Home
About Us
Events & Courses
Training Products
Publications
Research Reports Research Reports Research Reports
Course Proceedings Course Proceedings Course Proceedings
Newsletters and Annual Reports Newsletters and Annual Reports Newsletters and Annual ...
Media Releases Media Releases Media Releases
Author's Corner Author's Corner Author's Corner
Rights and Permissions Rights and Permissions Rights and Permissions
Non-ACG Publications Non-ACG Publications Non-ACG Publications
Future Publications Future Publications Future Publications
Shop
Research
Membership
Links
Positions

Blasting

Blasting for Stable Slopes

Perth, Western Australia, August 2007

ACG Course Number: 0706

Presenters: G. Boucher (George Boucher Consulting), J. Floyd (Blast Dynamics Inc.), P. O’Bryan (Peter O’Bryan & Associates).

Readership: The objective of blasting is to optimise the cost effectiveness of the excavation process through the fragmentation and displacement of rock from its in-situ condition to a highly diggable muckpile. The aim of wall control is to optimise the stability of a rock wall exposed by excavation through the control of fragmentation, displacement, vibration and over-break. The success of mining and quarrying operations depends on both of the aims being achieved despite the conflict of purpose that may exist.

Blasting for Stable Slopes

Perth, Western Australia, October 2006

ACG Course Number: 0610

Presenters: P. O'Bryan (Peter O'Bryan and Associates), G. Boucher (George Boucher Consulting), and J. Floyd (Blast Dynamics, USA).

Readership: The course was aimed at blast designers and those responsible for drilling and blasting operations in the field. Mine planners and engineers also found this course to be of real value in terms of gaining an understanding of the effects that blasting can have on the in situ geological structure adjacent to the pit and hence on the stability of the final pit wall.

This course examined the mechanisms and possible extent of damage to the rock structure behind the face from blasting and the influence that has on the stability of pit walls. The course included consideration of the mechanisms of rock breakage that operate within a blast and considered means of optimising wall damage adjacent to the blast.

The influence of burden relief, geological structure and application of field controls to verify the accurate implementation of design parameters was stressed. Common techniques of wall control including pre-splitting were detailed.

The course included HIGH SPEED FILM, provided by John Floyd (Blast Dynamics, USA). This footage enhanced the presentation of concepts of different blasting techniques and resulting effects on the surrounding rock.