Let’s Blast! - Industrial Explosives During Blasting #Engineering

Are civil and military explosives the same? In other words, are we using the same explosives in mining and warfare? Well, yes and no. From the ninth century AD (though the historians are still uncertain about the exact date of its invention) to the mid-1800’s, black powder was the only explosive available. A single type of explosives was therefore used as a propellant for guns and for blasting purpose in any military, mining and civil engineering application. The Industrial Revolution carried new discoveries in explosives and initiation technologies. A specialization principle, therefore, operates between military and civil application of explosives thanks to new products economics, versatility, strength, precision or capability to be stored for long periods of time without significant deterioration. The following factors shall be considered to determine the blast area: • Geology or material to be blasted, • Blast pattern, • Burden, depth, diameter, and angle of the holes, • Bla