Mechanism of tracer blasting

Summary

A variety of overbreak control techniques are used during excavation with the drill and blast system. Tracer blasting is used in Canadian underground mines to minimize blast damage and involves placing a low-strength detonating cord along the length of a blast hole prior to charging with ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO). The results of tracer blasting are not always consistent and its mechanism is only hazily comprehended. In the absence of a clearly defined mechanism, it is difficult to analyse the results of tracer blasting and to identify the factors responsible for the inconsistency of results.

A series of bench blasts and pipe tests were carried out to investigate the mechanism of tracer blasting. The evidence indicated partial deflagration and desensitization of ANFO, thus reducing the total available explosive energy. The rock mass surrounding the traced blasthole experienced a low level of ground vibrations. As a result of the continuous side initiation of ANFO, energy partitioning was more in favour of gas energy. A mechanism of tracer blasting has been proposed and the factors responsible for the inconsistency of the results have been identified in this paper.