Blaster Tolkit

THE BLASTER’S GUIDE
COMMON FORMULAS USED FOR BLAST DESIGN
Blasters Toolkit
Common Formulas Used For Blast Design
Formulas Usadas Para el Diseño de Voladura
ELABORADO POR:
San Juan Bautista S.A.C

Minería & Construcción
2017
Capacitación & Entrenamiento

Av. David Samanez Ocampo N° 152 San Juan Bautista S.A.C sjb.capacitacion@gmail.com
Telf. 987-355-666
Abancay - Apurímac, Perú
1
Tabla de contenido
Absolute Bulk Strength (ABS) _________________________________________________ 4
Absolute Weight Strength (AWS) _______________________________________________ 4
Base-Charge Length Formula __________________________________________________ 4
Actual Scaled Distance Formula________________________________________________ 5
Burden formula ______________________________________________________________ 5
Deck SiemmirsQ Formula _____________________________________________________ 5
Hole-to-Hole Delay Time Formula _______________________________________________ 6
Hole-to-Hole Delay Times to Improve Fragmentation ______________________________ 6
Loading Density Formula _____________________________________________________ 7
Maximum Charge Weight per Delay _____________________________________________ 8
Minimum Distance Formula ___________________________________________________ 8
Powder Factor Formula _______________________________________________________ 8
Pre-Splitting Formulas for Air-Decked Charges ___________________________________ 9
Pre-Spüttíng Formulas for De-Coupled Charges __________________________________ 9
Pressure Formula ___________________________________________________________ 10
Relative Weight Strength (RWS) _______________________________________________ 10
Resistance Formulas ________________________________________________________ 10
Row-to-Row Delay Time Formula ______________________________________________ 11
Effects of Various Row-to-Row Delays _________________________________________ 11
Stone Stemming Particle Size Formula _________________________________________ 12
Sub-Drilling Formula ________________________________________________________ 12
"Supersonic" Face Velocity Formula ___________________________________________ 12
Spacing Formulas __________________________________________________________ 13
Top Stemming Length Formula _______________________________________________ 13
Water Displacement Formula _________________________________________________ 13
Weight of Rock per Blast Hole Formula _________________________________________ 14
Vibration Level Predication Formulas __________________________________________ 14
Volume of Rock per Blast Hole Formula ________________________________________ 15
Expected Ground Vibration ___________________________________________________ 23
Scaled Distance D __________________________________________________________ 24
Wet Hole Calculations _______________________________________________________ 25
BLAST DESIGN (Burden Ratio) ________________________________________________ 30
Blast Design (Powder Factor) _________________________________________________ 31

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Final Height of Water in Borehole______________________________________________ 32
Number of cartridges needed to build out of water _______________________________ 33
Burden Calculation _________________________________________________________ 33
Controlled Blasting Specifications _____________________________________________ 33
Cubic yards of Rock/Borehole ________________________________________________ 34
Electrical Blasting Calculations _______________________________________________ 36
Optimum Number of Series for a Series-Parallel Circuit ___________________________ 36
Peak Particle Velocity _______________________________________________________ 37
Powder Factor_____________________________________________________________ 38
Optimum Spacing Calculation ________________________________________________ 38
Sub drill Calculation _________________________________________________________ 39
References ________________________________________________________________ 41

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FORMULA NAME
VARIABLES and [UNITS]
Variables used in formula and required units in [brackets]. If input variables are not in required units, then
you must use the unit conversion tables.
Absolute Bulk Strength (ABS)
𝐴𝐵𝑆𝐸 = 𝐴𝑊𝑆𝐸 ∗ 𝑑𝐸
ABS E = Absolute bulk strength of the explosive [cal/cc]
AWS E = Absolute weight strength of the explosive [cai/g]
DE = Density of the explosive [g/cm3]
Absolute Weight Strength (AWS)
RBSE ∗ 7.462
AWSe =
DE
AWS= Absolute weight strength of the explosive [cai/g]
RBS E = Relative bulk strength of the explosive [ANFO = 100]
dE, = Density of the explosive [g/cm3]
Base-Charge Length Formula
𝐸𝑏= [(0.3 → 0.5) ∗ 𝐵] + 𝐽
E b = Length of base charge of high density explosives [ft]
B = Average burden [ft]
J = Sub-drilling depth [ft]

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Actual Scaled Distance Formula
Actual Scaled Distance
𝐷
𝑆𝐷 =
√𝑊
Maximum Charge Weight per Delay
𝐷
𝑊 = ( )2
𝑆𝐷
Minimum Distance
𝐷 = 𝑆𝐷 ∗ √𝑊
VARIABLES and [Unit]
SD = Scaled distance factor
W = Charge weight per delay [Ib]
D = Distancie [ft]
Burden formula
𝑑𝑒
𝐵 = 𝐷𝑒 ∗ (2 ∗ [ ] + 1.5)
𝑑𝑟
VARIABLES AND [units]
B = Burden [ft]
ds = Density of the explosives [g/cm3]
dr = Density of the rock [g/cm3]
De = Diameter of fully coupled explosive column [in]
Deck SiemmirsQ Formula
For-Dry Holes Td=0.5*D
For Wet Holes Td=1.0*D
Td = Minimum length of stone deck

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Consisting of particles of size Ts [ft]
D = Blast-hole diameter [in]
Hole-to-Hole Delay Time Formula
𝐷ℎ𝑡ℎ = (0 → 5) ∗ 𝑆
Variables and [units]
Dhth = Delay time between holes in a row [ms]
S = Spacing between holes in a row [ft]
Hole-to-Hole Delay Times to Improve Fragmentation
Rock Type ms/ft
Sands, Loams, Maris and Coals 1.8 - 2.1
Some Limestones, Rock Shale and some Shales 1.5 - 1.8
Compact Limestones and Marbles, some Granites 1.2 - 1.5
and Basalts, Quartzite Rocks and some Gneisses
and gabbro’s
Diabase, Diabase Porphyries, Compact Gneisses, 09 - 1 2
and Mica Schists and Magnetite

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Loading Density Formula
𝑑𝑖 = 0.3404 ∗ 𝐷𝑒 2 ∗ 𝑑𝑒
Di = Explosives loading density [Ib/ft]
De = Diameter of explosives column [in]
De = Density of explosives [g/cm3]
Loading a blast on an iron ore

range

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Maximum Charge Weight per Delay
𝐷
𝑊 = ( )2
𝑆𝐷
D = Distance [ft]
Minimum Distance Formula
𝐷 = 𝑆𝐷 ∗ √𝑤
D = Distance [ft]
Powder Factor Formula
Volume of Rock
𝑊𝑒
𝑃𝐹 =
𝑉
PF = Powder factor [lb/yd3]
We= Total weight of explosives used in blast [Ib]
V = Total volume of rock generated in blast [yd3]
Weight of Rock
𝑊𝑒
𝑃𝐹 =
𝑉
PF = Powder factor [t/lb]
Wr = Total weight of rock generated in blast [t]
We= Total weight of explosives used in blast [Ib]

