CHAPTER

13
BLASTING ROCK
SOLUTIONS
13.1

According to the OSHA standard, what is the no smoking and no open flame zone
for an explosives and detonator storage magazine?
According to the OSHA standard 1926.904, smoking and open flames shall not
be permitted within 50 feet of an explosives and detonator storage magazine.

13.2

The detonation velocity of ANFO place in a 3-in. diameter column or a 9-in.

diameter column is roughly the same. Is this a true statement? What is the
expected detonation velocity of poured ANFO in a 3-in. diameter column?
This is not a true statement as column diameter effects detonation velocity of
ANFO. 3-in. diameter 10,000 to 11,000 fps

13.3

To function properly, the stemming material should be angular and should have
what average diameter in relation to the hole diameter?
To function properly, the stemming material should have an average diameter
0.05 times the diameter of the hole and it should be angular.

13.4

A contractor will use a packaged emulsion having a specific gravity of 1.2 and
relative bulk strength of 135, to open an excavation in granite rock, sp. Gr. 2.6.
The drilling equipment available will drill a 4-in. blasthole. The explosive come
packaged in 3-in. diameter sticks. What is the recommended burden distance
for the first trial shot? Round the calculated burden distance to the nearest foot.
(Burden 9 ft)
Use equ. 13.2:
B =0.67 3.5

135
= 8.7 ft
2.6

Therefore recommend 9 ft burden distance.

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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-2

13.5

A contractor plans to use bulk ANFO, specific gravity 0.83, to open an excavation
in sandstone. The drilling equipment available will drill a 3-in. blasthole. What
is the recommended burden distance for the first trial shot? Round the calculated
burden distance to the nearest one-half foot.
From Table 13-1, specific gravity of sandstone 2.0 to 2.8, use average 2.4 and
equ. 13.1:

2 0.83
+ 1.5 3.5 = 7.7 ft

2.4

B=

Therefore, recommend a 7.5 ft burden distance.

13.6

A project in shale will have an average bench height of 28 ft. An emulsion

relative bulk strength 118, specific gravity 0.90, will be the explosive used on the
project. Dynamite sticks 8 in. long having a specific gravity of 1.3 and a diameter
exactly equal to the De of the emulsion will be used as a detonator. The
contractors equipment can easily drill 3-in.-diameter holes. It is assumed that
single rows of no more than ten holes will be detonated instantaneously. The
excavation site has structures within 1,500 ft. The local regulatory agency
specifies a Scaled distance factor of no less than 55. Develop a blast design for the
project. Round design dimensions to the nearest foot.
Specific gravity of shale 2.4 - 2.8, Table 13.1. Use 2.6.
Using equation 13.2 and an explosive diameter of 3 inches.
B = 0.67 3

118
8.4
2.6

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B =

28
3.5
8

Table 13.3: Good

Use 8 ft for burden distance in order to have good fragmentation.

Stemming depth, equation 13.4.
T = 0.7 8 = 5.6 ft
Use 6 ft for stemming.
Subdrilling depth, equation 13.5.
J = 0.3 8 = 2.4 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.
Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and instantaneous initiation,
equation 13.6.
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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-3

S=

28 + 2(8)
= 14.6 ft
3

14.6 15%: The range for S is 12.5 to 16.9 ft

As a first try use a 8 16 pattern.
Powder column: 28 + 2 (subdrill) - 6 (stemming) = 24 ft
Table 13.4: emulsion, Sp. G. 0.9, column 3 inch; 3.75 lb/ft
dynamite, Sp. G. 1.3, column 3 inch; 5.42 lb/ft
(24 -0.67)ft 3.75 lb/ft = 87.5 lb per hole
0.67 ft 5.42 lb/ft = 3.6 lb per hole
Total 91.1 lb per hole
Total explosive per shot:

10 holes 91.1 lb per hole = 911 lb

Scaled distance factor, equation 13.12.

Ds =

d
W

W = 744 lb

W =

1,500
55

744
= 8.2 or 8 holes max instantaneously
91.1

Only 8 holes can be fired at one time (Ds = 55.6 > 55 ok).
13.7

The blasting in Problem 13.6 must be conducted so as to limit overbreakage.

