CHAPTER THIRTEEN

DEMOLITIONS
8-1. CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPLOSIVES. There are two categories of explosives,
Low and High.

a. Low Explosives are characterized by having a detonating velocity up to 1300 feet

per second, producing a pushing or shoving effect.

b. High Explosives are characterized by having a detonating velocity between 3,280 -

27,888 feet per second, producing a shattering effect.

8-2. INITIATION SYSTEMS. Demolition systems are primed utilizing Modernized

Demolition Initiators (MDI). MDI consists of blasting caps attached to various lengths of
time fuse or shock tube. These blasting caps, along with a fuse igniter and detonating
cord, can be used to create numerous firing systems.

8-3. MDI COMPONENTS.

a. Shock tube.
(1) Thin, plastic tube of extruded polymer with a layer of special explosive material
on the interior surface.
(2) Explosive material propagates a detonation wave which moves along the shock
tube to a factory crimped and sealed blasting cap.
(3) Detonation is normally contained within the plastic tubing. However, burns may
occur if the shock tube is held.
(4) Advantages of shock tube.
(a) The shock tube offers the instantaneous action of electric initiation without the
risk of accidental initiation caused by radio transmitters, static electricity, etc.
(b) Extremely reliable.
(c) May be extended using left over pieces from previous operations.

b. Blasting caps. Five MDI blasting caps are available which replace the M6 electric
and M7 Non-electric blasting cap. Three of these are high-strength caps and two are
low-strength.
(1) High-strength blasting caps. Can be used to prime all standard military
explosives (including detonating cord) or to initiate the shock tube of other MDI
blasting caps.
(a) M11.
(1) Factory crimped to 30-foot length of shock tube.
(2) A movable "J" hook is attached for quick and easy attachment to
detonating cord.
(3) A red flag is attached 1 meter from the blasting cap and a yellow flag 2
meters from the blasting cap.
(b) M14.
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 (1) Factory crimped to 7 1/2 foot length of time fuse.
(2) May be initiated utilizing fuse igniter or match.
(3) Burn-time for total length is approximately five minutes.
(4) Yellow bands indicate calibrated one minute time intervals.

NOTE: Burn time will increase with altitude and colder temperatures.

(c) M15.
(1) Two blasting caps factory crimped to a 70 foot length of shock tube.
(2) Each blasting cap has delay elements to allow for staged detonations.

(2) Low-strength blasting caps. Used as a relay device to transmit a shock tube
detonation impulse from an initiator to a high strength blasting cap. NOTE: Low
strength blasting caps cannot reliably set off explosives. They should only be
used to set off additional shock tubes.
(a) M12. Factory crimped to a 500 foot length of shock tube on a cardboard
spool.
(b) M13. Factory crimped to a 1,000 foot length of shock tube.

c. M81 Fuse igniter. Used to ignite time blasting fuse or to initiate the shock tube of
MDI blasting caps. NOTE: The M60 fuse igniter may still be used to ignite time
blasting fuse. However, it will not reliably initiate the shock tube.

8-4. DETONATION SYSTEMS. There are two types of firing systems: MDI as a stand
alone firing system and combination (MDI and detonating cord).

a. MDI Firing system (Stand Alone). An MDI firing system is one in which the initiation
sets and transmission and branch lines are constructed using MDI components and
the explosive charges are primed with MDI blasting caps. Construct the charge in
the following manner.
(1) Emplace and secure explosive charge (C4, TNT, cratering charge, etc.) on target.
(2) Place a sandbag or other easily identifiable marker over the M11, M14, or M15
blasting cap to be used.
(3) Connect to an M12 or M13 transmission line if desired.
(4) Connect blasting cap with shock tube to an M14 cap with time fuse. Cut time
blasting fuse to the desired delay time.
(5) Prime the explosive charge by inserting the blasting cap into the charge.
(6) Visually inspect firing system for possible misfire indicators.
(7) Return to the firing point and secure a fuse igniter to the cut end of the time fuse.
(8) Remove the safety cotter pin from the igniter's body.
(9) Actuate the charge by grasping the igniter body with one hand while sharply
pulling the pull ring.

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b. Combination (MDI and detonating cord) Firing system. Construct the charge utilizing
the above steps for MDI stand alone system. Incorporate detonating cord branch
lines into the system utilizing the "J" hooks of the M11 shock tube.

8-5. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.

a. MDI is not recommended for below ground use, except in quarry operations with
water-gel or slurry explosives. Utilize detonating cord when it is necessary to bury
primed charges.

b. Do not handle misfires downrange until the required 30 minute waiting period for
both primary and secondary initiation systems has elapsed and other safety
precautions have been accomplished.

c. Never yank or pull hard on the shock tube. This may actuate the blasting cap.

d. Do not dispose of used shock tubes by burning because of potentially toxic fumes
given off from the burning plastic.

e. Do not use M1 dynamite with the M15 blasting cap. The M15 delay blasting cap
should be used only with water-gel or slurry explosives.

8-6. DEMOLITION EFFECTS SIMULATOR (DES) Demolition Effects Simulators are a

simple and cost effective way to conduct demolition training and rehearsals. DES
charges can be constructed of materials immediately available through normal supply
channels.

a. Materials.
(1) Cardboard box (Not MRE box)
(2) 1 roll 100mph Tape
(3) Approx 2½ lbs 50/50 chalk/sand mix
(4) Det Cord, approx 4ft
(5) Cap, Blasting, M14
(6) Fuse Igniter, M81

b. Construction.
(1) Cut out the cardboard box utilizing the template below (figure 13-1).

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8 1/2” 2”

2”

12”

17”

Figure 13-1. DES template

(2) Assemble the box by folding along creases. Tape the box to prevent it from
unfolding.
(3) Fill half of the box with a 50/50 mix of chalk and sand. Ensure no rocks or other
large objects are the sand mixture.
(4) Place a Uli knot in the box.
(5) Finish filling the box with the chalk and sand mixture.
(6) Make a small hole in the top flap. Thread the free end of the detonating cord
through the hole at least 18 inches.
(7) Close the top flap and completely tape the outside with 100 mph tape.
(8) Prime charge utilizing desired amount of time fuse and M81 igniter.

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