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Pre-Splitting Formulas for Air-Decked Charges
Spacing of Air-Decked Charges
𝑆 = (1.5 → 2.0) ∗ 𝐷
S = Spacing between air-decked holes [ft]
D = Diameter of blast-hole [in]
Weight of Air-Decked Charges
𝑊 = (0.08 → 0.12) ∗ 𝑠 ∗ 𝐿ℎ
W = Weight of air-deck charge [lb]
S = Spacing between blast-holes [ft]
Lh = Length of blast-hole [ft]
Stemming Column Length
𝑇 = (0.1 → 1.2) ∗ 𝐷
T = Stemming column length [ft]
Pre-Spüttíng Formulas for De-Coupled Charges
Linear Charge Weight
𝐷2
𝑊=
28
W| = Linear charge weight for pre-splitting explosive [ib/ft]
Spacing between Pre-Split Holes
𝐷2
𝑊=
2.8
S = Spacing between pre-split holes [ft]

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D = Diameter of blast-hole fin]
Pressure Formula
𝑃 = 0.000000233 ∗ 𝑉𝑂𝐷 2 ∗ 𝑑𝐸
P = Pressure [kbar]
VOD = Velocity of detonation of explosive [ft/sec]
dE = Densify of explosive [g/cm3]
Relative Weight Strength (RWS)
𝐴𝑊𝑆𝐸
𝑅𝑊𝑆𝐸 =
91000
RWS E = Relative weight strength of the explosive [ANFO = 100]
AWS E = Absolute weight strength of the explosive [cal/g]
Resistance Formulas
For Parallel Circuits
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + + + ⋯+
𝑹𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝟏 𝑹𝟐 𝑹𝟑 𝑹𝒏
For Series Circuits
𝑹𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝑹𝒏
Rtotal = Total resistance of the electrical circuit [Ώ ]
R1....Rn. = Resistance of individual blasting caps or circuit branches [ Ώ ]

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Row-to-Row Delay Time Formula
𝑫𝒓𝒕𝒓 = (𝟐 → 𝟏𝟓 ) ∗ 𝑩
Drtr = Delay time between consecutive rows [ms]
B = Maximum burden in front of a row of holes [ft]
Effects of Various Row-to-Row Delays
Effects ms/ft ms/ft
Violent excessive air-blast and back-break 2
High pile close to face, moderate air-blast and back-break 2 - 3
Average pile height, average air-blast and back-break 3 -4
Scattered pile with minimum back-break 4 -6

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Stone Stemming Particle Size Formula
𝐷
𝑻𝑺 =
12 − 20
Ts = Clean crushed stone stemming particle size [in]
D = Blast-hole diameter [in]
Sub-Drilling Formula
𝐽 = (0.2 → 0.5) ∗ 𝐵
B = Burden [ft]
J = Sub-drilling [ft]
Industry's leading Detonating Cord
"Supersonic" Face Velocity Formula
𝑺
𝑫𝒎𝒊𝒏 =
𝟏. 𝟏𝟐𝟕
Dmin = In order to avoid air-blast from "supersonic" lateral face velocity, the delay between holes must be
more than Dmin [ms]

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S = Spacing between blast holes [ft]
Spacing Formulas
𝐻 𝐻
𝑖𝑓: ≥4 𝑖𝑓: <4
𝐵 𝐵
Instant 𝑺 = 𝟐. 𝟎 ∗ 𝑩 𝐻 + (2 ∗ 𝐵)
𝑆=
3
Delayed 𝑺 = 𝟏. 𝟒 ∗ 𝑩 𝐻 + (7 ∗ 𝐵)
𝑆=
8
H = Face height [ft]
B = Burden [ft]
S = Blast-hole spacing [ft]
Top Stemming Length Formula
Top Stemming Length Formula
𝑻 = (𝟎. 𝟕 → 𝟏. 𝟑) ∗ 𝑩
B = Burden [ft]
T = Top stemming length [ft]
B = Burden [ft]
T = Top stemming length [ft]
Water Displacement Formula
𝐿𝑤 + 𝐿𝑐
𝐶=
𝐷
1 − (𝐷𝑐 )2
ℎ

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Where:
C = Number of explosives cartridges required to rise above standing water
Lw = Length of the standing water column [ft]
Lc = Length of one explosives cartridge [ft]
Dc = Diameter of explosives cartridges [in]
Dh = Diameter of blast-hole [in].
HEET Truck on display at an open house in 2001
Weight of Rock per Blast Hole Formula
𝑊 = 𝑉 ∗ 𝑑𝑟
W = Weight of rock generated per blast-hole [t]
V = Bank volume of rock generated per blast-hole [yd3]
dr= Bank density of rock [t/yd3].
Vibration Level Predication Formulas
Peak Particle Velocity Prediction
𝑃𝑃𝑉 = 𝐾 ∗ 𝑆𝐷−1.6
PPV = Peak particle velocity [in/s]
K = Ground transmission constant [K=160 if No other seismic data is available]

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Site Specific Ground Transmission Constant
𝐾 = 𝐾 ∗ 𝑆𝐷1.6
K = Ground transmission constant
PPV = Peak particle velocity [in/s]
SD = Scaled distance factor.
Volume of Rock per Blast Hole Formula
𝐵∗𝑆∗𝐻
𝑉=
27
V = Bank volume of rock per blast-hole [yd3]
B = Burden [ft]
S = Spacing [ft]
H = Face height [ft]

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Pounds of Explosive Per Foot of Blasthole