Develop a presplitting blast plan.
Assume the same drill will be used, therefore, 3 inch holes.
Using equations 13.10 and 13.11:

35
. 2
d ec =
28

0.44 lb / ft

Sp = 10 3.5 = 35 inches
Bottom load should be: 3 0.44 = 1.32 lb
If 8 holes will be fired in the main shot will need to presplit a minimum distance
of 119 ft (17 ft spacing 7 spaces between 8 holes).
(119 ft 12 in/ft) 35 in = 41 presplit holes
Presplitting, no subdrilling: PC = 28
(28 ft 0.44 lb/ft) + 1.32 lb = 13.64 lb/hole
41 holes 13.64 lb/hole = 559 lb < 744 lb, vib. ok
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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-4

13.8

A project in limestone will have an average bench height of 20 ft. ANFO,

specific gravity 0.90, will be the explosive used on the project. Dynamite,
specific gravity 1.4 will be the primer explosives used. The dynamite comes in 8in.-long 1-in.-diameter sticks. The contractors equipment can easily drill 3in.-diameter holes. It is assumed that single rows of no more than ten holes will
be detonated instantaneously. The excavation site has structures within 900 ft.
The holes will be lined. The thickness of the lining material is in. Calculate an
appropriate burden distance for the blast design. To ease the fieldwork all design
dimensions should be in integer numbers (ft).
Specific gravity limestone, 2.4 - 2.9, Table 13.1. Use average 2.65.
Using equation 13.1 and an explosives diameter of 3 inches (3-[2])

2 0.90

+ 1.5 3 = 6.54 ft
B=
2.65

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 20/6.54 3.1 Good

Therefore recommend 6 ft burden distance.
Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 20/6 3.3 Good
Use 6.0 ft for burden distance.
13.9

A project in dolomite will have an average bench height of 18 ft. An emulsion

relative bulk strength 105, specific gravity 0.8, will be the explosive used on the
project. Dynamite sticks 8 in. long having a specific gravity of 1.3 and a diameter
exactly equal to the De of the emulsion will be used as a detonator. The
contractors equipment can easily drill 3-in.-diameter holes. It is assumed that
single rows of no more than 10 holes will be detonated instantaneously. The
excavation site has structures within 600 ft. The local regulatory agency specifies
a scaled distance factor of no less than 55. Develop a blast design for the project
using the maximum permissible integer spacing. (Burden 6 ft., stemming 4 ft.,
subdrilling 2 ft., 6 11 pattern, explosives 40.2 lb per hole, only 3 holes can be
fired at one time.)
Specific gravity of dolomite 2.8 - 2.9, Table 13-1. Use 2.9.
Using equation 13-2 and an explosive diameter of 3 inches.
B = 0.67 3

105
2.9

6 .7

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B =

18
= 27
. Table 13-3: Fair
6 .7

Use 6 ft for burden distance in order to have a SR of 3.

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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-5

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B =

18
=3
6

Stiffness ratio is good.

Stemming depth, equation 13-4.

T = 0.7 6 = 4.2 ft
Use 4 ft for stemming.

Subdrilling depth, equation 13-5.

J = 0.3 6 = 1.8 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.

Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and instantaneous initiation,
equation 13-6.
S=

18 + 2(6 )
= 10 ft
3

10 15%: The range for S is 8.5 to 11.5 ft

As a first try use a 6 11 pattern.

Powder column: 18 + 2 (subdrill) - 4.0 (stemming) = 16 ft

Table 13-4: emulsion, Sp. G. 0.8, column 3 inch; 2.45 lb/ft
dynamite, Sp. G. 1.3, column 3 inch; 3.98 lb/ft
(16 -0.67)ft 2.45 lb/ft = 37.6 lb per hole
0.67 ft 3.98 lb/ft = 2.7 lb per hole
Total

40.2 lb per hole

Total explosive per shot:

10 holes 40.21 lb per hole = 402 lb

Scaled distance factor, equation 13-12.

Ds =

d
W

W = 119.0 lb

600
= 55
W
119.0
= 3.0 holes
40.2

Only 3 holes (Ds = 54.6 > 55 ok) can be fired at one time.

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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-6

13.10 A project in sandstone, having a specific gravity of 2.0, will have an average
bench height of 23 ft. An emulsion relative bulk strength 105, specific gravity
0.8, will be the explosive used on the project. Dynamite sticks 1 ft long having a
specific gravity of 1.3 and a diameter exactly equal to the De of the emulsion will
be used as a detonator. The contractors equipment can easily drill 4-in.-diameter
holes. It is assumed that single rows of no more than 30 holes will be detonated
instantaneously. The closest structures to the excavation site are one-half mile
away. The local regulatory agency specifies a scaled distance factor of no less
than 60. Even though an emulsion is being used because of expected wet
conditions the holes will be lined. The thickness of the lining material is in.
Develop the blast design spacing, subdrilling and stemming dimensions for the
project. How many holes can be fired instantaneously? The superintendent has
told you that good fragmentation will be acceptable.

