期刊名称：International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics
电子版ISSN：2148-9173
出版年度：2021
卷号：8
期号：4
页码：450-459
语种：English
出版社：IJEGEO
摘要：This research work assessed the Drilling and Blasting Techniques at the Granite Quarry of AFDIN Construction Company Limited,Katsina State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify drilling and blasting equipment, find out the drilling pattern andparameters, assess the blasting method and its compliance with safety practices in and around the blast site, and review the impact ofthe blasting operations on the surrounding environment. The concept of drilling and blasting activities and how they affect theimmediate environment were examined. The study assessed quarry activities using field visits and interviews. Equipment identifiedat the quarry were wagon drill, jackhammer, compressors, rock breaker, excavators and tippers, etc. Also, Atlas Copco YT27jackhammer was the main tool for hole drilling with either square or rectangular drilling pattern being adopted, and drillingdimensions of 4x5ft or 4x4ft (spacing and burden) were frequently used at the quarry. Hole depths used were 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, and 12ftand drilling bit of 1-inch or 2-inch. The study estimated that 2,088.95 kg of explosives (10% high explosive and 90% low explosive)was used to charge 2000 drilled holes with an average hole depth of 3.65metres and a diameter of 32mm respectively. A total of7,394 tonnes of granite rock was blasted. Results from immediate blasting at the quarry indicated the presence of dust and fumeswithin the quarry environment and nearby villages, inhalation of which could lead to serious occupational hazards. Conclusively,explosion sound from blasting and fly-rock fragments were found to have some serious environmental and health effects on bothworkers and neighbouring communities in terms of noise pollution and vibration effects on structures. Dust suppression of theenvironment by continuous wetting of the ground and crushing process was recommended to minimise dust generation to protectworkers from occupational diseases such as silicosis and Pneumoconiosis. Wearing of personal protective equipment, electric blastingmethod, corporate social responsibilities to the communities were also recommended.
关键词：Assessment;Drilling and Blasting;Granite Quarry;Powder factor;Quarry Environment;Katsina
