ASSESSMENT OF CONTROLLED BLASTING TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED AT ADDIS ABABA RIVERSIDE GREEN PROJECT - FRIENDSHIP SQUARE

Abstract

This research paper presents an overall assessment of the planning and execution of controlled blasting operations that took place as part of the Addis Ababa Riverside Green Development Project. The objective of the paper is to highlight the process of a successfully completed one-of-a-kind operation in Ethiopia. The application of liquid CO2 fracturing blasting technology in the prevention and control of rock burst in the project shows that CO2 fracturing blasting reduces the stress concentration of rock burst system and transfers energy to the deeper part, and there is no open fire in blasting. It is a new, safe, and efficient technology to prevent rock burst, which can be applied widely. Overall, the results of the assessment show that the controlled blasting operation is executed in an efficient manner. It has been discovered that there were only minimal to negligible vibrations recorded on the day of the blasting. Photo analysis techniques also reveal that the rock fragmentation output is of acceptable quality. There was no interference with other operations, gave reproducible results, and minimized entry into sensitive locations. Productivity performance assessment also indicate that 200,000 m3 of hard rock material has been excavated and hauled away in just 21 days which can be labeled as a very efficient performance.
Key words: controlled blasting, presplitting method, continuum rock masses, performance assessment