SECTION 2xx—BLASTING FOR ROCK CUT SLOPE EXCAVATION

2xx.1 DESCRIPTION—This work is excavation of rock using controlled blasting and production blasting to achieve a
uniform face in the rock along the plane of the specified excavation backslope. Blasting required for rock cut slopes must be
constructed in a safe manner to the line and grade shown on the Contract Drawings.

(a) Controlled Blasting. Blasting that uses explosives and proper blasting equipment placed in carefully spaced and
aligned blastholes to produce a uniform surface in the rock along a specified excavation backslope. Controlled blasting
methods include:

1. Presplit Blasting—A controlled blasting method in which the row of blastholes are drilled along the plane of
the specified final excavation backslope. Presplitting uses reduced blasthole spacing, diameter, and explosive charges. The
initiation of blasting in the presplit blastholes precedes the initiation of the adjacent production blasthole explosives by a
delay. The delay decouples the final excavated rock face from the excavation and prevents energy from production blasts
from propagating to, and damaging, the final cut face.

2. Trim Blasting—A controlled blasting method that cleanly shears a rock face when there is insufficient
burden for production blasting. It is essentially identical to presplit blasting, but without production blast holes.

(b) Production Blasting. Rock fragmentation blasting that typically has more widely spaced blastholes than
controlled blastholes. Production blastholes are drilled in a pattern throughout the main excavation area adjacent to the
controlled blast row. Production blastholes are detonated in a controlled delay sequence toward an open face or relief
produced by blastholes firing on an earlier delay. Production blasting fragments the rock in the area to be excavated, to the
size required for removal and placement.

2xx.2 MATERIALS—

(a) General. Provide non-electric explosives and initiating devices that are not damaged or deteriorated, and have not
been exposed to weather. Non-electric explosives and initiating devices include, but are not limited to, all explosive
materials, initiators, blasting caps, detonating cord, delays and timing devices, and all other materials and devices necessary
to perform the work. Provide copies of the technical data sheets and material safety data sheets for all materials to the
Department with the Blasting Plan. All blasting caps for any individual shot must come from one lot number.

1. Stemming. Fine Aggregate, Manufactured (not natural), Type A, Cement Concrete Sand-Section 703.1

2xx.3 CONSTRUCTION—

(a) General. Use controlled and production blasting for excavations in rock when mechanical excavations methods
cannot produce a uniform excavated surface at the specified slope angle. Conduct all blasting, explosive handling, and
monitoring operations in accordance with the latest Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) standards, 29 CFR Parts
1926.900 through 1926.914 and Pennsylvania Code, Title 25 Environmental Resources, Article IV – Chapter 77, Chapter
210, and Chapter 211, and in compliance with all local requirements. Maintain a copy of all standards on site including
health and safety requirements and make available to any inspector upon request.

1. All blasting operations must be performed by a blaster licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
meeting the following qualifications: The blaster must submit to the Department a list containing at least five successfully
completed similar projects that, together, demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience in surface rock blasting
including controlled blasting. Include a brief description of each project, and the name and telephone number of the
owner’s representative knowledgeable in each project listed. The Department will review and approve the blaster. Receipt
of written approval must be obtained before any blasting operations including drilling of blastholes are initiated. Allow at
least 21 calendar days for approval.
 2. When blasting is used to excavate rock, use controlled blasting techniques for all portions of any rock cut
slope exceeding a vertical height of ten feet and a slope equal to or steeper than 0.5(H):1(V). The Department may require
the Contractor to use controlled blasting to form the faces of more gradual slopes or excavations, even if the slopes could be
formed by non-blasting methods. Presplit test sections must be conducted to determine the presplit blast pattern and design
necessary to achieve the required results. The conditions of each presplit section will be evaluated by the Representative.
Revisions to the presplit blast design must be made by the blaster as necessary to achieve the required results before drilling
can proceed in adjacent presplit sections.

3. Production blasting must be designed to control flyrock, minimize ground vibrations and noise, and result in
fragmented, in-situ rock that can be removed, processed, and/or placed as required. The production blasthole must be
located and drilled in accordance with the requirements indicated in Section 2xx.3(g). Prepare the production blasting plan
so as not to affect the controlled blastholes. Where blasting is adjacent to highways with lane closure restrictions, the
volume of rock cannot exceed the Contractor’s ability to remove the blasted material from the highway within the
established maximum allowable closure time.