ᶲ ᶲ
Tal(pulg) Densidad de carga del explosivo (g/cm3) Tal(mm)
0.5 0.75 0.8 0.82 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05 1.1 1.15 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.35 1.4 1.45 1.5 1.54
3/4 0.10 0.14 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.17 0.18 0.19 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.29 0.29 19
7/8 0.13 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.22 0.23 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.29 0.30 0.31 0.33 0.34 0.35 0.36 0.38 0.39 0.40 22
1 0.17 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.29 0.31 0.32 0.34 0.36 0.37 0.39 0.41 0.43 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.49 0.51 0.52 25
1 1/4 0.27 0.40 0.43 0.44 0.45 0.48 0.51 0.53 0.56 0.59 0.61 0.64 0.67 0.69 0.72 0.74 0.77 0.80 0.82 32
1 3/8 0.32 0.48 0.52 0.53 0.55 0.58 0.61 0.64 0.68 0.71 0.74 0.77 0.80 0.84 0.87 0.90 0.93 0.97 0.99 35
1 1/2 0.38 0.57 0.61 0.63 0.65 0.69 0.73 0.77 0.80 0.84 0.88 0.92 0.96 1.00 1.03 1.07 1.11 1.15 1.18 38
1 5/8 0.45 0.67 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.81 0.85 0.90 0.94 0.99 1.03 1.08 1.12 1.17 1.21 1.26 1.30 1.35 1.38 41
1 3/4 0.52 0.78 0.83 0.86 0.89 0.94 0.99 1.04 1.09 1.15 1.20 1.25 1.30 1.36 1.41 1.46 1.51 1.56 1.61 45
1 7/8 0.60 0.90 0.96 0.98 1.02 1.08 1.14 1.20 1.26 1.32 1.38 1.44 1.50 1.56 1.62 1.68 1.74 1.80 1.84 48
2 0.68 1.02 1.09 1.12 1.16 1.23 1.29 1.36 1.43 1.50 1.57 1.63 1.70 1.77 1.84 1.91 1.97 2.04 2.10 50
2 1/4 0.86 1.29 1.38 1.41 1.47 1.55 1.64 1.72 1.81 1.90 1.98 2.07 2.15 2.24 2.33 2.41 2.50 2.59 2.65 57
2 1/2 1.06 1.60 1.70 1.75 1.81 1.92 2.02 2.13 2.23 2.34 2.45 2.55 2.66 2.77 2.87 2.98 3.09 3.19 3.28 65
2 3/4 1.29 1.93 2.06 2.11 2.19 2.32 2.45 2.58 2.70 2.83 2.96 3.09 3.22 3.35 3.48 3.61 3.73 3.86 3.97 70
3 1.53 2.30 2.45 2.51 2.60 2.76 2.91 3.06 3.22 3.37 3.52 3.68 3.83 3.98 4.14 4.29 4.44 4.60 4.72 75
3 1/2 2.09 3.13 3.34 3.42 3.55 3.75 3.96 4.17 4.38 4.59 4.80 5.01 5.21 5.42 5.63 5.84 6.05 6.26 6.42 90
4 2.72 4.09 4.36 4.47 4.63 4.90 5.18 5.45 5.72 5.99 6.27 6.54 6.81 7.08 7.35 7.63 7.90 8.17 8.39 100
4 1/4 3.08 4.61 4.92 5.04 5.23 5.54 5.84 6.15 6.46 6.77 7.07 7.38 7.69 8.00 8.30 8.61 8.92 9.23 9.47 110
4 1/2 3.45 5.17 5.52 5.65 5.86 6.21 6.55 6.90 7.24 7.58 7.93 8.27 8.62 8.96 9.31 9.65 10.00 10.34 10.62 115
5 4.26 6.38 6.81 6.98 7.24 7.66 8.09 8.51 8.94 9.36 9.79 10.22 10.64 11.07 11.49 11.92 12.34 12.77 13.11 125
5 1/2 5.15 7.73 8.24 8.45 8.76 9.27 9.79 10.30 10.82 11.33 11.85 12.36 12.88 13.39 13.91 14.42 14.94 15.45 15.86 140
5 5/8 5.39 8.08 8.62 8.83 9.16 9.70 10.23 10.77 11.31 11.85 12.39 12.93 13.47 14.01 14.54 15.08 15.62 16.16 16.59 145
6 6.13 9.19 9.81 10.05 10.42 11.03 11.65 12.26 12.87 13.48 14.10 14.71 15.32 15.94 16.55 17.16 17.77 18.39 18.88 150
6 1/4 6.65 9.98 10.64 10.91 11.31 11.97 12.64 13.30 13.97 14.63 15.30 15.96 16.63 17.29 17.96 18.62 19.29 19.95 20.48 160
6 1/2 7.19 10.79 11.51 11.80 12.23 12.95 13.67 14.39 15.11 15.82 16.54 17.26 17.98 18.70 19.42 20.14 20.86 21.58 22.15 165
6 3/4 7.76 11.64 12.41 12.72 13.19 13.96 14.74 15.51 16.29 17.07 17.84 18.62 19.39 20.17 20.94 21.72 22.50 23.27 23.89 170
7 3/8 9.26 13.89 14.82 15.19 15.74 16.67 17.59 18.52 19.45 20.37 21.30 22.22 23.15 24.08 25.00 25.93 26.85 27.78 28.52 187
7 7/8 10.56 15.84 16.89 17.32 17.95 19.00 20.06 21.12 22.17 23.23 24.28 25.34 26.40 27.45 28.51 29.56 30.62 31.67 32.52 200
8 10.90 16.34 17.43 17.87 18.52 19.61 20.70 21.79 22.88 23.97 25.06 26.15 27.24 28.33 29.42 30.51 31.60 32.69 33.56 203
9 13.79 20.69 22.06 22.62 23.44 24.82 26.20 27.58 28.96 30.34 31.72 33.10 34.48 35.85 37.23 38.61 39.99 41.37 42.47 230
9 7/8 16.60 24.90 26.56 27.23 28.22 29.88 31.54 33.20 34.86 36.52 38.18 39.84 41.51 43.17 44.83 46.49 48.15 49.81 51.13 250
10 5/8 19.22 28.83 30.75 31.52 32.67 34.60 36.52 38.44 40.36 42.28 44.21 46.13 48.05 49.97 51.89 53.81 55.74 57.66 59.20 270
12 1/4 25.55 38.32 40.88 41.90 43.43 45.99 48.54 51.10 53.65 56.21 58.76 61.32 63.87 66.43 68.98 71.53 74.09 76.64 78.69 311
13 3/4 32.19 48.28 51.5 52.79 54.72 57.94 61.16 64.38 67.59 70.81 74.03 77.25 80.47 83.69 86.91 90.13 93.34 96.56 99.14 350
15 38.31 57.46 61.29 62.82 65.12 68.95 72.78 76.61 80.44 84.27 88.10 91.94 95.77 99.60 103.43 107.26 111.09 114.92 117.98 380
17 1/2 52.14 78.21 83.42 85.51 88.64 93.85 99.06 104.28 109.49 114.71 119.92 125.13 130.35 135.56 140.78 145.99 151.20 156.42 160.59 445

Av. David Samanez Ocampo N° 152 San Juan Bautista S.A.C sjb.capacitacion@gmail.com Telf. 987-355-666
16
ᶲ Kilograms of Explosive Per Meter of Blasthole

