Project Contractor/Client
Hazelwood Construction Services – Parks Canada
Project Details
Removing rock using GeoBreak Expanding Grout non-explosive demolition. Rock breaking conducted in a manner that avoids disturbance to the existing gate post which may require progress from side of the trail that is closest to the entrance roadway to direct rock breaking forces away from the post.– Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC – completed February 2020
Scope of the Project
The work involves a new multi-use pathway, located in the traditional territories of the Tla-o-qui-aht and Yuuthlu-ilth-ath/Ucluelet First Nation. It will extend approximately 25 km from the southern to the northern boundary of the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
The rock breaking combination will be of rock drilling, expanding grout rock breaking, rock hammering broken rock and using a machine to pull apart loose and broken material.
Which GeoBreak Products Were Recommended
GeoBreak Expanding Grout Type III was recommended for this rock breaking project. 2” diameter hole size and 16” – 19” hole spacing. A tighter drill pattern was used in areas where there was less relief. The area that required rock breaking and removal was 10m x 3.5m x 1m on average for rock cuts.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcome of using GeoBreak Expanding Grout was to heave apart the rock and allow for a excavation without rock breaking and/or minimal rock breaking if possible.
Actual Outcome
GeoBreak Expanding Grout broke the rock as well as machine rock breaking to assist in high bottom areas.
Final Thoughts From The Project Contractors
GeoBreak Expanding Grout was used as an alternative to minimize rock breaker time in the vicinity of an active trail. The drilling contractor has previously performed drilling and blasting services in the area which had him familiar with the geologic conditions. The rock was very competent with minimal voids and seams. A little over a day of drilling and pouring GeoBreak Expanding Grout. The crew on site left GeoBreak Expanding Grout sit and curate covered by a tarp for a week while other working on other areas in the project. Once we removed the tarped off grouted area the rock was fractured and cracked. The fragmentation of the rock was better in some areas. There were areas that had higher bottoms which was broken further with a rock breaker. Areas where the rock had more relief and room to expand further were pulled apart with a bucket from a machine.