The sequence of blasting at any blast is as follows:

 Conduct and submit the Pre-blast Survey

 Submit and obtain acceptance of the Blasting Plan
 Submit and obtain acceptance of the Blasting Safety Plan
 Conduct and submit the Water Supply Monitoring Report
 Notify appropriate entities of blasting schedule (owners, utilities, traffic, flagging, and police)
 Schedule and conduct the Pre-blast meeting
 Drill and conduct test section blasting
 Obtain Department approval and selection of the test section
 Proceed with full-scale drilling and blasting
 Submit required Blasting Report including Vibration and Airblast Monitoring Reports
 Remove rock and scale if required
 Inspect and evaluate rock face/excavation results (including any required modifications)
 If applicable, submit a modified Blasting Plan for adjacent blasts in that project work area
 Conduct and submit the Post-Blast Survey
 Conduct and submit the Water Supply Monitoring Report

(b) Pre-blast Survey. Conduct an exterior and interior pre-blast survey on all structures, buildings or utilities within
300 feet of the blasting site, and within 1,000 feet of the blasting site if the blast is designed for a peak particle velocity
exceeding 0.5 in/sec (confirm by vibration monitoring). If no structure or building is located within these limits, complete a
survey on the closest structure or building within one half mile of the blasting operations. At a minimum, complete one
survey as directed by the Department on the closest structure or building within one mile. The pre-blast survey will serve as
proof of the condition of the existing residential and commercial structures prior to blasting. Complete the pre-blast survey
no sooner than four weeks before the beginning of blasting operations.
Complete the exterior and interior pre-blast survey using Form TR-42. Include structural observations and
descriptions, locating any existing cracks, including length and size. Where significant cracks, structural defects, or damage
exists, collect digital images to supplement the written description. Provide a scale and a date stamp on each digital image
taken. Digital images must be taken and submitted electronically at a minimum eight megapixel resolution with the pre-
blast survey.
Request, in writing, property access from each property owner to complete a pre-blast survey. If the property owner
fails to permit access to the property for the pre-blast survey, notify the Department. If the property owner declines the pre-
blast survey, submit to the Department, a notification letter and Form TR-43 – Survey Waiver signed by the property owner.
If the property owner refuses to sign, the qualified independent blasting consultant must indicate as such and sign the
waiver. A copy of the letter and waiver must be kept on file as part of the pre-blast survey records. Do not enter any private
property without written permission. The pre-blast survey must be conducted by a qualified independent blasting consultant
in the presence of the property owner. At the conclusion of the pre-blast survey, the property owner must sign both Exterior
and Interior Pre-blast Survey Forms and be provided a copy. Submit the Exterior and Interior Pre-blast Survey Forms,
including diagrams and digital images, to the Department at least five days before commencement of blasting operations.
Notify the respective utility company within a minimum of 7 days prior to blasting of any utility within 300 feet of the
blasting site, and within 1000 feet of the blasting site if the blast is designed for a peak particle velocity exceeding 0.5
in/sec. Provide notice in writing at two weeks and again 48 hours before blasting begins to all property owners where a pre-
blast survey was performed. Inform the residents that blasting signals will be issued in accordance with OSHA standard, 29
CFR Part 1926.909 to warn of imminent blasting. The Contractor is solely responsible for any damage resulting from
blasting.

(c) Blasting Plan. Provide the Representative a separate Blasting Plan at least three weeks before commencement of
drilling for blasting for each proposed rock cut excavation that requires blasting, and at any time the drilling and blasting
operations change. The Blasting Plan will be reviewed by the Department for conformance with this specification and any
concerns will be discussed with the Contractor prior to acceptance of the Blasting Plan. Do not drill any blastholes until the
Blasting Plan is accepted by the Department. Schedule and attend a pre-blast meeting at least one week prior to any
explosives being brought onto the project site to review the following: the safety plan including requirements concerning
explosives being brought onto the project site, and the restrictions and requirements during the loading of explosives; the
sequence of operations prior to, during, and after each blast; all required traffic control; all inspection procedures of blast
zones for misfires, stability, and blast material debris clean up; and any other relevant issues. At a minimum, the following
must attend the pre-blast meeting: the Representative, the blaster, the prime contractor, the qualified independent blasting
consultant(s), and any other personnel designated necessary by the Representative. Submittal of the Blasting Plan is for
quality control, conformance, and record keeping purposes. Review and acceptance of any Blasting Plan by the Department
does not release the Contractor of full responsibility for the accuracy of the plans, safety of operations, quality of work or
conformance to specification performance requirements, when implemented in the field.
Complete the Blasting Plan using Form TR-40. The Blasting Plan must include, but is not limited to, the following:

