T he construction of modern road networks in mountainous areas and difficult terrain is one of the most demanding fields of civil engineering.

The digging tunnels and creating safe roadways require more than just power: they require surgical precision in the use of explosives.

In EXORIXI, our many years of experience in iconic infrastructure projects have taught us that the success of a drilling operation is determined by the ability to tame the rock, while maintaining the stability of the surrounding soil intact.

The “Pre-splitting” technique in road construction

In road construction, especially when creating trenches on steep slopes, the biggest challenge is the stabilization of the slopes (i.e. the slopes or inclined surfaces of the ground). An uncontrolled blasting can create cracks in the interior of the mountain, leading to future landslides.

To avoid this, we apply the method of pre-splitting. Before the main blast, we create a series of close-in boreholes along the boundary of the excavation. By firing these holes first, we create an artificial “rift” that isolates the energy of the main explosion.

The result is a slope with a smooth, vertical surface that requires minimal maintenance and offers maximum safety to future road users.

Tunneling. Overbreak Control

In tunneling, precision translates directly into economy. One of the most important performance indicators is the control of overbreak. That is, the unintentional removal of more rock than was originally planned.

When a blast removes more rock than the study predicts, two problems arise:

  1. Increased removal costs. More materials to load and transport.
  2. Increased concreting costs. The gaps created must be filled with concrete (lining), which is one of the most expensive materials in construction.

EXORIXI uses specialized charge design software that minimizes over-excavation. By using electronic detonators and appropriate explosive distribution, we ensure that the tunnel cross-section accurately follows the engineer's drawings.

Safety and environmental restrictions

In road construction projects that are carried out close to existing networks or settlements, vibration management is non-negotiable. Controlled excavation allows work to continue without compromising the integrity of neighboring buildings or the operation of the road network.

The use of digital seismographs and continuous monitoring of vibrations are an integral part of our methodology, ensuring social acceptance of the project and compliance with environmental conditions.

Why is EXORIXI the strategic partner in infrastructure projects?

Tunnelingand large road construction projects require a partner who understands geology and explosives technology to the fullest. Based in Serres and present on international construction sites, Exoryxi combines:

  • Technical training for dealing with complex geological formations.
  • State-of-the-art equipment for maximum accuracy.
  • The unwavering commitment to schedules and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the pre-splitting method in road construction?

Pre-slitting is a specialized controlled blasting technique applied before the main excavation. It creates an artificial fault at the project boundary, which protects the slope from vibrations, ensuring a smooth surface and preventing future landslides.

How does overbreak affect the final cost of a tunnel?

Over-excavation significantly increases the cost of a project. First, more time and resources are required to remove the excess material and, second, a much larger amount of concrete is required to fill the voids and stabilize the tunnel lining.

Is blasting for tunneling safe near populated areas?

Absolutely. By using modern electronic firing systems and continuous monitoring via seismographs, vibrations are limited to levels that do not affect the integrity of neighboring buildings or infrastructure.

What are the advantages of using explosives over mechanical means?

In hard rock, the use of explosives is faster and more economical. It allows for rapid progress of the project and offers the possibility of forming precise geometric shapes (e.g. tunnel cross-section) that would be extremely time-consuming with mechanical means.

Contact us to analyze the needs of your project.

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