Contour blasting

In civil construction, it has become more and more important that the
rock wall remaining after the blast is of good quality to avoid or minimize
rockfall, rockslides and excessive stabilization work. Two methods are
used to produce stable and smooth rock contours.

 smooth blasting
 pre splitting

Smooth blasting

Smooth blasting was developed in Sweden during the 1950’s and 60’s.
Closely spaced holes are drilled in the contour which are charged with
small diameter light charges producing relatively low detonation velocity
and low gas content. Suitable explosives are i.e.Gurit in 11, 17 and 22
mm diameter charges but detonating cords with 40 g/m and 80 g/m core
load are frequently used. The blasting of the contour holes is carried out
in connection with the rest of the round. The contour holes are given the
highest period number.
 
The holes closest to the contour must also have well balanced charges. If
charge concentration is too high there is a risk that those holes will break
the rock beyond the theoretical excavation contour line.
 
 

Applications for smooth blasting:

Surface applications like road cuts, cuts for foundations etc. Underground
applications like tunneling, underground chambers etc.

Pre splitting
The idea of pre splitting is to isolate the blasting area from the rest of the
rock formation by creating an artificial crack along the theoretical
excavation plane. This is achieved by drilling a single row of relatively
closely spaced holes along the perimeter of the blast. The pre splitting
holes are fired before the rest of the round. It may be done in connection
with firing the round, then using the lowest period number of the
detonator series. It can also be done before the drilling of the main
round.
 
 

 
 
In the theory of pre splitting, when shock waves from simultaneously
detonating charges in a closely spaced row of holes collide, tensile stress
occurs in the rock forming a crack. For that reason, it is important that all
holes are fired simultaneously or as close as possible. For best results,
detonating cords or instantaneous detonators should be used for
initiation. Noise may be a problem as pre split holes should not be
stemmed. Another problem can be excessive ground vibrations.
 
 

Applications for presplitting

Used mostly in surface blasting like road cuts, foundations where
concrete lining or structural concrete is poured directly against the rock
wall, etc.