 A completed Blasting Activity Permit approved by the PADEP Bureau of Mining and Reclamation. Include
any other necessary permits required to complete blasting activities in accordance with all current applicable
federal, state, and local requirements.
 Station limits of the proposed shots, critical distances to structures, buildings, or utilities, and pre-blast
survey limits detailed on the plan view sheets.
 One plan and section view for each rock cut excavation showing the proposed drill pattern for any blastholes,
including blasthole spacing, blasthole diameters, blasthole angles, lift height, drill depth, buffer rows, and
burden. Accurately show to scale each cut area to be blasted.
 Loading diagram(s) detailing the type, amount, and specific gravity of explosives, primers, and initiators.
Also include the location and depth of stemming.
 Initiation sequence(s) of any blastholes including delay times and delay system(s).
 Schedule and timeframes for notification of the blasting sequence.
 Manufacturer’s product data sheets for all explosives, primers, and initiators to be used in the work.
 A MPT Plan which details how traffic will be protected and managed during blasting.
 Methods to control site security, vibration, flyrock, and airblast levels.
 Method and quality control of the depth, direction, and alignment of the drilled blastholes for blasting.
 Licensing information, experience, and qualifications of the blaster who will be directly responsible for the
loading and firing of each shot.
 The name and qualifications of the person(s) responsible for designing and directing the blasting operation
 The qualified independent blasting consultant(s) proposed to conduct and complete the Pre- and Post- blast
Surveys, and the Airblast, Vibration, and Water Supply Monitoring Reports.

(d) Blasting Safety Plan. Provide the Department a detailed description of transportation, pick-up and delivery
locations, blasting procedures, and the use of explosives at the project work area at least three weeks before commencement
of drilling for blasting. The blasting safety plan must include, but is not limited to, the following:
  Details about hazard communication programs for employees.
 Equipment that will be used to monitor the approach of lightning storms, and evacuation and site security
plans in the event of a storm.
 Methods for preventing spills or losses of explosives, drilling fluids, oil, or any other pollutants into the
ground during all handling and blasthole loading operations. Include details of all containment and
contingency plans for quickly and effectively cleaning up any spilled materials.
 A safe and approved disposal method of all explosive packaging materials.
 Detailed contingency plan(s) for handling misfires of explosives resulting from cutoffs or other causes.
 Fire prevention plan details, including smoking policies, procedures and limitations for work involving any
open flames or sparks, and description and location of all firefighting equipment and evacuation plans.
 One hard or electronic copy of the Blaster’s valid Pennsylvania blasting license and the Contractor’s ATF
blasting license.
 Other required county or state permits required for explosive use and storage.
 A copy of the explosive transporters’ commercial driver’s license(s) with HazMat endorsements and an
explanation of how the explosive transport vehicles will meet all applicable ATF, OSHA, federal, state,
county, and local regulations.
 If applicable and when underground mining is identified during design, provide air quality monitoring plans
for local buildings.

Post and maintain in a visible area all current licenses required for blasting and explosive handling. A blaster licensed
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania meeting the qualifications in accordance with Section 2xx.3(a)1 is required to
perform all blasting. Provide a certificate of insurance to the Department showing that the blasting Contractor retains the
required insurance to the applicable limits to meet all local, state, and federal regulations. Store explosives on and off the
project site in accordance with OSHA standard, 29 CFR Part 1926.904, Title 27 CFR 181, Part 55, Subpart K, and in
compliance with all local requirements. Adequate magazine records must be maintained for stored explosives. On-site
storage of bulk blasting agents such as Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) is prohibited. The blasting Contractor is
required to remain on site once the blastholes are loaded with explosives until any misfires are resolved or remediated and
the blast is completed. In no instance must explosives, blasting agents, detonators, or loaded blastholes be left unguarded or
unattended.

