In today’s rapidly evolving construction and mining sectors, the demand for skilled professionals in excavation, blasting and earthmoving is soaring. The course Excavation, Blasting and Earthworks offers a unique opportunity to gain essential knowledge and skills in this vital field. With a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from excavation methods to blasting design, you will be equipped to tackle the challenges of various terrains and techniques. As projects become increasingly complex, understanding the intricacies of earthworks and the safe use of explosives is crucial. This course not only enhances your technical skills but also prepares you for a rewarding career in a thriving industry. Get involved now and position yourself at the forefront of a field that promises growth and innovation, making your mark in the construction landscape.
Excavation, blasting and earthworks
Civil Engineering and Structures
100 h
Introduction
Objectives
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To understand excavation methods for various types of soil, rock and mixed ground, in order to optimise project efficiency.
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To analyse the classification of bulk earthworks in order to determine the appropriate execution strategies and resource allocation.
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To evaluate earthworks machinery options based on project requirements and operational factors to ensure effective performance.
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To assess costs and performance of load-and-haul equipment to improve productivity and budget management in projects.
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To apply principles of explosives selection and usage to ensure safe and effective blasting operations in various environments.
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To identify vibration risks associated with blasting and implement measurement techniques to comply with safety regulations.
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To explore drilling operations and challenges in improving accuracy and safety in various drilling applications and environments.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. EXCAVATION METHODS. SOILS, ROCKS AND MIXED GROUNDS
1. Introduction
2. Excavation methods: soil, rock and mixed ground. Inspections, required information and decisions. Losses and density ratios
TEACHING UNIT 2. CLASSIFICATION OF BULK EARTHWORK
1. Classification of bulk earthworks
TEACHING UNIT 3. EARTHWORKS EQUIPMENT
1. Earthworks equipment. Factors to consider when choosing the equipment
TEACHING UNIT 4. LOADING AND HAULING EQUIPMENT: COSTS AND PERFORMANCE
1. Loading earth and rock
2. Vehicles and haulage equipment
3. Hauling with tipper lorries
4. Scraper transport
TEACHING UNIT 5. EXPLOSIVES: OPERATING PRINCIPLES, EXPLOSIVES. INFORMATION FOR BLASTING
1. Introduction
2. When do we use explosives?
3. A holistic approach
4. Parameters
5. Explosives
6. Types of explosives
7. Choosing the right explosive
8. Open-air breaking mechanism
9. Practical issues
TEACHING UNIT 6. VIBRATION RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BLASTING
1. Introduction
2. Airblast
3. Flyrock
4. Vibrations caused by blasting
5. Measurement
6. Law of attenuation
7. Frequency analysis
8. Regulations governing vibration control
9. Vibration measurement and prediction
10. Techniques available for reducing vibrations
TEACHING UNIT 7. VII: DRILLING MACHINES
1. Drilling operations
2. Drilled materials
3. Drilling challenges
4. Drilling mechanism
5. Top-hammer and down-the-hole hammer
6. Waste collection
7. Structural support for the borehole walls
8. Materials used in drilling operations
9. Occupational safety and health
10. Drilling accuracy. Tilted drilling
TEACHING UNIT 8. OPEN-AIR BLASTING PROJECT
1. Explosives: regulations
2. An example: guidelines on the use of explosives in Spain
3. Blasting plan
4. Relevant variables taken into account in blasting design
5. Blasting design
TEACHING UNIT 9. BLASTING DESIGN FOR A TUNNEL
1. Differences between tunnelling and open-cast blasting operations
2. the cycle and its distribution
3. Blasting approach. Cuts: parallel, wedge and fan cuts
4. Parts of a tunnel cross-section in blasting operations
5. The burn cut
6. Production holes, lifters and contour holes
7. Checks and checklists
8. Drilling equipment
9. Delays
10. Magazines
11. Blasting plans
TEACHING UNIT 10. PRACTICAL ISSUES AND COMMON DEFECTS IN BLASTING DESIGN AND EXECUTION
1. Practical issues
2. Practical issues in a project
3. Practical issues relating to explosives
4. Practical issues relating to bench blasting
5. Practical issues in underground blasting
6. Prevention measures (summary)