Specific gravity sandstone, given 2.0

Using equation 13.2 and an explosives diameter of 3 inches (4-[2])
Burden = 0.67 3.5 3

105
= 8.8 ft
2 .0

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 23/8.8 2.6

Table 13.3: fair
Must reduce hole size:

Try drilling 3.5-inch holes. Therefore, 3 in. explosive diameter

Burden = .067 3.0 3

105
= 7.5 ft
2 .0

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 23/7.5 3.1 Good

Use 7.5 ft for burden distance.

Stemming depth, equation 13.4.

T = 0.7 7.5 = 5.3 ft
Use 5 ft for stemming.

Subdrilling depth, equation 13.5.

J = 0.3 7.5 = 2.3 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.
Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and instantaneous
initiation, equation 13.6.

S=

23 + 2(7.5 )
12.7 ft
3

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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-7

12.7 15%: The range for S is 10.8 to 14.6 ft

As a first try use a 7.5 12 pattern. (7.511, 7.513, or 7.514 also acceptable)
Powder column: 23 + 2(subdrill) - 5(stemming) = 20 ft
Table 13-4: Emulsion

Sp. G. 0.8, column 3 inch; 2.45 lb/ft

Dynamite

Sp. G. 1.3, 3 inch sticks;

3.98 lb/ft

Emulsion (20 ft - 1ft dynamite) 2.45 lb/ft = 46.6 lb per hole

1 ft 3.98 lb/ft = 4.0 lb per hole

Dynamite

Total explosive per hole 50.5 lb

Ds =

d
Equ. 13.12
W

one-half mile = 5,280/2 = 2,640 ft

60 =

2640
W

W = 1936 lb

1936/50.5 = 38 Therefore all 30 holes can be fired instantaneously.

13.11 A project in limestone will have an average bench height of 18 ft. ANFO,
specific gravity 0.84, will be the explosive used on the project. Dynamite, specific
gravity 1.3 will be the primer explosives used. The dynamite sticks are 8-in. long
by 1-in. in diameter. The contractors equipment can easily drill 3-in.-diameter
holes. It is assumed that single rows of no more than 10 holes will be detonated
instantaneously. The excavation site has structures within 900 ft. The local
regulatory agency specifies a scaled distance factor of no less than 60. The holes
will be lined. The thickness of the lining material is in. Develop a blast design
for the project.

Specific gravity limestone, 2.4 - 2.9, Table 13.1. Use average 2.65.
Using equation 13.1 and an explosives diameter of 3 inches (3-[2])

2 0.84

+ 1.5 3 = 6.4 ft
B=
2.65

Therefore recommend 6 ft burden distance.

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 18/6 3.0 Good
Use 6.0 ft for burden distance.
Stemming depth, equation 13-4.
T = 0.7 6.0 = 4.2 ft
Use 4 ft for stemming.
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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-8

Subdrilling depth, equation 13.5.

J = 0.3 6.0 = 1.8 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.
Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and instantaneous initiation,
equation 13.6.
S=

18 + 2(6.0 )
= 10.0 ft
3

10.0 15%: The range for S is 8.5 to 11.5 ft

As a first try use a 6 9 pattern. (610, or 611 also acceptable)
Powder column: 18 + 2(subdrill) - 4(stemming) = 16 ft
Table 13.4: ANFO
Dynamite

Sp. G. 0.84, column 3 inch; 2.57 lb/ft

Sp. G. 1.3, 1.75-inch sticks; 1.36 lb/ft

15.33 ft 2.57 lb/ft = 39.5 lb per hole

ANFO
Dynamite

0.67 ft 1.36 lb/ft = 0.9 lb per hole

Total explosive per hole

Ds =

900
d
Equ. 13.12 60 =
W
W

40.4 lb

W = 225 lb

225/40.4 = 5.6 Therefore 5 holes can be fired instantaneously.

13.12 The blasting in Problem 13.11 must be conducted so as to limit overbreakage
develop a presplitting blast plan.

Assume the same drill will be used, therefore, 3 inch holes.

Using equations 13.10 and 13.11:

35
. 2
d ec =
28

0.44 lb / ft

Sp = 10 3.5 = 35 inches
Bottom load should be: 3 0.44 = 1.32 lb
If 5 holes will be fired in the main shot will need to presplit a minimum distance
of 36 ft (9 ft spacing 4 spaces between 5 holes).
(36 ft 12 in/ft) 35 in = 13 presplit holes
Presplitting, no subdrilling: PC = 18
(18 ft 0.44 lb/ft) + 1.32 lb = 9.24 lb/hole
13 holes 9.24 lb/hole = 120.1 lb < 225 lb, vib. ok
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of this Manual may be displayed, reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior
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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-9