(e) Blasting Requirements. Requirements must be in accordance with the following for all blasting operations:

 Prior to commencing blasting operations, provide a copy of the Blaster’s License to the Representative.
 Remove all overburden soil and loose rock along the top of the proposed cut and lay back to a stable
condition before drilling and blasting.
 The drilling of blastholes must be completed one pattern at a time. Do not conduct advanced drilling of any
blastholes prior to completion of blasting on the previous blast section.
 Check, measure and record the depth of all blastholes as soon as the drill is retracted from the blasthole. If
any blasthole is found not be open to the drilled depth, re-drill the short blastholes to the proper depth at no
expense to the Department. If any blastholes are too deep, use stemming as specified in Section 2xx.2(a) 1
to fill the blastholes.
 Horizontal blastholes are not permitted.
 Complete and submit with the Blasting Report, the Blasthole Drill Log, using Form TR-39. Keep accurate
drilling logs on each blasthole to show the depth of the geological features such as zones of soft or
weathered rock, mud or clay seams, voids, and color of drill cuttings. Also include the drilling rate. Revise
the Blasting Plan to address concerns during drilling. Obtain Department acceptance of the revised Blasting
Plan before proceeding.
 Before commencing loading of blastholes, post warning signs at points of access to the blasting site.
 Blastholes must be covered and designed to keep material from falling into the blastholes after drilling.
Place reusable plastic hole markers in each blasthole to identify all blasthole locations.
  Measure blastholes prior to loading any explosives into the blastholes to ensure each blasthole is open to the
original drilled depth and free of obstructions prior to placing a charge. Use precaution to prohibit caving of
material from borehole sidewalls during placement of the charges.
 While loading the explosives into the drilled blastholes, only the blaster and those persons necessary for the
loading process are allowed within 50 ft. of a blast. Use the following equation to determine the amount of
required explosive load for blastholes:
(𝐷ℎ )2
𝐿𝑒 =
28
where,
Le = Explosive Load (lb. /ft.)
Dh = Blasthole Diameter (in.)
 Stem all unloaded portions of the blastholes a minimum of 0.7 times the burden distance. Stemming material
must be as specified in Section 2xx.2(a) 1.
 Appropriate explosives and accessories must be employed for the various conditions to achieve the specified
cut slope design.
 If blasting is permitted on structure foundations, any overbreak beyond the desired Bottom of Footing
Elevation (BOFE) must be repaired by excavating broken materials and leveling off to the BOFE with Class
C concrete, or as required.
 Furnish and use sufficient approved blasting mats when necessary to hold and suppress flyrock and prevent
subsequent damage to property and roadway.
 Perform all necessary repairs to roadway, structures, utilities, and any property damage as a result of
blasting at no cost to the Department.
 The blasting Contractor is liable for all injuries or deaths of persons and/or farm/domestic animals, and any
damage to property caused by blasting.

(f) Controlled Blasting.

1. Test Section. Conduct test blast sections prior to commencement of full-scale blasting operations in
accordance with Section 2xx.3(e), and with the following.

 Conduct initial test blast section as one presplit blast pattern using variable spacing of 18-inches over
18 feet, 24-inches over 24 feet, 30-inches over 30 feet, and 36-inches over 36 feet using a maximum
lift of 30 feet.
 Hole to hole spacing requirements for 18-inch and 24-inch presplit patterns must be maintained within
75 to 125 percent of the intended spacing. For 30-inch and 36-inch presplit patterns, hole to hole
spacing must be within 6-inches of the intended spacing. Hole to hole spacing must be maintained
throughout presplitting. If the deviation of presplit blastholes exceeds the allowable tolerance, provide
the Department alternative drilling methods in a revised Blasting Plan to reduce deviation within the
above specified tolerances. Alternative drilling methods may include, but are not limited to, revised
procedures, drill tooling, cutting bits, or other equipment that provides specified spacing tolerances.
Obtain Department acceptance of the revised Blasting Plan before proceeding.
 Test sections must not exceed 110 feet.
 The test section must demonstrate the suitability of the proposed blast plan relative to fragmentation
requirements, overbreak control, flyrock control, adequacy of stemming, and other appropriate or
necessary factors.
 When results of the drill logs are unusual (i.e., encountering zones of soft or weathered rock, mud of
clay pockets, voids; rate of penetration; and the color and character of drill cuttings), revise the
Blasting Plan as necessary and obtain Department acceptance of the revised Blasting Plan before
proceeding.
 When rock of different characteristics is encountered, a blasting test section must be performed.
 Excavate the blasted test section to fully expose the presplit face and provide the means to access the
face so that the Department can examine and evaluate the results of the blasted test sections. The
 Department will examine the completed test section and select the blasthole spacing that demonstrates
the best presplit face quality. If no acceptable conditions are found by the Department upon
examination of the test section, revise and submit to the Department a new Blasting Plan for review
and acceptance. Drilling and blasting will be suspended until the Blasting Plan is accepted. At no
additional cost to the Department, conduct additional test sections at the same blasthole diameter and
spacing used for the previous test section and by adjusting the explosive load until desired/acceptable
results are obtained. Unsatisfactory results include, but are not limited to, excessive fragmentation
beyond the indicated lines and grade, excessive flyrock, and poor timing delays. Upon completion of
test blasting, obtain written approval from the Department to proceed with full scale blasting
operations.
 If the contractor has conducted repeated test blasts using different drilling techniques, reduced the
height of the lift in an attempt to meet the borehole deviation limits, provided evidence that the
magnitude and direction of deviation between each blasthole has remained constant, and ultimately
determined that due to geologic conditions deviation tolerances are not achievable, the Department
may review the findings and make an informed decision of any acceptable deviations.
 The Department’s approval of the test blasting program and the techniques and procedures associated
with test blasting does not relieve the Contractor of any responsibilities to employ appropriate safety
measures and exercise proper supervision of blasting operations.

