Explosives

In excavation, explosives are used as a tool to provide the energy needed to fragment and displace the rock. This energy is provided by a rapid chemical reaction in the explosive induced by shock, impact, or heat. Modern explosives used for construction purposes require an initiation system of some kind, a shock, impact, or heat to start the chemical reaction needed to produce the work required. This section discusses the types and characteristics of explosives as well as initiation systems used in rock excavation. It begins with some theory on the mechanics of rock breakage to give the reader an introduction to how explosives work and ends with a discussion of some safety and transportation issues surrounding the use of explosives.