Tal(pulg) ᶲ
Product or Loading Density (g/cm3) Tal(mm)
0.5 0.75 0.8 0.82 0.85 0.9 0.95 1 1.05 1.1 1.15 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.35 1.4 1.45 1.5
3/4 0.14 0.21 0.23 0.23 0.24 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.30 0.31 0.33 0.34 0.36 0.37 0.38 0.40 0.41 0.43 19
7/8 0.19 0.29 0.31 0.32 0.33 0.35 0.37 0.39 0.41 0.43 0.45 0.46 0.48 0.50 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 22
1 0.25 0.38 0.40 0.41 0.43 0.46 0.48 0.51 0.53 0.56 0.58 0.61 0.63 0.66 0.68 0.71 0.73 0.76 25
1 1/4 0.40 0.59 0.63 0.65 0.67 0.71 0.75 0.79 0.83 0.87 0.91 0.95 0.99 1.03 1.07 1.11 1.15 1.19 32
1 3/8 0.48 0.72 0.77 0.78 0.81 0.86 0.91 0.96 1.00 1.05 1.10 1.15 1.20 1.24 1.29 1.34 1.39 1.43 35
1 1/2 0.57 0.85 0.91 0.93 0.97 1.02 1.08 1.14 1.20 1.25 1.31 1.37 1.42 1.48 1.54 1.59 1.65 1.71 38
1 5/8 0.67 1.00 1.07 1.10 1.14 1.20 1.27 1.34 1.40 1.47 1.54 1.60 1.67 1.74 1.80 1.87 1.94 2.00 41
1 3/4 0.77 1.16 1.24 1.27 1.32 1.39 1.47 1.55 1.63 1.70 1.78 1.86 1.94 2.01 2.09 2.17 2.25 2.32 45
1 7/8 0.89 1.33 1.42 1.46 1.51 1.60 1.69 1.78 1.87 1.96 2.05 2.13 2.22 2.31 2.40 2.49 2.58 2.67 48
2 1.01 1.52 1.62 1.66 1.72 1.82 1.92 2.02 2.13 2.23 2.33 2.43 2.53 2.63 2.73 2.83 2.93 3.04 50
2 1/4 1.28 1.92 2.05 2.10 2.18 2.31 2.43 2.56 2.69 2.82 2.95 3.07 3.20 3.33 3.46 3.59 3.71 3.84 57
2 1/2 1.58 2.37 2.53 2.59 2.69 2.85 3.00 3.16 3.32 3.48 3.64 3.80 3.95 4.11 4.27 4.43 4.59 4.74 65
2 3/4 1.91 2.87 3.06 3.14 3.25 3.44 3.64 3.83 4.02 4.21 4.40 4.59 4.78 4.97 5.17 5.36 5.55 5.74 70
3 2.28 3.42 3.64 3.73 3.87 4.10 4.33 4.55 4.78 5.01 5.24 5.46 5.69 5.92 6.15 6.38 6.60 6.83 75
3 1/2 3.10 4.65 4.96 5.08 5.27 5.58 5.89 6.20 6.51 6.82 7.13 7.44 7.75 8.06 8.37 8.68 8.99 9.30 90
4 4.05 6.07 6.48 6.64 6.88 7.29 7.69 8.10 8.50 8.91 9.31 9.72 10.12 10.52 10.93 11.33 11.74 12.14 100
4 1/4 4.57 6.85 7.31 7.49 7.77 8.23 8.68 9.14 9.60 10.05 10.51 10.97 11.42 11.88 12.34 12.80 13.25 13.71 110
4 1/2 5.12 7.68 8.20 8.40 8.71 9.22 9.73 10.25 10.76 11.27 11.78 12.30 12.81 13.32 13.83 14.35 14.86 15.37 115
5 6.33 9.49 10.12 10.37 10.75 11.39 12.02 12.65 13.28 13.92 14.55 15.18 15.81 16.45 17.08 17.71 18.34 18.98 125
5 1/2 7.65 11.48 12.25 12.55 13.01 13.78 14.54 15.31 16.07 16.84 17.60 18.37 19.13 19.90 20.66 21.43 22.19 22.96 140
5 5/8 8.01 12.01 12.81 13.13 13.61 14.41 15.21 16.01 16.81 17.61 18.41 19.21 20.01 20.81 21.61 22.41 23.21 24.02 145
6 9.11 13.66 14.57 14.94 15.48 16.39 17.31 18.22 19.13 20.04 20.95 21.86 22.77 23.68 24.59 25.50 26.41 27.32 150
6 1/4 9.88 14.82 15.81 16.21 16.80 17.79 18.78 19.77 20.75 21.74 22.73 23.72 24.71 25.70 26.68 27.67 28.66 29.65 160
6 1/2 10.69 16.03 17.10 17.53 18.17 19.24 20.31 21.38 22.45 23.52 24.59 25.65 26.72 27.79 28.86 29.93 31.00 32.07 165
6 3/4 11.53 17.29 18.44 18.90 19.60 20.75 21.90 23.05 24.21 25.36 26.51 27.67 28.82 29.97 31.12 32.28 33.43 34.58 170
7 3/8 13.76 20.64 22.02 22.57 23.39 24.77 26.15 27.52 28.90 30.27 31.65 33.03 34.40 35.78 37.15 38.53 39.91 41.28 187
7 7/8 15.69 23.53 25.10 25.73 26.67 28.24 29.81 31.38 32.95 34.52 36.09 37.66 39.22 40.79 42.36 43.93 45.50 47.07 200
8 16.19 24.29 25.91 26.55 27.53 29.15 30.76 32.38 34.00 35.62 37.24 38.86 40.48 42.10 43.72 45.34 46.96 48.58 203
9 20.49 30.74 32.79 33.61 34.84 36.89 38.94 40.99 43.04 45.08 47.13 49.18 51.23 53.28 55.33 57.38 59.43 61.48 230
9 7/8 24.67 37.01 39.47 40.46 41.94 44.41 46.88 49.34 51.81 54.28 56.74 59.21 61.68 64.15 66.61 69.08 71.55 74.01 250
10 5/8 28.56 42.84 45.70 46.84 48.55 51.41 54.27 57.12 59.98 62.83 65.69 68.55 71.40 74.26 77.12 79.97 82.83 85.68 270
12 1/4 37.97 56.95 60.75 62.26 64.54 68.34 72.14 75.93 79.73 83.52 87.32 91.12 94.91 98.71 102.51 106.30 110.10 113.90 311
13 3/4 47.83 71.75 76.53 78.45 81.32 86.10 90.88 95.67 100.45 105.23 110.02 114.80 119.58 124.37 129.15 133.93 138.72 143.50 350
15 56.93 85.39 91.08 93.36 96.77 102.47 108.16 113.85 119.54 125.24 130.93 136.62 142.31 148.01 153.70 159.39 165.08 170.78 380

17

18

19
COMMON FORMULAS USED FOR BLAST
DESIGN

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ᶲ Densidad de carga del explosivo (g/cm3) ᶲ