2. Presplit. Complete all presplitting, including test section blasting in accordance with Section 2xx.3(e), and
with the following:

 Employ a surveyor licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to locate and mark each presplit
blasthole shown on the Blasting Plan to produce an excavated slope to the lines and grade on the
Contract Drawings. Drill presplit blastholes within 3 inches of the staked location. Blastholes drilled
beyond this limit will be rejected.
 Control the angle and bearing at which the drill steel enters the rock with an electro-mechanical or
electronic device (smart level meeting accuracy conditions of plus or minus 0.2 degree) by attaching to
or resting on the drilling equipment. Blasthole drilling will not be permitted if this device is missing or
inoperative. Complete a borehole deviation survey of each presplit blasthole prior to loading the
blastholes using an electronic, rodded borehole deviation measuring system with a probe resolution of
0.1 degree accuracy. Electronic, cable borehole deviation measuring systems are prohibited. Provide a
report of each blasthole deviation survey to the Department including blasthole alignment and
graphical output data. Also, the report must show that the alignment will produce the excavated face to
the line and grade indicated on the Contract Drawings within the specified tolerances. Terrestrial
Surveying may be employed as necessary to produce this report. The output software must be capable
of plotting vertical profiles parallel and perpendicular to the slope. No blasthole must deviate by more
than 6 inches parallel and perpendicular from the planned slope. Hole to hole spacing must be
maintained throughout presplitting as specified in Section 2xx.3(f)1.
 Abandon presplit blastholes not meeting the accuracy requirements and a replacement blasthole will be
required at no cost to the Department. Completely backfill the rejected blastholes with minimum 4000
psi high-early strength grout. The Representative may require grout samples for laboratory testing to
verify minimum strength.
 Drill presplit blastholes between 2.5 inches and 3 inches in diameter.
 Do not exceed a length of 30 feet in blastholes for any lift. The Department maintains the right to
decrease the length of the presplit blastholes at any time due to poor performance.
 Drill presplit blastholes a minimum of 30 feet longitudinally beyond the limits of the production
blastholes to be detonated or to the end of the cut.
 If the cut height requires more than one lift, a maximum offset of 24-inches between lifts will be
permitted for drill equipment clearance. Begin the presplit blasthole drilling at a point that allows for
the necessary offsets and adjust to compensate for any drift that may occur in the upper lifts.
  Use only explosives manufactured specifically for presplitting in presplit blastholes. Bulk ANFO is
prohibited in presplit blastholes. The maximum diameter of the explosives must not exceed one half
the diameter of the presplit blasthole.
 Detonation of explosives in each blasthole in a presplit shot may be simultaneous or delayed due to
noise or vibration concerns provided the hole to hole delay does not exceed 25 milliseconds.
 Initiate the blasting in the presplit blastholes before initiating the production blasthole explosives by a
minimum of 25 milliseconds.

3. Trim. If the horizontal distance between the existing rock face and the design cut face is less than 15 feet,
the Contractor may use trim blasting. Perform trim blasting in accordance with Section 2xx.3(f)1 and 2, except there are no
production blastholes.

