Introduction

Various operations in rock engineering have only two missions: to destroy rock efficiently and
to support rock structures effectively. Up to date many operations in rock engineering,
particularly in rock blasting, have been dominated by empirical design, resulting in
considerable mineral loss, poor safety, high vibrations, explosive wastage, and induced
seismic events. To accomplish the above two missions, we must well know rock fracture
characteristics under different loading rates, temperatures, water contents and cyclic loads.
Moreover, in rock destruction such as drilling and blasting we must have a scientific rather
than empirical design to the loading system. In order to make a scientific design we need
comprehensive knowledge, especially stress wave, shock wave and rock fracture theories.

The purpose of this book is to present a package of comprehensive knowledge in rock fracture
and blasting and to demonstrate how to make a scientific design for rock blasting and
fragmentation. The book covers the following topics: stress and shock waves; rock fracture
characteristics; effects of loading rate, temperature, water and cyclic loads on rock fracture;
rock drilling; explosive detonation; free surface and swelling; burden and spacing; stemming;
air deck; smooth and presplit blasting; primer placement; delay time; open cut blasting;
mining blasting; tunnelling blasting; numerical simulation; optimum fragmentation; blast-
related economy; fracture-caused safety; vibration control; and special blasting.

This book will help scientists, engineers, and students in mining, construction, petroleum, and
other types of rock engineering enlarge and deepen their knowledge so as to develop more
efficient techniques and make more improvements in rock fracture and blasting engineering.
It will be useful for industrial leaders to understand the importance of blasting technology in
the economy and safety of their enterprises. Even for miners and the people working in
blasting, this book will be a good textbook for their continuous education according to the
authors experience. In order to help readers to gain the knowledge efficiently, the book
provides a number of exercises in each chapter.