Tal(pulg) Tal(mm)
0.52 0.64 0.78 0.85 0.9 0.96 1 1.05 1.1 1.17 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35
1 0.26 0.32 0.39 0.43 0.46 0.49 0.51 0.53 0.56 0.59 0.61 0.63 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.68 0.68 25
1 1/2 0.59 0.73 0.89 0.97 1.02 1.09 1.14 1.20 1.25 1.33 1.37 1.42 1.48 1.50 1.51 1.53 1.54 38
1 3/4 0.81 0.99 1.21 1.32 1.39 1.49 1.55 1.63 1.70 1.81 1.86 1.94 2.01 2.05 2.06 2.08 2.09 44
2 1.05 1.30 1.58 1.72 1.82 1.94 2.02 2.13 2.23 2.37 2.43 2.53 2.63 2.67 2.69 2.71 2.73 51
2 1/2 1.64 2.02 2.47 2.69 2.85 3.04 3.16 3.32 3.48 3.70 3.80 3.95 4.11 4.17 4.21 4.24 4.27 64
3 2.37 2.91 3.55 3.87 4.10 4.37 4.55 4.78 5.01 5.33 5.46 5.69 5.92 6.01 6.06 6.10 6.15 76
3 1/2 3.22 3.97 4.83 5.27 5.58 5.95 6.20 6.51 6.82 7.25 7.44 7.75 8.06 8.18 8.24 8.31 8.37 89
4 4.21 5.18 6.31 6.88 7.29 7.77 8.10 8.50 8.91 9.47 9.72 10.12 10.52 10.69 10.77 10.85 10.93 102
4 1/2 5.33 6.56 7.99 8.71 9.22 9.84 10.25 10.76 11.27 11.99 12.30 12.81 13.32 13.53 13.63 13.73 13.83 114
5 6.58 8.10 9.87 10.75 11.39 12.14 12.65 13.28 13.92 14.80 15.18 15.81 16.45 16.70 16.82 16.95 17.08 127
5 1/2 7.96 9.80 11.94 13.01 13.78 14.69 15.31 16.07 16.84 17.91 18.37 19.13 19.90 20.20 20.36 20.51 20.66 140
6 9.47 11.66 14.21 15.48 16.39 17.49 18.22 19.13 20.04 21.31 21.86 22.77 23.68 24.05 24.23 24.41 24.59 152
6 1/2 11.12 13.68 16.68 18.17 19.24 20.52 21.38 22.45 23.52 25.01 25.65 26.72 27.79 28.22 28.43 28.65 28.86 165
7 12.89 15.87 19.34 21.07 22.31 23.80 24.79 26.03 27.27 29.01 29.75 30.99 32.23 32.73 32.98 33.22 33.47 178
7 1/2 14.80 18.22 22.20 24.19 25.62 27.32 28.46 29.89 31.31 33.30 34.16 35.58 37.00 37.57 37.86 38.14 38.42 191
8 16.84 20.73 25.26 27.53 29.15 31.09 32.38 34.00 35.62 37.89 38.86 40.48 42.10 42.75 43.07 43.39 43.72 203
9 21.31 26.23 31.97 34.84 36.89 39.35 40.99 43.04 45.08 47.95 49.18 51.23 53.28 54.10 54.51 54.92 55.33 229
9 7/8 25.66 31.58 38.49 41.94 44.41 47.37 49.34 51.81 54.28 57.73 59.21 61.68 64.15 65.13 65.63 66.12 66.61 251
10 5/8 29.70 36.56 44.56 48.55 51.41 54.84 57.12 59.98 62.83 66.83 68.55 71.40 74.26 75.40 75.97 76.54 77.12 270
11 31.84 39.18 47.76 52.04 55.10 58.78 61.23 64.29 67.35 71.63 73.47 76.53 79.59 80.82 81.43 82.04 82.66 279
12 1/4 39.48 48.60 59.23 64.54 68.34 72.89 75.93 79.73 83.52 88.84 91.12 94.91 98.71 100.23 100.99 101.75 102.51 311
15 59.20 72.86 88.80 96.77 102.47 109.30 113.85 119.54 125.24 133.20 136.62 142.31 148.01 150.28 151.42 152.56 153.70 381

21
B ESPACIAMIENTO (m)
U
R
D
E 0.50 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9
N 0.5 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.25 4.50
(m)
1.0 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00
1.5 0.75 1.50 2.25 3.00 3.75 4.50 5.25 6.00 6.75 7.50 8.25 9.00 9.75 10.50 11.25 12.00 12.75 13.50
2.0 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00 17.00 18.00
2.5 1.25 2.50 3.75 5.00 6.25 7.50 8.75 10.00 11.25 12.50 13.75 15.00 16.25 17.50 18.75 20.00 21.25 22.50
3.0 1.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 9.00 10.50 12.00 13.50 15.00 16.50 18.00 19.50 21.00 22.50 24.00 25.50 27.00
3.5 1.75 3.50 5.25 7.00 8.75 10.50 12.25 14.00 15.75 17.50 19.25 21.00 22.75 24.50 26.25 28.00 29.75 31.50
4.0 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00 22.00 24.00 26.00 28.00 30.00 32.00 34.00 36.00
4.5 2.25 4.50 6.75 9.00 11.25 13.50 15.75 18.00 20.25 22.50 24.75 27.00 29.25 31.50 33.75 36.00 38.25 40.50
5.0 2.50 5.00 7.50 10.00 12.50 15.00 17.50 20.00 22.50 25.00 27.50 30.00 32.50 35.00 37.50 40.00 42.50 45.00
5.5 2.75 5.50 8.25 11.00 13.75 16.50 19.25 22.00 24.75 27.50 30.25 33.00 35.75 38.50 41.25 44.00 46.75 49.50
6.0 3.00 6.00 9.00 12.00 15.00 18.00 21.00 24.00 27.00 30.00 33.00 36.00 39.00 42.00 45.00 48.00 51.00 54.00
6.5 3.25 6.50 9.75 13.00 16.25 19.50 22.75 26.00 29.25 32.50 35.75 39.00 42.25 45.50 48.75 52.00 55.25 58.50
7.0 3.50 7.00 10.50 14.00 17.50 21.00 24.50 28.00 31.50 35.00 38.50 42.00 45.50 49.00 52.50 56.00 59.50 63.00
7.5 3.75 7.50 11.25 15.00 18.75 22.50 26.25 30.00 33.75 37.50 41.25 45.00 48.75 52.50 56.25 60.00 63.75 67.50
8.0 4.00 8.00 12.00 16.00 20.00 24.00 28.00 32.00 36.00 40.00 44.00 48.00 52.00 56.00 60.00 64.00 68.00 72.00
8.5 4.25 8.50 12.75 17.00 21.25 25.50 29.75 34.00 38.25 42.50 46.75 51.00 55.25 59.50 63.75 68.00 72.25 76.50
9.0 4.50 9.00 13.50 18.00 22.50 27.00 31.50 36.00 40.50 45.00 49.50 54.00 58.50 63.00 67.50 72.00 76.50 81.00
9.5 4.75 9.50 14.25 19.00 23.75 28.50 33.25 38.00 42.75 47.50 52.25 57.00 61.75 66.50 71.25 76.00 80.75 85.50
10.0 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 45.00 50.00 55.00 60.00 65.00 70.00 75.00 80.00 85.00 90.00
10.5 5.25 10.50 15.75 21.00 26.25 31.50 36.75 42.00 47.25 52.50 57.75 63.00 68.25 73.50 78.75 84.00 89.25 94.50
11.0 5.50 11.00 16.50 22.00 27.50 33.00 38.50 44.00 49.50 55.00 60.50 66.00 71.50 77.00 82.50 88.00 93.50 99.00
11.5 5.75 11.50 17.25 23.00 28.75 34.50 40.25 46.00 51.75 57.50 63.25 69.00 74.75 80.50 86.25 92.00 97.75 103.50
12.0 6.00 12.00 18.00 24.00 30.00 36.00 42.00 48.00 54.00 60.00 66.00 72.00 78.00 84.00 90.00 96.00 102.00 108.00

22
Expected Ground Vibration
When an explosive is detonated in the ground, three types of seismic waves are generated; com-preside,
shear and surface. These waves can result in structure response and on rare occasions, structure
damage. Extensive research has provided for safe blasting criteria based on peak particle velocity
measured from the wave event. Peak particle velocity (PPV) values can be estimated using the following
formulas.
Sistema Imperial
√𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦 1.6