(g) Production Blasting. Complete all production blasting in accordance with Section 2xx.3(e), and with the
following:

 Do not exceed 4 inches in diameter for the production blastholes.

 Drill the production blastholes in the patterns and to the depths established in the Blasting Plan. Do not drill
blastholes to a depth that exceeds 30 feet.
 Drill the row of production blastholes adjacent to trim blastholes, drill the row of production blastholes on a
plane parallel to the trim blastholes. Do not drill production blastholes within 6 feet of the trim blastholes.
 Drill the bottom of the production blastholes at an equal depth/elevation to the bottom of the controlled
blastholes, except for the bottom lift for subdrilling up to a depth of 4 feet.
 Drill a line of buffer holes on a parallel plane adjacent to the presplit blastholes. Buffer hole spacing can
range from one half the production blasthole spacing to two times the presplit blasthole spacing. Drill buffer
holes between 2.5 and 3 inches in diameter, and 3 feet from the presplit line. Do not load the buffer holes
with more than 50% of the full explosive load that could be placed in a 3 inch production blasthole.
 Maintain a burden distance which is not more than one half the bench height in order to control blasting
effects. Required burden distance must be determined by the Contractor so as not to over or under confine
the blast. Burdens must be determined to prevent flyrock and backbreak of the presplit face.
 Drill the production blastholes within two blasthole diameters from the staked drill collar location. Survey
the elevation at the collar of each drilled production blasthole to foundation grade and verify the production
blastholes are not sub-drilled below final foundation grade. Blastholes drilled outside either tolerance must
be backfilled with stemming and re-drilled at the proper location and grade as directed by the Representative
and at no additional expense to the Department.
 Detonate production blastholes on a delay sequence toward the free face as specified in the Blasting Plan.
Delay the detonation sequence from hole to hole within a row by a minimum of 1.5 milliseconds per foot of
hole spacing. Delay the detonation sequence from row to row by a minimum of 2.5 times the hole to hole
delay.
 Take all necessary precautions to minimize blast damage to the rock backslope during production blasting.
 Remove or stabilize rock along the cut face that is loose, hanging, or creates a potentially dangerous
condition during or on completion of the excavation in each lift. Do not drill the next lift until this work is
performed.

(h) Blasting Report. Complete and sign the Blasting Report using Form TR-41 and submit to the Department within
48 hours after making any blast and obtain Department acceptance before drilling of the next blast section is initiated. Only
the blaster who was reviewed and approved by the Department may perform blasting operations including drilling of
blastholes. At a minimum, the Blasting Report must include the following:

 Drill logs, drilling remarks, and loading and timing delays used in each blasthole of the blast.
 All blast monitoring documentation, which includes vibration and airblast monitoring data.
 Contractor’s evaluation of the blast performance.
  Two High-definition (minimum 1080p resolution and 60p frame rate) digital video recordings submitted in
MPEG-4 file format (or acceptable variant as determined by the Representative) on a CD, DVD, or flash
drive of any test, controlled, and/or production blasting. The two videos must be recorded at opposite angles
of the blast and, if feasible, from an elevated angle and a ground angle.
 All damage incurred and details of complaints or comments.
 Blast area description, weather, blasting Contractor /crew, layout and timing diagram.

