CONTINUOUS EXPLOSIVE TUNNELING SYSTEM

THE NEED EXISTS FOR AN ADVANCEMENT IN EXPLOSIVE EXCAVATION METHODS TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING CYCLIC PROCESS. PHASE I OF THIS PROJECT WILL PROVE FEASIBILITY OF AN INNOVATIVE EXPLOSIVES EXCAVATION SYSTEM WHICH WILL COMBINE THE AUTOMATION OF TUNNEL BORING MACHINES WITH THE LOW ENERGY AND FLEXIBILITY OF EXPLOSIVES. THE SYSTEM WILL INCLUDE A CONTINUOUS, CONCURRENT CYCLE OF DRILLING LOADING, BLASTING AND MUCK REMOVAL. THE PHASE I WORK INCLUDES AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF EXPLOSIVE DETONATION IN AUTOMATED SYSTEMS. THE CROSSSECTION AND DIRECTION OF THE TUNNEL OR SHAFT WILL BE VARIABLE. THE SYSTEM WILL BE ESPECIALLY SUITED TO THE LOW MECHANICAL POWER NEEDS OF A DEEP BASE. THE PHASE I WORK WILL INCLUDE ANALYTIC AND DESIGN RESEARCH AND A FIELD DEMONSTRATION OF THE EXPLOSIVE TECHNIQUE.