𝑃𝑃𝑉 = ( ) ∗𝐻
𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑖𝑠𝑚𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ
Where:
PPV = Peak particle velocity (in/sec)
H = Ground response factor
"H" Factors
Lower limit, little or no confinement 24.2
Average value, typical confinement 160
Upper limit, heavy confinement 242
Sistema Metric
√𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦 1.6

𝑃𝑃𝑉 = ( ) ∗𝐻
𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑖𝑠𝑚𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ
Where:
PPV = Peak particle velocity (mm/sec)
H = Ground response factor
"H" Factors
Lower limit, little or no confinement 172
Average value, typical confinement 1140
Upper limit, heavy confinement 1725

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Scaled Distance D
𝐷 𝐷
𝐷𝑠 = 𝐷 = 𝐷𝑠 ∗ √𝑊 𝑊 = ( )2
√𝑊 𝐷𝑠
Where
Ds = Scaled Distance
D = Distance (ft) to nearest structure
W = Weight of explosives (Ibs) maximum per delay
The adjoining table provides the maximum pounds of explosives that can be detonated within an 8
millisecond delay at the given distances, without monitoring, according to the Office of Surface Mining (OSM)
recommendations.
Distance Ds = 50 Ds=55 Ds = 65
(0 - 300 ft) (301 - 5,000 ft) (5.001 ft
+
25 0.25
50 1.00
75 2.25
100 4.00
150 9.00
200 16.00
250 25.00
300 36.00
301 29
350 40
400 52
500 82
600 119
700 161
800 211
900 267
1,000 330
2,000 1,322
3,000 2,975
4,000 5,289
5,000 8,264 '
5,001 5,919
6,000 8,520
10,00 23,66
0 8

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Wet Hole Calculations
 To determine the final height of water in the borehole when the top of the last cartridge is at water
level
𝐻0 ∗ 𝐷𝐵 2
𝐹𝐻 =
𝐷𝐵 2 ∗ 𝐷𝐸 2
FH = Final height of water in feet
Ho = Original height of water in feet
DB = Diameter of borehole in inches
DE = Diameter of explosive package in inches

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 To determine the number of cartridges needed to build out of borehole water
𝐹𝐻 ∗ 12
𝑁𝐸 =
𝐿𝐸
NE = Number of cartridges needed
FH = Final height of borehole water rise (from equation 1)
LE = Length of cartridge in inches
BLASTING FORMULAS
OSM Scaled Distance Requirement
D Ds=:50 (0-300') Ds=55 (301-5000') Ds=65 (5001’+)
(feet) W (Ibs) W (Ibs) W (Ibs)
25 0.25 - -
50 1 - -
75 2.25 - -
100 4 - -
200 16 - -
300 36 - -
400 - 52 -
500 - 82 -
600 - 119 -
700 - 161 -
800 - 211 -
900 - 267 -
1,000 - 330 -
1,500 - 743 -
2,000 - 1,322 -
3,000 - 2,975 -
4,000 - 5,289 -
5,000 - 8,264 -
6,000 - - 8,520
7,000 - - 11,597
8,000 - - 15,147
9,000 - - 19,171
10,000 23,668
-
-

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ROCK PROPERTIES
Average Weight of Various Solid Materials
Material Specific Gravity Tons / Cubic Yard
Andesite 2.5 - 2.8 2.11 - 2.36
Basalt/Traprock 2.8 - 3.0 2.36-2.53
Coal - Anthracite 1.3 1.08
Coal - Bituminous 1.1 - 1.4 0.93 - 1.18
Copper Ore 2.0 1.89
Diabase 2.6 - 3.0 2.19 - 2.53
Diorite 2.8 - 3.0 2.36 - 2.53
Dolomite 2.8 - 2.9 2.36 - 2.44
Earth (dry) 1.6 - 1.8 1.35 - 1.52
Earth (wet) 2.0 1.6875
Gneiss 2.6-2.9 2.19 - 2.44
Granite 2.6-2.7 2.19 - 2.28
Gypsum 2.3-2.8 1.94 - 2.36
Iron Ore 4.5 - 5.3 3.79 - 4.47
Lead Ore (galena) 7.5 6.21
Limestone 2.3 - 2.7 1.94 - 2.28
Marble 2.4 - 2.7 2.02 - 2.28
Mica, schist 2.5-2.9 2.09 - 2.43
Quartzite 2.6-2.8 2.19 - 2.36
Rhyolite 2.4 - 2.6 2.02 - 2.19
Rock Salt 2.5 - 2.6 2.11 - 2.19
Sandstone 2.2 - 2.8 1.85 - 2.36
Shale 2.4 - 2.8 2.02 - 2.36
Slate 2.7 - 2.8 2.28 - 2.36
Talc 2.6-2.8 2.19-2.36
Density (in lb/cu ft) = SGx62.4
Density (SI units) = SG x density of water
(1.0 g/cc or 1000 kg/cu m)

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BLASTING FORMULAS
Rules of Thumb - Imperial
D = borehole diameter, inches
De = explosive charge diameter, inches
Burden (B) = 20 to 40 (De)
Spacing (S) = 1 to 1.8 (B)
Collar Stemming (TC) = 0.7 to 1.3 (B)
Deck Stemming Dry hole (Td) = 6(D)
Wet hole (Th) = 12(D)
Subdrill (J) = 0.2 to 0.5 (B)
Minimum Bench Height (H) = 3 (B)
Bottom Charge (Eb) = 0.3 to 0.5 (B) + J
Note: The RBS of a bottom charge should be 25% more powerful than the RBS of the column
charge
Borehole Water Rise
𝑯𝟎∗𝑫𝟐
𝑯𝒇 = Hf = Final Height of Water D = Hole Diameter
𝑫𝟐 ∗𝑫𝒆𝟐
Ho = Original Height of Water De = Explosive Diameter
Large Diameter Adequate Length
Principles
of Priming
High Detonation Pressure
Blasting Vibration - Scaled Distance
𝑫 𝑫
𝑫𝒔 = 𝑫 = 𝑫𝒔 ∗ √𝑾 𝑾 = ( )𝟐
√𝑾 𝑫𝒔
D = Distance to nearest structure W = Máximum weight per delay
Ds = Scaled Distance

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CONSUMO ESPECÍFICO
a. Voladura a Cielo Abierto
1. Primaria CE (kg/m3)
Tipo de Roca 0.6 - 1.5
Rocas masivas y resistentes 0.3 - 0.6
Rocas de resistencia Media
Rocas muy fracturadas alteradas o Blandas 0.1 - 0.3
2. Secundaria
Cachorreo 0.1 - 0.2
Parche 0.4 - 0.6
b. Voladura Subterránea
1. Desarrollos
En función de sección, diámetro del barreno y tipo de arranque. 0.9 - 7.0
2. Controlada
Al dividir valores g/m3 por densidad de la roca se obtiene g/ton.

0.2 - 0.4 kg/m lineal
Para cada caso en particular.
CONTROL DE VIBRACIONES
𝐷
𝐷𝑠 =
2𝑊
Ds = Distancia Escalar
D = Distancia real desde la voladura en pie
W = Pesos del explosivo en Ib, iniciado con retardo de 9 MS o más (*)
(*) El Departamento de Minas de EEUU recomienda Ds=50, el Departamento de Actividades Mineras de

Superficie de Estados Unidos recomienda Ds=60. Se estima que con velocidades de partículas menores o
iguales a 5 cm/s, no produce daño.

