Mechanical rock breaking encompasses non-explosive techniques using specialized machinery to fracture and excavate rock in mining, construction, and quarrying, particularly where blasting is restricted (Rockbusters, n.d.).
The choice of equipment hinges on factors like rock properties, project scale, site constraints, desired outcome, and economics (RockZone Americas, n.d.).
Key types of mechanical rock breaking equipment include:
- Hydraulic Hammers (Breakers): These excavator-mounted attachments deliver high-frequency, high-energy impacts to break hard materials like rock and concrete (Hawk Excavator, 2024). They are versatile tools used for demolition, primary and secondary rock breaking in quarries and mines, trenching, and road construction (Epiroc, 2020).
- Rippers: Typically mounted on bulldozers or excavators, rippers use one or more heavy-duty shanks with hardened teeth to penetrate and fracture hard, compacted, or moderately fractured rock and soil. Some hydraulic rippers incorporate vibration to enhance breaking efficiency (YantraLive, 2024).
- Rockwheels (Rotary/Drum Cutters): These hydraulic excavator attachments feature rotating drums fitted with picks to cut or grind rock and concrete with precision. They are known for producing low vibration and noise, making them suitable for trenching, profiling, demolition, and underwater work in sensitive areas and soft to medium-hard rock (ROCK.ZONE, 2022).
- Roadheaders: These are self-propelled machines with a boom-mounted rotating cutting head used to excavate tunnels and roadways, primarily in soft to medium strength rock, without blasting. They offer flexibility in shaping various tunnel profiles but are limited by rock hardness and abrasiveness (ConstructionTechnology.in, n.d.).
- Hydraulic Rock Splitters: These tools apply immense hydraulic pressure through a wedge inserted into pre-drilled holes, causing controlled tensile fracturing of rock and concrete. They are ideal for precise, vibration-free breaking in confined or sensitive environments (Rilon Machinery, n.d.).
Ongoing advancements in these technologies focus on improving efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
Which machine breaks rock without using explosives? Share your insights!
References:
ConstructionTechnology.in. (n.d.). Roadheader becoming increasingly popular in tunneling project. (https://www.constructiontechnology.in/technology/details/1078/Roadheader-becoming-increasingly-popular-in-tunneling-project)
Epiroc. (2020). Underground. Mechanical rock excavation equipment. https://www.epiroc.com/content/dam/epiroc/hydraulic-attachment-tools/brochures/en/Epiroc_Underground_Leaflet_9864010101.pdf
Hawk Excavator. (2024, July 29). Understanding Hydraulic Hammers for Excavators: A Comprehensive Guide. https://hawkexcavator.com/hydraulic-hammers-for-excavators/
Rilon Machinery. (n.d.). Breaking Rocks Made Easy: Powerful Piston Rock Splitter. https://rilonmachinery.com/breaking-rocks-made-easy-powerful-piston-rock-splitter/
Rockbusters. (n.d.). Rock Breaking Without Blasting. https://rockbusters.com/rock-breaking-without-blasting/
ROCK.ZONE. (2022). ROCKWHEEL The Original. (https://storage.e.jimdo.com/file/d3043789-a3c2-4238-8ef9-731a6a214a04/ROCK.ZONE_ROCKWHEEL_EN.pdf)
RockZone Americas. (n.d.). How to Excavate Rock: Essential Techniques and Tools. https://rockzoneamericas.com/posts/how-to-excavate-rock-essential-techniques-and-tools
YantraLive. (2024, January 25). Understanding the Mechanics of a Hydraulic Ripper: How It Works and Why It’s Effective. https://www.yantralive.com/blog/2024/01/25/understanding-the-mechanics-of-a-hydraulic-ripper-how-it-works-and-why-its-effective/