(i) Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) during Blasting Operations. Coordinate MPT activities with
the Department for any portion(s) of roadway that must have temporary closures or lane restrictions during blasts. The MPT
plan for any partial or full roadway closures and detours must be approved by the District Traffic Engineer. At a minimum,
all traffic must be stopped during blasting operations on roadways where the blasting Contractor or the Representative has
determined that road users may be impacted by blasting operations. Traffic may be halted for periods not to exceed 15
minutes or unless otherwise approved by the Representative. Traffic may not resume after a blast until the area is clear of
any debris, the excavated slope face is free of any loose material, and the blasted material is stockpiled into a stable mass
until it can be removed from the site. An adequate barrier to temporarily separate blasted material must be in place between
active roadway lanes and blasted material. Time between traffic stoppages will be determined by the Department. Blasting
operations will not be permitted during peak traffic hours as determined by the Department’s District Traffic Engineer
(DTE). Roadway closures are permitted Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or as specified by the District
Traffic Engineer. No blasting is permitted during holiday periods or local events as determined by the Department’s DTE.
Notify the Department Regional Traffic Management Center and State/local Police two times prior to each blasting
event. The initial notification must be made 24 hours in advance of the expected blast time. A second notification must be
made 15 minutes prior to stopping traffic for the blast work. Sufficient flaggers must be present to control traffic on all
impacted roadways. When traffic is stopped for blasting, monitor the traffic queue. Provide a vehicle on each affected
approach that is equipped with a flashing, oscillating, or revolving warning light, one in each direction, at least 300 feet in
advance of the last vehicle in the traffic queue. This vehicle must remain at least 300 feet in advance of the last vehicle as
the length of the queue increases. It may be necessary to provide two of these vehicles with drivers working as a team if
adequate shoulder or roadside is not available for a single vehicle to safely drive in reverse along the roadway.
Furnish, erect, and maintain on all affected roadways, appropriate standard signing as shown in the Manual On
Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Part 6 Figure 6H-2 Blasting Zone (TA-2). These signs are in addition to any temporary
traffic control devices required by an existing temporary traffic control plan or required by Publication 213, Temporary
Traffic Control Guidelines.
Provide patrol vehicles, one in each direction, to drive through the blast area, to determine the site has been completely
cleared before the blast is detonated. Employ suitable precautionary measures and devices to prevent roadway damage
(including pavement, drainage features, signing, traffic barrier and/or guiderail, lighting, traffic control devices, and any
other roadway element). Precautionary measures and devices may include barriers, blasting mats and other protective and
control measures and devices. As soon as the blasting has been completed, inspect the work area for any unsafe conditions.
An inspection of the roadway by one patrol vehicle in each direction must be completed before traffic is released. Provide
excavation equipment on standby to clear any rock debris from the roadway immediately following inspection.

(j) Vibration Monitoring. Complete vibration monitoring by a qualified independent blasting consultant. Use a
minimum of five portable seismographs for each blast that adhere to the International Society of Explosives Engineers
Performance Specifications for Blasting Seismographs. Use seismographs capable of measuring particle velocities for three
perpendicular components of vibration within a frequency response range from 2 to 250 Hz. Use seismographs that have
received a factory calibration within the 12-month period preceding the blast recorded. The following procedures and
requirements must be followed:

 Complete the Vibration Monitoring Report using Form TR-44.

 Place four of the seismographs north, south, east, and west of the blast at approved locations by the
Department. Place the remaining seismograph at the nearest critical structure subject to blast induced
damage.
 Monitor and record peak particle velocity and frequency for each blast.
 Provide the data recorded for each shot to the Department prior to the next blast.
 Do not blast within ten feet of the closest structure.
  Do not blast within 250 feet of less than three day old concrete.
 Do not blast within 30 feet of newly placed concrete until it has reached 28-day strength unless approved by
the Department. For blasting greater than 30 feet away from new concrete, the ground vibration limits
indicated in Table A apply.
Table A
Age of Concrete Maximum PPV
Less than 3 days No blasting
After 3 days 1.0 in/sec
After 28 days 2.0 in/sec

 Prior to test blasting, calculate the value of maximum powder charge per delay permissible using an initial
conservative scaled distance of 50 for the distance between the critical structure and shot. The scaled
distance is calculated by dividing the true distance (ft.) from the blast to a point of concern by the square
root of the maximum charge weight in lbs. per delay.
 Plot the peak particle velocity measured from each seismograph versus the scaled distance between the blast
and seismograph location on a logarithmic-logarithmic graph. From this plot determine the site specific
working scaled distance factor for a maximum particle velocity of 1.6 in/sec.
 The Representative and the qualified independent blasting consultant will confirm that the peak particle
velocity of each component does not exceed the safe limits of the nearest structure subject to vibration
damage. The limits for any of the three mutually perpendicular components of peak particle velocities are
indicated in Table B.
Table B
Frequency Maximum PPV
≥ 40Hz 2.0 in/sec
< 40Hz 0.5 in/sec

 For all subsequent blasts, the qualified independent blasting consultant will evaluate the resulting peak
particle velocities measured by the seismographs by plotting the recorded peak particle velocities versus the
scaled distance on a logarithmic-logarithmic graph and submit to the Department for approval. If at any time
a maximum particle velocity of 2.0 in/sec is exceeded a modification to the initially established working
scaled distance is required.
 Stop all blasting operations if the vibration limits are exceeded until the Contractor reports to the
Department that no damage has occurred to structures covered in the pre-blast survey and that corrective
measures are in place to lower vibrations to required limits so as to minimize the potential for any damage
from future blasting.