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BLAST DESIGN (Burden Ratio)
The following are "rules of thumb" for calculating the parameters of a blast pattern based upon a known
explosive diameter and rock type.
( 𝐾𝑏 ∗𝐾𝑏 )
For Burden 𝐵=
12
Where:
B = Burden Distance (feet)
De = diameter of explosives (inches)
Kb = burden ratio selected from the table 10.x
Rock Type
Explosive Energy soft average hard
Low 30 25 20
Average 35 25
High 40 35 30
For Borehole Depth 𝐵 = 𝐾𝑑 ∗ 𝐵

Where:
H = Borehole Depth (ft)
Kd = Depth Ratio, which ranges from 1.5 to 4.0
For Subdrilling 𝐽 = 0.3 ∗ 𝐵

Where:
J = Borehole Subdrilling (ft)
For Stemming 𝑇 = 0.7 ∗ 𝐵

Where: T = Subdrilling Depth (ft)

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For Spacing 𝑆 = 𝐾𝑠 ∗ 𝐵
Where:
S = Spacing (ft)
B = Burden (feet)
Ks = 2.0 for simultaneous initiation;
Ks = 1.0 for long delaty intervals between holes
1.2 < Ks < 18 for short interval delays between holes
(Source: R.L. Ash "Considerations for Proper Blasting Design", 1974)
Blast Design (Powder Factor)
This is a first approximation method of blast design which can be used when the blaster knows the powder
factor (Ib of explosives/yd3 of rock) to be used. The parameters of the blast pattern are calculated to achieve
this powder factor.
For Stemming T = 1.7 x De
Where: T = Stemming Length (feet)
De = Explosive Diameter (inches)
For Subdrilling J = 0.5 x De

Where: J = Borehole Subdrilling (feet)
De = Explosive Diameter (inches)
For Powder Column C=H+J-T
Where: C =Length of Powder Column (feet)
H =Bench Height (feet)
J =Subdrilling (feet)
T =Stemming (feet)
For Explosives per Borehole We = C x Lf
Where: We = Weight of Explosive per Borehole (pounds)
P = Length of Powder Column (feet)

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Lf = Loading Factor (Ibs of explosives /ft of borehole)
For Rock Broken per Borehole Vr = We / Pf
Where: Vr = Volume of Rock Broken per Borehole (yd3)
We = Weight of Explosive per Borehole (pounds)
Pf = Powder Factor (Ib/ft)
For Burden and Spacing in a Rectangular Pattern:
18 ∗ 𝑉𝑟
𝐵=√
𝐻
And S = 1.5 x B
For Burden and Spacing in a Square Pattern:
27 ∗ 𝑉𝑟
𝐵=√
𝐻
And S= B
Where: B = Burden (feet)
S = Spacing (feet)
Y = Volume of Rock Broken per Borehole (yd3)
H = Bench Height (feet)
Final Height of Water in Borehole
ℎ0 ∗ 𝑑 𝑏 2
ℎ𝑓 =
𝑑𝑏 2 − 𝑑 𝑒 2
Where:
hf= Final height of water in borehole ( ft)
h0 = Original Height of Water in Borehole (ft)
db = Diameter of Borehole (in)

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de = Diameter of Explosive Cartridge (in)
Number of cartridges needed to build out of water
ℎ𝑓∗12
𝑛𝑐 =
𝐿𝑐
Where:
hf = Final height of water in borehole calculated from equation I above (ft)
Le = Length of Cartridges (in)
nc = Number of cartridges needed (lf answer gives a part of a cartridge, increase to next
highest whole number.
Burden Calculation
Estimating burden distance without considering bench height
2 ∗ 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠
𝐵=[ + 1.8] ∗ 𝐷𝑐
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑘
Where
B = Burden (feet)
Density of Explosives (g/cc)
Density of Rock (g/cc)
Dc = Diameter of the charge (inches)
Controlled Blasting Specifications
Line Drilling: Line Drilling involves drilling a row of closely spaced holes along the final excavation line, which
are not loaded with explosives. The line of holes creates a plane of weakness to which the final row of blast
holes can break.
Average Specifications for Line Drilling

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Borehole Diameter Spacing
(inches) (feet)
2.0 0.33 - 0.67
3.0 0.50 -1.00
Presplitting: Closely spaced holes which are drilled along the final excavation line, with Avery light load of
explosives used. Presplit holes are normally fired prior to the adjacent production blast holes, and for best
results with no delays between the charges.
Average Specifications for Presplitting
Average Specifications for Presplitting

Hole Diameter (inches) Spacing (feet) Explosive Charge (lb/ft)
1.50 - 1.75 1.00- 1.50 0.08 - 0.25
2.00 - 2.50 1.50- 2.00 0.08 - 0.25
3.00 - 3.50 2.50- 3.00 0.13 - 0.50
4 00 2.00- 4.00 0.25 - 0.75
Cushion Blasting: Closely spaced holes drilled along the final excavation line, loaded lightly and fired after
the main excavation has been removed. Boreholes for cushion blasting are often larger diameter than
presplitting, and burden is always greater than spacing.
Hole Diameter (inches) Spacing (feet) Burden (feet) Explosive Charge (lb/ft)
2.0 - 2.5 3.00 4.00 0.08 - 0.25
3.0 - 3.5 4.00 5.00 0.13 - 0.50
4.0 - 4.5 5.00 6.00 0.25 - 0.75
5.0 - 5.5 6.00 7.00 0.75 -1.00
6.0 - 6.5 7.00 8.00 1.00-1.50
Cubic yards of Rock/Borehole
𝐵∗𝑆∗𝐻
𝑉=
27
Where:
V = Volume of shot rock (yd3)
B = Burden distance (ft)
S = Spacing distance (ft)
H = Bench Height (ft)
(Note: Bench Height = Borehole Depth - Subdrilling)

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35
Electrical Blasting Calculations
Resistance in Series
𝑅𝑡 = 𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + 𝑅3 + ⋯ +𝑅𝑛
Rt = Total Resistance of the series (ohms)
Rn = Resistance of individual detonators (ohms)
Resistance in Parallel
1 1 1 1 1
= + + +⋯+
𝑅𝑡 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅𝑛
Rt = Total Resistance of the parallel circuit (ohms)
Rn = Resistance of individual detonators (ohms)
Resistance of a Balanced Series-Parallel Circuit
𝑛 ∗ 𝑅𝑠
𝑅𝑡 =
𝑁
Rt = Total Resistance of the Detonator Circuit
Rs = Resistance of Individual Detonator in Circuit
n= Number of detonators per series
N = Number of series in the circuit
Optimum Number of Series for a Series-Parallel Circuit
𝑅𝑡
𝑆=√
𝑅𝑤
S = Ideal number of series (round down to nearest whole number)
Rt = Total resistance of all detonators
Rw = Sum of the resistance of all components ie. Firing line, connecting wire, etc.)
Resistance of Bus wire = ½ of total resistance of wire used as bus.

