EFFECTIVE BLASTING MANAGEMENT THROUGH CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING. FACTS, IDEAS AND CASE HISTORIES

3rd International Scientific Conference - SGEM2003, www.sgem.org, SGEM2003 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 9-13, 2003, 77- 86pp

ABSTRACT

Blasting is not just an “empirical” relation between man (e.g., the blaster) and
rock. This particular point of view has been proved to be correct and self-evident,
mainly in major Public Works and Construction blasting, where the main part of
the site activity often regards rock excavation within urban or sensitive areas. Such
a risky and demanding operation should not be “left” only at blasters’ decision and
experience.
Blasting is considered to embody further scientific knowledge, know-how
and technological tools. Matters of cost, production parameters and the demands
for the control of environmental effects, represent the necessary care and criteria
of a well-established quarry blasting operation.
The fact that should be emphasized in this paper is that blast consulting and
engineering is a necessity. That results from various fields such as explosives
testing, research, blast design and analysis, blasting in urban and sensitive areas,
fragmentation evaluation, vibration control, technical support, staff training, cost
optimization etc.
The main target is that blasting must become technically effective, cost
attractive and environmentally friendly.
The facts and case histories in this paper are going to document the above
comments and ideas. These are based on the field experience of EXORIXI S.A. on
blast consulting and engineer services with today’s advanced blast technologies
and know-how, co-estimating the policies for a proactive environmental
management.