Rock breakage with explosives has existed since the seventeenth century when black powder came into use in mining. Since then it has progressed from the invention of dynamite to the use of heavy ANFO. During the past two decades, there have been numerous technical contributions which have brought a better understanding of rock fragmentation with explosives, an improvement in drilling equipment and a noticeable evolution in the development of new explosives and blasting accessories. The Geomining Technological Institute of Spain (ITCE), aware of this progress and of the importance which the breakage process has acquired in mining and civil engineering projects, has ordered the publication of Drilling and Blasting of Rocks. The purpose of this Handbook is to give basic knowledge of the drilling systems, the types of available explosives and the accessories and the parameters that intervene in blast designing, whether controllable or not; at the same time the objectives and contents contribute to improved safety in mining. The Handbook is meant for all professionals who are involved with explosives in mining operations and civil engineering projects, as well as for students of technical schools.

This book is a comprehensive study of the evolution of the component aspects of drilling technology in Alberta, from the evolution of power sources and drill bit designs to the composition of drilling muds and the use of fishing tools. Included are explanations of the costs and risks of oil well drilling and of the larger issue of industrial technology -- how it evolves and under what conditions. The author draws extensively from original source material such as interviews, photographs, and appendices from both the Glenbow Archives and the Devon-Leduc Petroleum Hall of Fame and Interpretive Ce.

Tunnelling in Rock by Drilling and Blasting presents the latest developments in the excavation of tunnels using the drilling and blasting method. Examples of work conducted throughout the world including the Indian sub-continent, Australia, and Sweden amongst others are discussed. These tunnel projects serve to illustrate the challenges and i

A comprehensive and illustrated desk reference with terms, definitions, explanations, abbreviations, trade names, quantifications, units and symbols used in rock mechanics, drilling and blasting. Now including rock mechanics as well, this updated edition presents 5127 terms, 637 symbols, 507 references, 236 acronyms, 108 formulas, 68 figures, 47 ta