Pacific Blasting crews excel in rock slope stabilization using high scaling, rock bolting, trim blasting, shotcrete and mesh installations. Our crews are recognized worldwide for their capabilities in high-angle rockwork. We offer emergency response capabilities with rapid mobilization to anywhere in the world.
High Scaling – Our high scalers are highly trained specialists fully qualified in high angle rope access work. Scaling of loose rock on rock faces is done from the top down using scaling bars to loosen and remove rock. Scaling bars are also used to sound the rock slope, checking for “drummy” areas, indicating rock that must be removed. Air bags and controlled blasting are used to assist with removal of larger blocks of rock. Teamwork and good communications are essential to ensure the safety of the crew. A daily pre-scaling check list is carried out with all crew members.
Rock Bolting and Anchors – Rock bolting is utilized to secure potentially unstable sections of the rock mass, improving long term rock stability. Drilling is carried out using specialized drills and Spider Cages. Rock bolts are installed using epoxy or high strength cement grouts. Rock bolts can be installed as tensioned rock bolts or as passive dowels. Our crews carry out testing of the rock bolts and take representative grout cube samples as part of our Quality Assurance Program. All rock bolt and anchor test results are recorded in logs and the records are filed.
Trim Blasting – Trim blasting is carried out using wall control blasting methods to avoid any further damage to the rock mass behind the trim line. Small well controlled shots are used to selectively remove zones of unstable rock. All work is carried out under the supervision of a highly experienced Blasting Supervisor.
Drains – Drain holes are drilled into the rock slope to relieve water pressure buildup in the rock slope. The drain holes are lined with slotted PVC drain pipe, and plumbing systems can be installed to direct water flows away from the rock slope.
Drape Mesh – Our crews have extensive experience with the installation of drape mesh on rock slopes. We have developed techniques using helicopters to improve the efficiency of the installation. The mesh is fastened at the top of the face using a brow cable and the mesh panels are overlapped to ensure a smooth continuous coverage of the rock slope. We take pride in our quality workmanship.
High Energy Rock Fall Fence – Our crews have extensive experience in the installation of high energy impact rock fall net systems manufactured by a variety of suppliers. We have installed more systems than any other contractor working on the west coast. The fence system is normally located along the toe of the rock slope and is used to protect people and infrastructure from the hazards of falling rock.
Shotcrete – Our crews have extensive experience with the installation of both dry and wet shotcrete systems on high rock faces. Steel fibre or poly reinforced fibre systems are often used to seal and reinforce the strength of the rock face. Test panels are shot by our certified nozzlemen and sent in for Quality Assurance Testing.
Heli-Portable Access Equipment – We have developed specialized heli-portable drilling equipment and other support equipment for carrying out drilling in tough access locations. This equipment is routinely used for installation of rock anchors for wind monitoring towers, communications towers, hydro installations, etc.
