ABSTRACT
Real performance of an explosive can be determined by conducting continuous velocity of detonation (VOD) measurements in full scale blast environments. This paper presents and discusses the results of continuous VOD measurements of five different blasting agents carried out at three mines in Turkey. The results show that VOD of a blasting agent varies depending on mainly the rock properties (confinement), presence or absence of sensitizer (chemical formulation), blasthole diameter, and type of primer. The method of continuous VOD measurement is an indispensable and invaluable tool in explosive and primer selection.