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Values not found in the above table can be found using the following equation.
𝐿𝐹 = 0.3405 ∗ 𝑑 2 ∗ 𝝋
Where:
LF = Loading Factor in Lbs/Ft
d = Explosives column diameter in Inches
𝝋= Specific Gravity of Explosives
Peak Particle Velocity
Peak particle velocity of ground vibrations can be predicted from scaled distance using the following
equation. The accuracy of the equation will depend on how well the site constants are known for a particular
blasting operation. The site constants are quantities that can be derived from a plot of Peak Particle Velocity
versus Scale Distance on a log-log graph. The slope and intercept of the regression line will give the site
constants, k and m for the following equation:
𝑉 = 𝑘 ∗ 𝑆𝑛
Where
V = the peak particle velocity (in/sec)
k = a site constant, equal to the y intercept of the line, where scaled distance = 1
S= scaled distance, {ft/lb (1/2))

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n = another site constant, equal to the slope of the line
For general purposes, if no specific data is taken, the following table gives some average values and ranges
for these site constants:
Typical Values of Site Constants
Direction Rangeofk Average k Rangeofn Average n

Radial 44to281 106 -1.729 to-1.324 -1.454
Transverse 40tol06 61 -1.562 to-1.234 -1.368
Vertical 56to335 156 -1.825 to-1.512 -1.642
Powder Factor
As commonly used in quarry industry:
𝑊𝑅
𝑃. 𝐹 =
𝑊𝐸
P.F = Powder Factor (tons/Lb)
WR = Weight of Rock Broken (tons)
WE = Weight of Explosives used (Lb)
As commonly used in coal construction industry:
𝑉𝑅
𝑃. 𝐹 =
𝑊𝐸
P.F = Powder Factor (Lb/yd3)
VR= Volume of Rock Broken (yd3)
WE = Weight of Explosives used (Lb)
Optimum Spacing Calculation
The optimum spacing dimension will range from 1 to 1.5 times the burden distance. However, optimum
energy distribution will be achieved if pattern is staggered with Spacing equal to 1.15 times the Burden.
𝑆 = 1.15 ∗ 𝐵
Where
S = Spacing (feet)
B = Burden (feet)

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Sub drill Calculation
The sub drill dimension (when needed) will range from 0.1 to 0.3 times the burden distance and will depend
on the type of explosive, rock structure at grade, degree i horizontal relief, bench height to burden ratio.
A starting point for determining sub drill dimension is 0.2 times the Burden Distance.
𝐽 = 1.15 ∗ 𝐵
Where
J= sub drilling (feet)
B = Burden (feet)

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REPORT OF BLASTING OPERATION
Company ____________________________________________ Address _____________________________

Name of Project/Mine/Job ______________________________ Date_______________Time of Blast______
Exact Location of Blast ______________________________________________________________________
Amounts and types of explosives used__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Number of Holes _______________________________________ Burden and Spacing__________________
Depth of Holes ________________________________________ Diameter of Holes___________________
Depth of Stemming ____________________________________ Type of Stemming___________________
Method of Initiation: Electric ( ) Non-electric ( ) Other________________________________________
Delay types___________________________________________ Type of circuit, if electric_____________
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
Maximum No. of holes per delay_______________Maximum weight of explosives per delay________________

Distance, direction, and identification of nearest dwelling, school, church or commercial
building_______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Type of material blasted: Limestone ________ Shale _____ Sandstone ______ Slate __ Other____
Mats or other precautions used__________________________________________________________________
Weather Conditions Dry ( ) Foggy ( ) Clear ( ) Cloudy ( ) Rain ( ) Snow
Temperature____________ Wind Direction ________________ ApproximateWindVelocity_________________
Seismograph Records where required
Location of Seismograph(s) used_________________________________________________________________
Distance of Seismograph from Blast ____________________________________ Seismic Data____________
Name of the person taking seismograph reading___________________________________________________
Name of the person/firm analyzing seismograph record_____________________________________________
Name of Blaster ________________________________________Blaster's License Number________________
Surface Coal Certification No._______
SIGNED__________________________

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References
Avey, L. 1990. Pre-Split Economies and Practice at Gold Fields Operating Co. - Gold Fields Mine.
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique. Orlando, FL: International
Society of Explosives Engineers.
Chiapetta, R, Borg, D. and Sterner, V. (Eds.) 1987. Explosives and Rock Blasting. Dallas. TX: Atlas Powder
Company Field Technical Operations.
Hopler, R. (Ed.) 1998. Blasters' Handbook 17th Edition. Cleveland, OH: International Society of Explosives
Engineers.
Konya, C. and Walter, E. 1991. Rock Blasting and Overbreak Control. McClean, VA: United States
Department of Transportation Federal Highway
Administration.

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41

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THE BLASTER’S GUIDE

COMMON FORMULAS USED FOR BLAST DESIGN

Formulas Usadas Para el Diseño de Voladura

San Juan Bautista S.A.C

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

VARIABLES and [UNITS]

Absolute Bulk Strength (ABS)

VARIABLES and [UNITS]

ABS E = Absolute bulk strength of the explosive [cal/cc]

AWS E = Absolute weight strength of the explosive [cai/g]

DE = Density of the explosive [g/cm3]

Absolute Weight Strength (AWS)

VARIABLES and [UNITS]

AWS= Absolute weight strength of the explosive [cai/g]

RBS E = Relative bulk strength of the explosive [ANFO = 100]

dE, = Density of the explosive [g/cm3]

Base-Charge Length Formula

𝐸𝑏= [(0.3 → 0.5) ∗ 𝐵] + 𝐽

VARIABLES and [UNITS]

E b = Length of base charge of high density explosives [ft]

B = Average burden [ft]

J = Sub-drilling depth [ft]

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

Actual Scaled Distance Formula

Actual Scaled Distance

Maximum Charge Weight per Delay

VARIABLES and [Unit]

SD = Scaled distance factor

W = Charge weight per delay [Ib]

VARIABLES AND [units]

ds = Density of the explosives [g/cm3]

dr = Density of the rock [g/cm3]

De = Diameter of fully coupled explosive column [in]

Deck SiemmirsQ Formula

For-Dry Holes Td=0.5*D

For Wet Holes Td=1.0*D

VARIABLES and [UNITS]

Td = Minimum length of stone deck

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

D = Blast-hole diameter [in]

Hole-to-Hole Delay Time Formula

Variables and [units]

Dhth = Delay time between holes in a row [ms]

S = Spacing between holes in a row [ft]

Hole-to-Hole Delay Times to Improve Fragmentation

Rock Type ms/ft

Sands, Loams, Maris and Coals 1.8 - 2.1

Some Limestones, Rock Shale and some Shales 1.5 - 1.8

Compact Limestones and Marbles, some Granites 1.2 - 1.5

and Basalts, Quartzite Rocks and some Gneisses

Diabase, Diabase Porphyries, Compact Gneisses, 09 - 1 2

and Mica Schists and Magnetite

Capacitación & Entrenamiento

Loading Density Formula

Di = Explosives loading density [Ib/ft]