Engineering Professional Programs

A few words from a past attendee...

"The use of on-the-job pictures/lessons learned was an excellent tool! Your presentations complemented the class well. Excellent job."

More Information

Drilling and Blasting Techniques

January 11-15, 2010
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bellevue

Learn how to:

Manage risk and control costs
Develop, document and implement safe blasting procedures
Develop blasting programs to reduce the overall cost of your operation
Identify potentially dangerous procedures or design flaws
Accurately estimate drilling and blasting costs
Avoid the most common blasting mistakes that cause project delays
Analyze the blast site
"Read" the rock to determine its influence on blast performance
Conduct vibration monitoring and minimize vibration levels
Control flyrock
Develop efficient blast designs based on site conditions and specifications
Evaluate and optimize blast performance
Improve productivity

How this course is unique

This intensive five-day course provides you with state-of-the-art information and techniques drawn from the vast experience of the instructional team. The instructors and guest speakers provide a comprehensive understanding of the drilling and blasting industry from initial cost estimation and site analysis to final project evaluation. High-speed films of actual blasting projects graphically illustrate the effects of proper and improper blast designs.

Practical, real-world group exercises, class discussion and informal networking opportunities outside of class encourage you to ask questions and exchange lessons learned with peers and instructors.

Why you should attend

Learn efficient blasting techniques to reduce drilling, blasting and excavation costs.
Learn how to significantly improve safety.
Understand how to use blast dynamics to maximize explosive performance and minimize costs.
Build on your knowledge of proper shot design to achieve a high level of blast design and evaluation expertise.
See the effects of proper and improper blast designs in high speed films of actual blasts.
Learn blast design and performance evaluation from two leading experts.
Participate in real world workshops to reinforce your learning.
Organizations who have participated in the past include:
  • US Department of the Interior
  • Weyerhaeuser Company
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Oregon Department of Forestry
  • Washington State Department of Transportation
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Alaska Pacific Powder Company
  • George Reed, Inc.
  • URS Corporation
  • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
  • Juneau Ranger District
  • Mississippi Department of Transportation
  • City of Seattle
  • GeoEngineers, Inc.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  • Osborne Construction Company
  • U.S. Air Force
  • New Brunswick Coal Limited
  • Ash Grove Cement Company
  • Kleinfelder Inc.

Who will benefit from this course

Engineers, estimators, blasters, contractors, inspectors, managers, safety supervisors, regulatory authorities and others involved with the design, implementation and management of blasting projects in both public and private sectors. This course is ideal for project managers who use blasting as a tool in construction and public works projects.

What you receive

The registration fee includes comprehensive reference materials written by the instructors and refreshment breaks each day. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive 3.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Washington. Learn blast design and performance evaluation from two leading experts. Participate in real world workshops to reinforce your learning.

Faculty

Jerry R. Wallace is an explosives professional whose expertise combines extensive practical experience with theoretical knowledge and communication skills. Owner of Wallace Technical Blasting, Inc., he specializes in highly technical construction blasting. Mr. Wallace also serves as a consultant to industry on blasting and explosives-related issues and as a professional trainer in blasting techniques and safety. He is a past president and founding board member of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Explosives Engineers and a contributing author of the ISEE Blaster's Handbook.

John L. Floyd, president of Blast Dynamics, Inc., has over 20 years experience in blast design and project management. His specialties include blast performance evaluation, blast software development, fragmentation quantification and cost and productivity analysis. He has been the Principal Engineer for blast design and performance evaluation projects on five continents. Mr. Floyd is currently on the Executive Board of Directors of the International Society of Explosives Engineers and is a contributing author of the ISEE Blaster's Handbook.

Continuing Education Units

Course participants will earn 3.5 CEUs upon successful completion of this course. The CEU is a nationally recognized measure of participation in a noncredit continuing education program that meets established criteria for increasing knowledge and competency.