- To understand the principles of earthworks in construction projects.
- To identify and describe operations involving heavy machinery.
- To analyse techniques used in blasting excavation.
- To design effective blasting plans for excavation projects.
- To evaluate safety measures in excavation and blasting operations.
- To apply knowledge of heavy machinery in earthwork processes.
- To assess environmental impacts of earthworks and blasting.
UNIT 1. EARTHWORKS Earthworks classification Geotechnical materials and earthworks Excavability Surveying Environmental impact and safety and health UNIT 2. OPERATIONS AND HEAVY MACHINERY Digging Loading and hauling Spreading, grading and compaction Earthworks machinery productivity Excavations below the water table UNIT 3. BLASTING EXCAVATION Basic concepts on blasting Blast-holes drilling Explosives Blasting mechanics Blasting vibrations and their control UNIT 4. BLASTING DESIGN Bench blasting: main variables Bench blasting design Tunelling blasting: general aspects Tunelling blasting design Practical aspects and common deficiencies in blasting