Smoothwall Blasting Planned for the Underground Research Facility at Yucca Mountain

by R. L. Bullock, Fenix & Scisson of Nevada, United States,
Jim McKenzie, Fenix & Scisson of Nevada, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1990

Abstract:

At this time it is not known whether the Exploratory Shaft Facility (ESF) at Yucca Mountain, Nevada will be completely mechanically excavated, completely developed by drilling and blasting or whether both methods will be utilized on different parts of the ESF. Where drilling and blasting may be used, smoothwall blasting techniques will be used and strict controls will be placed on drill hole placement and alignment, and the correct use of limiting damage explosive, so that minimum amount of fracturing will occur beyond the perimeter of the openings. Why this is necessary and understanding how it is achievable is the subject of this paper.

Subject Headings: Blasting effects | Radioactive wastes | Shafts | Geology | Drilling | Explosions | Excavation | Nevada | United States

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