13.13 A materials company is opening a new quarry in a limestone formation. Tests

have shown that the specific gravity of this formation is 2.7. The initial mining
plan envisions an average bench height of 24 ft. based on the loading and hauling
equipment capabilities. Bulk ANFO, specific gravity 0.8, and a primer, specific
gravity 1.5, will be the explosives used. The contractors equipment can drill 6in.-diameter holes. Delayed initiation will be utilized. Develop a blasting plan
for a conservative cost estimate. (Burden 8 ft, stemming 6 ft, subdrilling 2 ft,
spacing conservative 9 ft)

Specific gravity of the limestone is 2.7

Using equation 13.1 and an explosives diameter of 6 inches because of bulk
ANFO.
2 0.8

B=
+ 1.5 6 = 12.6 ft
2.7

Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 24 12.6 = 1.9

Table 13.3:

Fair

This would most likely cause problems with excessive oversize material. Need to
improve the ratio.
Try drilling 4 inch blastholes and loading 4 inches.

2 0.8
B=
+ 15
. 4.0 = 8.4 ft

2.7
Therefore recommend 8 ft burden distance.
Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 24/8 3.0 Good
Use 8.0 ft for burden distance.

Stemming depth, equation 13.4.

T = 0.7 8.0 = 5.6 ft
Use 6 ft for stemming.

Subdrilling depth, equation 13.5.

J = 0.3 8.0 = 2.4 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.

Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and delayed initiation,
equ.13.8.
S=

24 + 7(8.0 )
= 10 ft
8

10 15%: The range for S is 8.5 to 11.5 ft

For a conservative cost estimate use an 8 9 pattern.
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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-10

13.14 An investigation of a highway project revealed a sandstone formation with

steeply dipping bedding into the face. Many weak joints were identified. An
analysis of the plan and profile sheets, and the cross-sections showed that the
average bench height will be about 15 ft. Bulk ANFO, specific gravity 0.8, and
primer, specific gravity 1.3 will be the explosives used on the project. The primer
comes in 8-in.-long 1-in.-diameter sticks. The contractors equipment can
easily drill 6-in.-diameter holes. It is assumed that delayed initiation will be
utilized.

(a) Develop a blast design for the project.

Specific gravity sandstone, 2.0 2.8 use average 2.4
Using equation 13.1 and an explosives diameter of 2.5 inches

2 0.8
B=
+ 15
. 2.5 = 5.4 ft Therefore 5 ft burden distance.

2.4
Evaluate stiffness ratio: L/B = 15/5 3.0 Good
Burden corrected for rock deposition and structure. Table13.2
Bcorrected 0.95 1.3 5 = 6.2 ft
Use 6.0 ft for burden distance.

Stemming depth, equation 13.4.

T = 0.7 6.0 = 4.2 ft
Use 4 ft for stemming.

Subdrilling depth, equation 13.5.

J = 0.3 6.0 = 1.8 ft
Use 2 ft for subdrilling.

Spacing, stiffness ratio greater than 1 but less than 4 and instantaneous
initiation, equation 13.6.
S=

15 + 2(6.0 )
= 9.0 ft
3

9.0 15%: The range for S is 7.7 to 10.4 ft

As a first try use a 6 8 pattern. (68, 69 or 610 acceptable)

Powder column: 15 + 2(subdrill) - 4(stemming) = 13 ft

Table 13.4:

ANFO
Dynamite

Sp. G. 0.8, column 2.5 inch; 1.70 lb/ft

Sp. G. 1.3, 1.75 inch sticks; 1.36 lb/ft

ANFO
Dynamite

12.33 ft 1.70 lb/ft = 21.0 lb per hole

0.67 ft 1.36 lb/ft = 0.9 lb per hole

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Chapter 13 BLASTING ROCK 13-11

Total explosive per hole

21.9 lb

(b) If the burden distance is held constant at 5 ft but the hole spacing is varied in
1-ft increments across the range of S developed in part (a), what is the cost
per cubic of rock if the ANFO is $0.166 per lb, and dynamite $1.272 per lb?
Try 6 8, 6 9, and 6 10, bench is 15 ft.
68

(48 ft sq 15 ft) 27 cu ft/cu yd = 26.7 cu yd

69

(54 ft sq 15 ft) 27 cu ft/cu yd = 30.0 cu yd

6 10

(60 ft sq 15 ft) 27 cu ft/cu yd = 33.3 cu yd

(10 ft - 8/12 ft) 1.09 lb/ft = 10.17 lb per hole

(8 in 12 in/ft) 1.36 lb/ft = 0.91 lb per hole
ANFO

21.0 lb $0.166 per lb = $3.480

Dynamite 0.9 lb $1.272 per lb = $1.153

Total

$4.634 per hole

68

$4.634 26.7 cu yd = $0.174 per cu yd

69

$4.634 30.3 cu yd = $0.154 per cu yd

6 10

$4.634 33.3 cu yd = $0.139 per cu yd

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