A phased splitting off from the high-strength concrete by an electro-blasting method

Abstract

A phased splitting off from the monolith concrete block via electro-blasting method have been described. The results of experiments using the high-current pulse generator with operating voltage up to 15 kV and maximum stored energy of 126 kJ with initiation of the discharge in two boreholes were presented. The step by step electro-blast were produced simultaneous within boreholes drilled in the cast in the ground concrete monolith. Each subsequent electro-blast was performed in the boreholes pair situated farther from the free surface. Boreholes in each pair were drilled at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other, and of 25 cm apart from line of previous pair. It is shown that the electro-blasts leads to formation of main cracks at the predefined direction via boreholes line as well as main cracks lead to creation of a new free surfacethat help to form the desirable wave interference at the next step of the electro-blast.