Investigating the Usability of Pyrotechnic Rock Breaker Materials in Natural Stone Quarrying

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Abstract This study describes two different methods only using "hydraulic hammer" and secondly "pyrotechnic rock breaker with hydraulic hammer" in combination used in Beige limestone quarry to find which one was the better method. The performance analyses were investigated by making in-situ measurements and observations such as unit time, unit cost, investment expenses, vibration values, sound measurements, work safety and environmental aspects approach were carried out to determine the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. In this study, the use of pyrotechnic rock breaker with hydraulic hammer method for waste rock excavation in Beige quarry was investigated for the first time and it was concluded that excavation capacity of hydraulic hammer was 52.21 m3/h after loosening of waste rock areas with pyrotechnic rock breaker and 31.61 m3/h in non-loosened areas. With the use of pyrotechnic rock breaker, the excavating performance of the hydraulic hammer had increased nearly 65%. As a result of less work of hydraulic hammer, faults were reduced, fuel consumption was decreased, operator satisfaction was increased and most importantly the lifespan of excavators was also increased about 60% in the process of excavating waste rock. Moreover, no vibration value could be recorded and minimal fly rocks were observed.