Improvements of safety conditions of unstable rock slopes through the use of explosives

Abstract

Abstract. The paper discusses operations aimed at creating a safer natural or man made rock slope by artificially inducing the displacement of unstable elements by blasting. A detailed analysis of the problems with the use of explosives present when conducting these activities is carried out focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of this technology. The results of two examples of demolition of instable rock elements are presented and discussed thus providing suggestions for future blasting designs.

Quantification and Management of Rockfall Risk in Opencast Quarrying Activities

“…Index C describes the influence of triggering events on rock block detachment, such as rain and freezing (Wyllie and Norrish, 1996;Wyllie and Mah, 2004), but also weathering/erosion, surface water, and blasting work-induced vibrations (Casale et al, 2008).…”

Use of the event tree to assess the risk reduction obtained from rockfall protection devices

“…The other main group of factors affecting stability on rock slopes is represented by the geologic and geotechnical conditions of each site, namely, fractured rock, adverse dip of the joints and soil decomposition and earthquakes can trigger collapse (Peckover and Kerr, 1977;Giani, 1992;Duncan and Norman, 1996;Guzzetti et al, 2003;Wieczorek et al, 2008;Casale et al, 2008). If the detached rock block moves downwards towards the infrastructures and interferes with them, it is necessary to design protection works that are able to intercept the blocks and stop them (Peckover and Kerr, 1977;Duncan and Norman, 1996;Peila et al, 1998Peila et al, , 2006Peila et al, , 2007Pelizza et al, 2004), such as ground embankments and net fences, which must be placed on the slopes after an evaluation of the possible trajectories of the falling blocks.…”