DETERMINATION OF BENCH BLAST DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR LIMESTONE QUARRY AT GABLE OKHEIDER, AL AIN EL SUKHNA – WEST OF GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

Abstract

Bench design geometry parameters are considered the important issue of rock extraction. It directly has influences on rock extraction on all surface mines and quarries operation. This paper discuss the bench height calculation according to three important considerations; the stability of slope faces, the safety of the work place and the efficiency of the work place, besides the calculation of optimum working bench level width. Also, determination of optimum blasting bench parameters such as bore hole diameter and depth, spacing - burden ratio, sub-drilling depth, stemming length, stemming material type and size, decks type and decking length, type of explosive, column and bottom charge, powder Factor for limestone quarry at Al Ain El Sukhna – west of Gulf of Suez according to field trial tests.