Evaluating and Managing Construction Blasting Risk

While representing owners at projects where explosives are used to excavate rock or demolish concrete, engineers participate in the management of blasting risk when they (1) design projects; (2) develop contracting methods; (3) write blasting specifications; and (4) oversee fieldwork. In performing this work, the engineer assumes the responsibility of managing the many risks associated with blasting operations. Although rare, terrorist acts and incidents involving explosives create negative public perceptions. Despite these incidents, explosives are safely used to excavate rock at thousands of projects throughout the United States each year. This paper defines various forms of blasting risk, illustrates them with case histories, and offers practical guidelines for identifying and managing them.