2. Density The density of soil and rock materials is essential in understanding their load-bearing capabilities. Bulk density is defined as the mass of the soil or rock per unit volume, which includes both the solid particles and the void spaces between them. Specific gravity, on the other hand, is a measure of density relative to the density of water and reflects the inherent material properties. The relationship between moisture content and density is particularly significant. As water content increases, the density of the material changes, impacting its engineering behavior. Saturated soils will exhibit different properties compared to dry soils, highlighting the importance of considering environmental conditions in classification. 3. Moisture Content Moisture content is the amount of water contained in the soil or rock, expressed as a percentage of the dry mass. It is a critical factor influencing the behavior of both soils and rocks. In soils, moisture affects weight, cohesion, and plasticity. The Atterberg limits, critical for classifying fine-grained soils, define the boundaries of moisture content for various states: liquid, plastic, and shrinkage. In rocks, moisture plays a vital role in weathering processes and can impact the rock’s strength and durability. Saturated conditions may lead to changes in pore pressure, potentially causing instability, especially in cases where excavation or grading is being performed.

Methodology: The project utilized down-the-hole (DTH) drilling techniques due to the steep slopes and limited access to machinery. Blast designs were customized to ensure stability while avoiding excessive disturbance to the surrounding environment. A combination of emulsion and water-gel explosives was used to ensure safety and effectiveness in the challenging conditions. Challenges: One of the most prominent challenges was the unpredictability of rock conditions, which necessitated ongoing assessments and adjustments to the drilling and blasting parameters. Furthermore, the environmental protocol required strict adherence to minimize impact on local fauna and flora. Results: The successful completion of the pipeline installation not only fulfilled the project timeline but also maintained compliance with environmental standards. This case underscores the necessity of adaptive management strategies in drilling and blasting, particularly in sensitive environments where both safety and ecological considerations are paramount.

Covers strata mechanics, numerical methods in geomechanics, water jet cutting and mechanical disintegration of rocks. The preface discusses the option of describing typical interdisciplinarity of geosciences, dealing with the processes induced by human activities in geospere, by the word geonics.

Presenting current and emerging technologies in the field of mine planning and equipment, this volume also covers control and automation for surface and underground mining. A wide range of papers from professionals in Europe, South America, Africa and Australia are featured.