Blasting techniques and explosives in the German quarry industry

Regulations concerning blasting Immission protection, for example vibration protection as defined by DIN 4150 (DIN = Deutsche Industrienorm – German Industry Standard code) and the considerable associated regulations regarding blasting of greater bench heights have influenced the development of blasting techniques and explosives up until now. The blasting regulations have an even greater impact during the initiation of borehole columns greater than 12 meters in length. These considerable bench heights in conjunction with deviations from drilling accuracy often lead to oversized burdens and an unfavourable proportion of burden and spacing. These factors result in the loss of energy during the detonation of charges within the borehole and typically necessitate the need for additional lifter holes in the bench operation.