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.

Rock Fracture and Blasting: Theory and Applications provides the latest on stress waves, shock waves, and rock fracture, all necessary components that must be critically analyzed to maximize results in rock blasting. The positioning of charges and their capacity and sequencing are covered in this book, and must be carefully modeled to minimize impact in the surrounding environment. Through an explanation of these topics, author Professor Zhang’s experience in the field, and his theoretical knowledge, users will find a thorough guide that is not only up-to-date, but complete with a unique perspective on the field. Includes a rigorous exposition of Stress Waves and Shock Waves, as well as Rock Fracture and Fragmentation Provides both Empirical and Hybrid Stress Blasting Modeling tools and techniques for designing effective blast plans Offers advanced knowledge that enables users to choose better blast techniques Includes exercises for learning and training in each chapter

This book enriches the readers with the advances in rock blasting techniques for mining and civil construction rock excavation projects, including the need for and importance of rock blasting, related theories, challenges in rock blasting operations, and rock blasting methodology for excavation of coal and overburden benches of opencast coal mines. It also discusses methods to estimate charge factors and dimensional parameters for different rock types of iron ore mines, blasting methodology for rock strata and the blasting technologies for civil construction projects. The book: Provides comprehensive review of the prediction methodologies of blasting results. Reviews insights into advanced blasting methodologies for rock excavation near sensitive structures. Includes case studies of coal mining, iron ore mining, limestone mining and civil construction projects. Explores the detailed theoretical background of rock blasting. Discusses methodologies of secondary blasting. This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in mining, geotechnical, and rock engineering.

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 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.