(k) Airblast Monitoring. Monitor airblast between the main blasting area and the nearest structure subject to blast
damage or annoyance. Monitor airblast at a second location as determined by the Representative. The following information
is required for the completion of the airblast monitoring:

 Use airblast monitoring equipment of the type specifically manufactured for the purpose of airblast
measurements.
 Maintain a peak overpressure below 128 dB (.007 psi) for residential structures. Provide a dated record of
the peak overpressure measurements to the Department immediately after each shot or use the same
reporting procedures and time intervals designated for vibration monitoring.
 Stop blasting operations if the established overpressure limits are exceeded until the airblast monitoring
specialist reports to the Department that no damage has occurred or will occur and that corrective action has
been taken to lower the peak airblast.

(l) Water Supply Monitoring. Monitor water supply and submit Water Supply Monitoring Reports to the
Department before and after blasting operations, and when issues arise during blasting operations. The water supplies must
include all wells, springs, or other ground water supplies used for human consumption.
 Retain a qualified independent blasting consultant to oversee and complete the water supply monitoring program.
Complete the Water Supply Monitoring Report using Form TR-45. The following information is required for the completion
of the water supply monitoring program:

 Determine the quantity and quality of water by identifying and monitoring water supplies within 1000 feet
of the blasting location(s). If geologic conditions warrant, water supplies beyond 1000 feet may be included
if there are concerns for potential impact, or if deemed appropriate for risk management.
 Two weeks prior to the start of blasting operations and between six and eight weeks after blasting operations
conclude, where permitted by the owners, for all water supplies identified, measure and record water levels,
well depths, existing flow rates, well yield, and any other pertinent information.
 Two weeks prior to the start of blasting operations and between six and eight weeks after blasting operations
conclude, complete field and laboratory analyses for the following field water quality data parameters (and
any other requested parameters) from all identified water supplies: pH, Temperature, Specific Conductance,
Turbidity, Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms/E. Coli, Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride, Hardness, Iron, and Sulfates.
 Collect water samples using sample collection and preservation techniques specified by the testing
laboratory.
 Complete water analyses by a PADEP certified laboratory.
 Within ten weeks after completion of blasting operations provide the Department a final report of the
conclusions and results of the water supply monitoring program and, if applicable indicate any impacts to
local water supplies from blasting activities.

The Contractor is not responsible for damages to the water supplies provided the blasting is done as specified in this
specification and the Blasting Plan.

(m) Post-blast Survey. Conduct an exterior and interior post-blast survey within four weeks after completion of all
blasting and rock excavation of all utilities, buildings, or structures for which a pre-blast survey was performed unless a
waiver was/is obtained from the property owner. Complete the exterior and interior post-blast survey using Form TR-42.
Follow the procedures set forth in the pre-blast survey to obtain arrangements for property access and submittal procedures
to the Department. The post-blast survey must be completed by a qualified independent blasting consultant in the presence
of the property owner. At the conclusion of the post-blast survey, the property owner must sign both Exterior and Interior
Post-blast Survey Forms and be provided a copy. Submit the duly witnessed and signed Exterior and Interior Post-blast
Survey Forms to the Department. Include in the report any diagrams and eight megapixel resolution minimum digital
images of structures indicating size and location of cracks, separations or damage in foundations, walls, ceilings, floors or
other structural components. Also include documentation of any reported damage to water supplies including wells and
springs and any differences from the Exterior and Interior Pre-blast Survey Forms.
The Contractor is responsible for damage resulting from vibration or noise above the established allowable limits, and
any other damages, including damages from flyrock, inadequate control or retention of blasted materials, improper or poor
blast area security, or other damages resulting from improper or careless blasting practices or construction techniques.

2xx.4 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT— Blasting for Rock Cut Slope Excavation is incidental to excavation or
borrow excavation. All material, explosives, labor, tools, and equipment needed for blasting operations including
monitoring and survey activities will be considered incidental to the class of excavation specified and will not be paid for
separately.

(a) Controlled Blasting. Linear Foot

Measured on linear foot of acceptable presplit or trim blasthole depth for blastholes drilled within the tolerance as
specified in Section 2xx.3(f).