MANUAL PILE EXCAVATION USING BLASTING TECHNIQUE IN NEPAL

Abstract

Pile foundations are integral to the construction of modern bridges, especially in challenging terrains and steep slopes where machine excavation is impractical. This research paper focuses on the practice of manual excavation of pile holes using blasting materials. The study was conducted as part of the KathmanduTerai/Madhesh Fast Track project in Nepal, where 106 piles were excavated manually for bridges. The paper presents findings on the blasting design, equipment used, and the effect of blasting on different types of stones, including weathered mudstone, mudstone, weathered sandstone, sandstone, weathered siltstone, and siltstone. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of manual excavation with blasting in breaking down stones and achieving desired blast effects.