Mechanical rock breaking utilizes heavy machinery like hydraulic hammers and excavators with specialized attachments (e.g., rippers, rockwheels) to fracture and remove rock.
This method is favored for its precision and reduced environmental impact, making it suitable for urban areas or near existing structures where blasting is not viable (RockZone Americas, n.d.)
In contrast, blasting involves the controlled use of explosives to break large volumes of rock, commonly employed in mining, quarrying, and large-scale civil engineering projects (Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), n.d.). The process includes drilling holes, loading explosives, and detonating them in sequence (Superior Performance, n.d.).
Key distinctions lie in their operational characteristics. Mechanical methods offer greater precision but can be costlier for large volumes, though modern mechanical excavators can sometimes outperform drill and blast in certain scenarios (Village of Ossining, NY, n.d).
Blasting is generally faster and less expensive for bulk excavation but generates significant ground vibrations, air blast, fly rock, and dust, necessitating careful management (Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), n.d.).
Mechanical breaking produces fewer of these environmental disturbances and eliminates explosive handling risks (Rockbusters, n.d.).
Energy consumption may be higher for mechanical methods, while fume emissions are dispersed over longer periods compared to the concentrated release from blasting (Skawina et al., 2015).
Ultimately, mechanical rock breaking provides a controlled, safer alternative for sensitive environments, whereas blasting remains a cost-effective solution for large-scale rock removal despite its inherent environmental and safety considerations (Rockbusters, n.d.).
In what types of environments would mechanical rock breaking be preferred over blasting? Share your thoughts!
References:
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). (n.d.). Blasting. https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/blasting
Rockbusters. (n.d.). Rock Breaking Without Blasting. https://rockbusters.com/rock-breaking-without-blasting/
RockZone Americas. (n.d.). How to Excavate Rock: Essential Techniques and Tools. https://rockzoneamericas.com/posts/how-to-excavate-rock-essential-techniques-and-tools
Skawina, B., et al. (2015). Mechanical Excavation and Drilling and Blasting – A Comparison Using Discrete Event Simulation. ResearchGate. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278697766_Mechanical_Excavation_and_Drilling_and_Blasting_-_A_Comparison_Using_Discrete_Event_Simulation)
Village of Ossining, NY. (n.d.). Appendix G: Rock Excavation Considerations. https://www.villageofossiningny.gov/home/files/app-g
