TECHNICAL | DRILL AND BLAST


ADVANCING ON ALL FRONTS


Technical advances continue to support the drill-and-blast method but take-up of electric batteries is some way off. Report by Patrick Reynolds


Geotechnical research in universities and also development of equipment and systems for the drill- and-blast method of excavation are both enjoying further advances. Norwegian research has produced a new approach to


Above:


Sandvik DT923i rig SOURCE: SANDVIK


rock stress measurement that can be in-tunnel, tight- behind-the-face and undertaken far more frequently than before but would be easily done with existing equipment. The benefit of the new controlled hydraulic jacking test system would be to gain far more in-situ data and do so as tunnelling progresses, then helping to better decide any local lining support needs and potentially also grouting pressure.


38 | February 2022


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