Damage assessment in splittable limestone blocks by laboratory scale blast design

摘要

The splittable limestone is extracted in the form of blocks and is cut in the sized slabs for good application in construction/flooring. The uneven shape and crushed aggregate form of limestone is mainly the waste material and has little use. Thus, the recovery in the form of intact blocks and damage control the chief objectives, while extracting these blocks. To this end, laboratory scale studies were carried out for blast damage assessment in splittable limestone blocks. Samples of the splitted limestone blocks were extracted at quarry site for the laboratory scale blasting and testing purpose. The laboratory scale blasts were carried out for quantification of damages. Ultrasonic p-wave velocity was determined for damage detection. In this study, damages were observed in the limestone block which were largely eliminated and controlled by use of proper liners along the walls of the blastholes.