high explosives.

Jan 1, 1986

By J P. F Warkentin, A W. Bauer

Recently, significant improvements have been made in both blast design methods and blasting accessories. The introduction of extremely accurate blast delays now allows proper implementation of advanced blast designs. Thus the onus for future blasting improvements has moved from blast design to the need for ensuring that explosives quality is of the highest order. One measurement commonly used to assess explosive performance is the velocity of detonation (VOD).

Jan 1, 1991

By Sally Lynn Zadra

"In May, 1994, Echo Bay Minerals - McCoy/Cove Mine petitioned for approval to recycle used oil formanufacturing ANFO. Recycling oil in this way will result in a cost savings for the minesite as well ashaving a positive environmental effect The petition has met the approval of the Bureau of LandManagement, the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, and has received tentative approval from the Mine Safety and Health Administration."

Jan 1, 1996

By P D. Katsabanis, L Liu

Numerical modelling of fragmentation and throw is used to provide information on practical blast design parameters. The function of airdecking and its practical implications, the importance of the initiation point and aspect ratio of cratering charges and the timing between adjacent blastholes are investigated. Accuracy requirements for detonators are discussed with emphasis placed on the volume and fragmentation of the blasted rock, and compared to experimental results. Practical guidelines which have been based on intuition are examined using the model. Some of the predictions have been tested and correlate well with experimental results, obtained in the laboratory. Findings show that a minimum airdeck length is needed to realize any benefit from the application of airdecking in production blasting while the process can enhance the shock energy provided by non-ideal explosives significantly, bottom initiation of charges is beneficial to fragmentation and the aspect ratio for cratering charges can exceed the traditionally accepted ratio of 6. Regarding timing, in the ease of cratering charges, true simultaneous initiation shows beneficial results for the volume of blasted rock; however the accuracy required for practical detonators is very high. Fragmentation improves after a certain delay time while the optimum can be achieved at a range of delays. Timing affects muckpile shape; however it appears that subtle differences in delay times do not have a significant effect.

Jan 1, 1997

By Robert S. Mayo

Tunneling, for transportation, began in France with the Milpass Tunnel on the Lanquedoc Canal in 1680. Of course, the ancient miners had been driving tunnels in search of minerals since the dawn of history but this Milpas Tunnel was the first tunnel exclusively for transportation. In England in 1760, the Duke of Bridgewater opened a canal from his coal mines to Manchester, 10 1/2 miles away. At the mine, he drove a tunnel into the mountain so that the miners could shovel the coal directly into canal boats. James Brindley, an untutored genius, was his engineer and this whole transportation system was an instant success and very profitable through the years. Within a dozen years the Duke, again with James Brindley, opened up the Grand Trunk Canal, 139 miles in length with five tunnels. There was one major tunnel on this system, the First Harecastle Tunnel, 1 1/2 miles in length. But this tunnel was too small. It was only large enough for one 7-ft wide boat which had to be "legged" through by boatmen laying on their backs. By 1824 a second tunnel was driven parallel to the first one, but it had a towpath through it for horse haulage. This was the beginning of the " Industrial Age" and tunnels became a very important part of that era.

Jan 1, 1979