Research Article
Nov 1964
Nuclear Excavation of a Sea-Level Isthmian Canal
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of the Waterways and Harbors Division
Volume 90, Issue 4
Abstract
Data on high-explosive and nuclear cratering events are combined with 1947 Route Surveys (Panama Canal Company) to estimate the number and yield of the nuclear devices required to excavate a sea-level, transisthmian canal along nine routes. Cost estimates are developed for both all-nuclear and combined nuclear-mechanical methods. Savings vary with different routes and combinations, but the use of nuclear explosives can reduce excavation costs by as much as 90% and overall costs by approximately 65%. The study is meant to evaluate present (1964) capability, not to be determinative. Scaling-method uncertainties, slope stability, and different channel widths are considered, and their effect on cost and yield is examined. The study concludes that nuclear excavation is promising and offers the possibility of large savings, but that considerable further experimentation (in areas specified and examined) is required to perfect the technique.
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Published In
Journal of the Waterways and Harbors Division
Volume 90 • Issue 4 • November 1964
Pages: 27 - 54
Copyright
© 1964 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Nov 1964
Published online: Feb 12, 2021
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Authors
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Luke J. Vortman, M.ASCE
Member of Research Staff, Sandia Laboratory, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
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Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.