Electronic Detonator precision and Signature Hole Analysis (SHA) provide new alternatives for pipeline construction
Document type: Case Study

Electronic Detonator Precision &
 Signature Hole Analysis Provide New
 Alternatives for Pipeline Construction

Project Summary
DIGISHOT® ELECTRONIC DETONATORS AND
SHA GIVE PIPELINE CONTRACTORS A NEW
OPTION
Utilization of Signature Hole Analysis (SHA) combined
 ®
with DigiShot electronic detonators demonstrated how
close proximity blasting can be achieved even with very
conservative vibration limitations. Reduced vibration
effects, by using timing sequences that result in
destructive interference, can significantly improve
productivity and trench advance by eliminating decking
and increasing borehole spacing’s to reduce drilling and
loading cycle times. This resulted in linear foot Project Goals
advancements each day. MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY WHILE REDUCING
 VIBRATION ACHIVED WITH PRECISION
 Background DETONATORS AND PROPER TIMING
 Dyno Nobel proposed the use of signature waveform
NEW PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION REQUIRES A analysis to develop site-specific timing sequences that
DELICATE TOUCH WIHTOUT SACRIFICING
 would allow for the use of single column blast designs
PRODUCTIVITY
 even in deep holes. Continuous real time SHA analysis
The construction of a new 24-inch crude oil pipeline next would insure that changes in geology would be
to an existing pipeline posed several risks for the evaluated and proper timing modifications would insure
contractor.

new 24-inch crude oil pipeline next would insure that changes in geology would be
to an existing pipeline posed several risks for the evaluated and proper timing modifications would insure
contractor. Not only was the allowable vibration limit at maximum destructive interference between holes for
the existing pipeline very conservative, but residential reduced off site effects. houses were only 60 feet away. The nearby neighbors
 By utilizing electronic detonators and SHA timing, larger
were not happy that blasting for a new pipeline was
 charge weights could be initiated without risk of vibration
disrupting their daily lives. issues. Larger explosive charge weights per hole and
Traditional blasting using pyrotechnic detonators was the efficiency of precision hole detonation would allow
planned for this project, but areas of significant rock for expanded drill patterns, reducing the number of holes
posed problems with regard to maintaining vibration required per mile of trench. levels within project specifications of 2.00 ips for surface
 By eliminating decking, borehole loading could be
structures and 4.0 ips for buried utilities. simplified.

on required per mile of trench. levels within project specifications of 2.00 ips for surface
 By eliminating decking, borehole loading could be
structures and 4.0 ips for buried utilities. simplified. With no need to deck between charges in
In order to meet these regulations, conservative blast each hole, the time required to load each hole would be
designs using multiple decks and reduced hole spacing dramatically reduced, again increasing linear trench
was employed, but this resulted in a reduction in the excavation per day. linear feet excavated per day.

Electronic Detonator Precision &
 Signature Hole Analysis Provide New
 Alternatives for Pipeline Construction

Technology Applied
DIGISHOT FLEXIBILITY ALLOWS EASY
CHANGES TO MEET SHA TIMING RESULTS
To determine optimum delay firing times for vibration
control, single hole test shots were detonated and
recorded along the pipeline as excavation continued. Signature waveform analysis was done in the field to
insure that any changes required by geological
variations could be incorporated into the next production
blast. The use of signature hole analysis has traditionally been
DigiShot electronic detonators insured precise timing for limited to mine and quarry applications. Now, by
each hole, allowing the interaction of seismic energy combining the ability to rapidly analyze single hole blast
produced by each detonation to actively cancel transient data with the programmability of the DigiShot system,
vibration effects. this technology can be easily applied to pipeline
The Dyno Nobel blast team applied the alternative construction, providing a new means of maintaining
designs using the DigiShot system to insure precise compliance when faced with strict vibration standards for
firing times. Accurate timing sequences allowed for a both adjacent buried utilities as well as nearby surface
methodical evaluation of each blast. structures.

aced with strict vibration standards for
firing times. Accurate timing sequences allowed for a both adjacent buried utilities as well as nearby surface
methodical evaluation of each blast. structures. Test blasts documented peak particle velocity values of
 1.75 ips for 8 pound charge weights with traditional non-
 Value Added electronic detonators at a distance of 20 feet. SHA and
REDUCED VIBRATION WITH HIGHER CHARGE DigiShot detonators recorded lower peak particle
WEIGHTS CONFIRM THAT ELECTRONIC velocity (1.64 ips) at twice the charge weight per blast
DETONATION CAN PROVIDE PIPELINE hole (16 pounds) at the same distance. Additionally, the
PROJECTS WITH A VIABE ALTERNATIVE number of blast holes loaded and initiated per day
The use of signature hole analysis is not a new concept remained around 1300, allowing the project to stay on
for vibration control. However, it was not until the schedule and budget. application of electronic detonators that the full ability to
actively reduce peak particle velocity was realized.

Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty is made or intended by DYNO NOBEL INC. /
DYNO NOBEL ASIA PACIFIC PTY LIMITED or its affiliates as to the applicability of any procedures to any particular situation or circumstance or as to
the completeness or accuracy of any information contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences.

DigiShot® is a registered trademark of DetNet South Africa (Pty) Ltd

©2012 Dyno Nobel

Electronic Detonator Precision &
 Signature Hole Analysis Provide New
 Alternatives for Pipeline Construction

Disclaimer This case study is provided for informational purposes only. No representation or warranty is made or intended by DYNO NOBEL INC. /
DYNO NOBEL ASIA PACIFIC PTY LIMITED or its affiliates as to the applicability of any procedures to any particular situation or circumstance or as to
the completeness or accuracy of any information contained herein. User assumes sole responsibility for all results and consequences.

DigiShot® is a registered trademark of DetNet South Africa (Pty) Ltd

 ©2012 Dyno Nobel