Instructions
Positioning of the boreholes
Basic principle: The cracking always occurs in the direction of the lowest resistance. A larger borehole diameter means more force, shorter reaction time and wider cracking. A lesser spacing of the boreholes means smaller fragments and a shorter reaction time.
Separating / Splitting
The holes are drilled in a line with a short spacing between them. Cracking occurs from hole to hole. In this way, objects can be relatively precisely separated resp. split.
Breaking up
The boreholes are drilled offset in several rows to obtain the smallest possible fragments. The more boreholes, the smaller the fragments. Cracking occurs criss-cross.
Digging / Removal
If there is no free side available for displacing the material, space must first be created. This is possible either by opposing boreholes at an angle of 35-60° or even on one side at an angle of 45-60°. Angled boreholes are also suitable for achieving a large-scale lowering of the ground level. (Cellar etc.)
Rock extraction / rock demolition
There are various techniques for rock extraction or rock demolition. The drilling schedule is selected according to the shape and constitution of the rock or adapted to local regulations. The principle always remains the same. First, try to create a free side, that is, a straight edge. From this edge the extraction can then be continued for as far as is required.
Excavation
With rock excavation, the boreholes are drilled and filled in several rows 5-10 inches (10-15 cm) below the required ground level. The substrate is thereby broken and loosened such that it can then be removed by excavator or, in part, also by hand. Again, the non-explosive cracking agent is most effective when the boreholes are drilled somewhat obliquely, so that a part of the force is exerted upwards.
Quarries
The employment of BETONAMIT® in quarries etc. is becoming ever more important. The constraints on the use of explosive blasting agents and their storage are becoming ever more onerous in many countries, hence alternatives are increasingly sought after. The optimal application in these areas is very much dependant on the given local situation as well as on the material to be extracted. We would be pleased to work with you to develop a concept customised to your needs. (e.g., marble quarrying, granite quarrying, etc.)
Material consumption
Material consumption is calculated as the sum of the depths of all boreholes times the corresponding factor (table) of the used borehole diameter. In the table you will find the factors in the most common weight and length units of the construction industry as well as in combination.
Examples:
You have 15 boreholes (ø 35mm) with a depth of 0.6 metres
Factor at ø 35 mm: 1.6 (table)
15 boreholes x 0.6 m x 1.6 kg = 14.4 kg BETONAMIT®
You have 15 boreholes (ø 1½ “) with a depth of 5 feet
Factor at ø 1 ½ “: 1.4 (Table)
15 boreholes x 5 feet x 1.4 lbs = 105 lbs of BETONAMIT®
Technical specifications
The following table shows the anticipated reaction time as a function of the temperature. In addition, here you will find further helpful information about the application. Since the borehole diameter has a huge impact on the expansion force and reaction time, we recommend, insofar as possible, selecting the largest possible drill size.
Tip
BETONAMIT® continues to expand over a period of several days. This means that the more time you give BETONAMIT® to work, the easier the subsequent removal of the fragments will be. Ergo, be patient and let BETONAMIT® do the tedious work for you.