In large surface mining operations, drilling and blasting activities constitute more than 15% of the total costs. In order to optimize performance and minimize costs, a thorough knowledge of drill and blast operations is, therefore, extremely important.In this unique reference volume, rotary blasthole drilling and surface blasting, as applied in la

This Bureau of Mines report covers the latest technology in explosives and blasting procedures. It includes information and procedures developed by Bureau research, explosives manufacturers, and the mining industry. It is intended for use as a guide in developing training programs and also to provide experienced blasters an update on the latest state of technology in the broad field of explosives and blasting. Types of explosives and blasting agents and their key explosive and physical properties are discussed. Explosives selection criteria are described. The features of the traditional initiation systems - electrical, detonating cord, and cap and fuse - are pointed out, and the newer nonelectric initiation systems are discussed. Various blasthole priming techniques are described. Blasthole loading of various explosive types is covered. Blast design, including geologic considerations, for both surface and underground blasting is detailed. Environmental effects of blasting such as flyrock and air and ground vibrations are discussed along with techniques of measuring and alleviating these undesirable side effects. Blasting safety procedures are detailed in the chronological order of the blasting process. The various Federal blasting regulations are enumerated along with their Code of Federal Regulations citations. An extensive glossary of blasting related terms is included along with references to articles providing more detailed information on the aforementioned items. Emphasis in the report has been placed on practical considerations.

Rock Blasting and Explosives Engineering covers the practical engineering aspects of many different kinds of rock blasting. It includes a thorough analysis of the cost of the entire process of tunneling by drilling and blasting in comparison with full-face boring. Also covered are the fundamental sciences of rock mass and material strength, the thermal decomposition, burning, shock initiation, and detonation behavior of commercial and military explosives, and systems for charging explosives into drillholes. Functional descriptions of all current detonators and initiation systems are provided. The book includes chapters on flyrock, toxic fumes, the safety of explosives, and even explosives applied in metal working as a fine art. Fundamental in its approach, the text is based on the practical industrial experience of its authors. It is supported by an abundance of tables, diagrams, and figures. This combined textbook and handbook provides students, practitioners, and researchers in mining, mechanical, building construction, geological, and petroleum engineering with a source from which to gain a thorough understanding of the constructive use of explosives.

This work provides detailed information about materials needed for carrying out blasting operations such as explosives and related accessories, understanding of the process of fragmentation, various techniques, design methods, and applications including environmental aspects.

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.